Jebel Hafeet is the mountain that rises 1,249 metres above Al Ain, on the border between the UAE and Oman. It’s the highest peak in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and its 11.7 km summit road, with 60 bends, is often described as one of the world’s great driving roads.
At the top you’ll find viewpoints over Al Ain and the desert; at the base there are hot springs, Bronze Age tombs and walking trails.
Plan your visit to Jebel Hafeet
- Entry: free
- Hours: road open at all times; best October–April
- Time needed: 2–3 hours, or half a day
History of Jebel Hafeet
The foothills of Jebel Hafeet hold around 500 beehive-shaped stone tombs from the Hafit period (about 3200–2600 BCE), first excavated by Danish archaeologists in the 1950s. Finds included pottery and copper objects, some of which came from Mesopotamia, showing the area’s early trade links.
The tombs are part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. The summit road was built in 1980, and the climb is now a regular stage finish in the UAE Tour cycling race.
Attractions at Jebel Hafeet
- The summit road: 11.7 km of smooth, winding road with lookout points and a car park near the top.
- Hafit tombs: Bronze Age beehive tombs on the lower slopes, part of the Al Ain UNESCO site.
- Jebel Hafeet Desert Park: a park at the foot of the mountain with heritage sites, hiking trails and camping.
- Green Mubazzarah: a park at the base with natural hot springs (around 40°C), lawns and picnic areas.
- Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet: a hotel near the summit with restaurants and terraces overlooking Al Ain.
Things to Do at Jebel Hafeet
- Drive to the top: go in the late afternoon and stay for sunset over the city lights.
- Cycle the climb: the road averages about 8% gradient and is popular with cyclists, especially early on cool mornings.
- Hike: try the trails in Jebel Hafeet Desert Park; avoid the midday heat and carry water.
- Relax at Green Mubazzarah: picnic on the lawns and see the hot springs.
- See the tombs: visit the restored beehive tombs on the lower slopes.
Jebel Hafeet – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: the mountain road, viewpoints and Green Mubazzarah are free.
- Hours: the road is open at all times; Jebel Hafeet Desert Park and the hotel have their own hours and fees, so check before you go.
- Best time: October to April. In summer, visit early in the morning or at sunset.
How Long to Spend at Jebel Hafeet
Allow 2–3 hours for the drive up and the viewpoints, or half a day if you add Green Mubazzarah, the tombs or a hike.
How to Get There
- By car: the easiest option. The foot of the mountain is about 20–30 minutes from central Al Ain. Al Ain itself is around 1.5 hours from Dubai and roughly 1.5–2 hours from Abu Dhabi.
- By taxi: taxis from Al Ain can take you up, but agree on a wait or return trip, as there are few taxis at the summit.
- By bus: intercity buses link Abu Dhabi and Dubai with Al Ain; there’s no regular public transport up the mountain.
Arriving at Abu Dhabi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer to your hotel in Al Ain or Abu Dhabi.
Eateries Nearby Jebel Hafeet
- Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet: restaurants and a terrace near the summit with views over Al Ain.
- Al Ain city: plenty of restaurants in the city and its malls, about half an hour away.
Other Attractions Nearby Jebel Hafeet
- Al Ain Zoo: a large zoo and safari park on the way to the mountain.
- Al Ain Oasis: shaded date-palm groves and traditional falaj irrigation, part of the UNESCO site.
- Al Jahili Fort: a restored 19th-century fort with exhibitions.
- Al Ain Palace Museum: the former home of Sheikh Zayed, next to the oasis.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Al Ain: staying overnight lets you catch sunset on the mountain without the long drive back.
- Get a UAE eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Jebel Hafeet is Al Ain’s mountain: a 1,249-metre peak on the Oman border with a famous 60-bend road, sweeping sunset views, Bronze Age tombs and hot springs at its base. It’s free to visit and best between October and April.
Make a day of it in Al Ain with a visit to Al Ain Oasis and Al Ain Zoo.