Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s highest mountain area. Its summit (about 1,934 metres) lies just over the border in Oman, while the highest point on the UAE side reaches about 1,892 metres. A winding mountain road leads to viewpoints, the world’s longest zipline and some of the coolest air in the country.
It’s a popular day trip from Dubai, especially from October to April when temperatures at the top are pleasant. For more trails in the area, see our guide to the Hajar Mountains in Ras Al Khaimah.
Plan your visit to Jebel Jais
- Mountain road: free; Jais Flight from about AED 400
- Hours: attractions daytime, usually closed Mon–Tue; check before you go
- Time needed: half a day to a full day
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History of Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is part of the Hajar Mountains, the range that runs along the Musandam peninsula and into Oman. For centuries the mountain villages and terraces here were home to small farming communities.
A 36 km road with hairpin bends was built up the UAE side and completed in 2019, opening the mountain to visitors. Alongside the road, Ras Al Khaimah developed visitor attractions: Jais Flight, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest zipline, opened in February 2018, followed by the Jais Sledder, the Jais Viewing Deck Park and 1484 by Puro, billed as the UAE’s highest restaurant. The road climb is also the “queen stage” of the UAE Tour cycling race. Snow is rare but has been recorded, and winter nights can drop below freezing.
Attractions at Jebel Jais
- Jais Flight: the world’s longest zipline at about 2.83 km, launched from a platform high on the mountain, with speeds of up to around 150 km/h.
- Jais Sky Tour: a series of ziplines across the canyons, a gentler option than Jais Flight.
- Jais Sledder: the region’s longest toboggan ride, twisting down the mountainside.
- Jais Viewing Deck Park: viewing platforms with sweeping views over the peaks and wadis.
- Bear Grylls Explorers Camp: an outdoor camp with guided hikes and survival-skills sessions.
- Camp 1770: a campsite billed as the UAE’s highest.
Things to Do at Jebel Jais
- Ride the zipline: book Jais Flight or Jais Sky Tour in advance, especially on weekends.
- Drive the mountain road: stop at the roadside viewpoints on the way up.
- Hike: marked trails start near the top; carry plenty of water and avoid hiking in the summer heat.
- Eat with a view: try 1484 by Puro or Red Rock Barbeque near the summit area.
- Watch the sunset: the viewing decks are popular in the late afternoon; take a jacket in winter.
Jebel Jais – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Mountain road and viewpoints: free to visit.
- Jais Flight: tickets are sold online from around AED 400 per person. Riders must weigh about 40–120 kg, be at least 122 cm tall and bring a passport or Emirates ID; under-18s need parental permission.
- Hours: Jais Flight is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and the attractions can close for maintenance or bad weather, so check availability before you set off.
Tickets and tours for Jebel Jais
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How Long to Spend at Jebel Jais
Allow half a day for the drive up, the viewpoints and one activity, or a full day from Dubai if you add the zipline and a meal.
How to Get There
- By car: the easiest way. Jebel Jais is roughly 2 hours’ drive from Dubai and about 45–60 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah city, with the last stretch on the steep 36 km mountain road.
- By tour: some zipline packages include transfers from central Dubai hotels.
- By bus and taxi: intercity buses run from Dubai and Sharjah to Ras Al Khaimah city, but there’s no public transport up the mountain, so you’ll need a taxi from there.
Arriving at Ras Al Khaimah Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby Jebel Jais
- 1484 by Puro: the UAE’s highest restaurant, with seasonal dishes and views over the mountains.
- Red Rock Barbeque: outdoor barbecue dining on the mountain.
- Ras Al Khaimah city: plenty of restaurants and cafés once you’re back at the coast.
Opening hours vary by season, so check before you go.
Other Attractions Nearby Jebel Jais
- Hajar Mountains: more hiking and wadi trails across Ras Al Khaimah.
- Dhayah Fort: a hilltop fort in the north of the emirate with views over palm groves and the coast.
- National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: local history in a former fort in the old town.
- Al Jazirah Al Hamra: an abandoned pearling village with old coral-stone houses.
- Al Marjan Island: beach resorts on man-made islands off the coast.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Ras Al Khaimah: staying in the emirate saves the long drive from Dubai.
- Get a UAE eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
Jebel Jais is the UAE’s highest mountain area, with a spectacular road, cool air in winter and adventure attractions including the record-breaking Jais Flight zipline. Visit between October and April, book activities in advance and check opening days before you go.
Extend your trip with the Hajar Mountains trails or relax afterwards on Al Marjan Island.
