The Al Bithnah hiking trail is Fujairah’s 50th hiking trail, launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE. Set in the scenic Masafi mountain slopes replete with greenery and wildflowers during the winters, this trail offers a glimpse into both the old and the new.
The trail is part of an old trade route situated in Wadi Ham used by merchants and travelers from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia thousands of years ago. It also showcases the historical Al Bithnah Fort, built in 1735 and renovated in 2012 – said to be the second-largest fort in the country, with strategically placed watch towers, a jail, and a hanging room.
A series of railway bridges and tunnels near the village built as a part of the Etihad Rail network form a striking part of the modern scenery.
The Nature & Heritage Walk Trail is an easy, leisurely walk winding along the plains surrounding the Bithnah fort and a small oasis with lush green farms and abundant palm groves. With informative sign boards along the way, hikers can learn more about the cultural heritage, vegetation and migratory birds that visit this region.
The Bithnah Hiking Trail is a more challenging hike that starts from an old watch tower near the fort and makes its way right up to an adjoining summit through a series of switchbacks. The route takes you past archaeological sites, graves and parts of Al Bithnah’s old defence system. The summit provides a resting and vantage point in the form of a watchtower on one side and the UAE flag fluttering atop a rocky pinnacle on the other side – accessible through a tricky knife-edge traverse not meant for the faint-hearted! Hikers can retrace their way back to the Bithnah village after enjoying the beautiful views of the valleys and mountains on either side of the summit.
- 6:00 AM – 6:15 AM: Meet at ADNOC Service Station | Fujairah Entrance, convoy to the trailhead
- 6:45 AM: Begin the hike
- 8:15 AM – 9:15 AM: Finish hike
Optional: Visit Bitnah Fort end of hike.
Ascent, sun exposure, exposure to heights, hazardous species.
[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
N.B. Itinerary details serve as a guide only and is subject to change due to seasonality variations experienced the UAE. Meet up times corresponding to each event can be found under Upcoming Dates below and will be confirmed at least 24 hours before the start of the hike.
- Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
- First Aid
- Hat
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 1-2 liters of water (DEC – MAR) | 2-3 liters of water (for the rest of the months).
- Salted snacks and/or fruit for a few hours of hiking with a little extra.
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip/not worn out.
- Shorts or comfortable hiking pants/leggings.
- T-shirt light pullover for sun protection/warmth in the morning/evening.
- Trekking poles (optional to help with balance or mitigate fatigue).
