The quintessential image of an Arabian Oasis: minus the sand, an imposing grey, dry limestone mountain range cradling a secret field swathed in greenery and palm trees, like pearls amidst an oyster.
Welcome to the Hidden Oasis, one of the now known secrets of "Julfar".
Locally known as “Sal Shuha”, the trail is located on the mountain of Jebel Jais in Ras al Khaimah and is an off shoot of Wadi Shaha, edging the border of Mussandam, Oman. Farming terraces and expansive vistas, tectonic folds and layers, multiple peaks and valleys, with boulders larger than a Nissan Sunni, this trek has definitely become a must visit destination to cross off the UAE hikers checklist.
The Hidden Oasis is situated nearby to the villages Baighit and Musaib. Through recent development by RAKTDA, the trail has become less wild, making it more accessible to the everyday leisure hiker, with railings and trail construction to help with safety and navigation. Accessibility to phone service has also dramatically improved, with cell phone towers silhouetting the mountainous backdrop. Nonetheless, the constant elevation, numerous “staircases”, and the cliff-side shelf pathways make the trek an experience like no other.
Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of flora and fauna that have adapted to this rugged and somewhat barren environment, including the occasional lizards or the mountain goat, or even the Arabian red fox. The area is also dotted with historic villages that have preserved the traditions and way of life of the local Shehhi tribe for generations. Be prepared, as winter rains bring in the greenery upong the large farming terraces; expect drier viewpoints before and after the rainy season, though views remain stunning all the same!
N.B: Please see the tentative itinerary for this trail including scheduled dates, below. Kindly note that details such as elevation, meet up times, location, trail info etc., serve as a guide only and that ECC Adventures has the right to cancel or change these dates and itinerary as required without any prior notice.
Final details related to each event will be confirmed with those who have booked online, at least 24 hours before the start of each hike via a WhatsApp group chat created closer to the time of the hike. So, please ensure that you receive the most-up-to-date itinerary before joining the hike.
Example itinerary only:
- 6:00 AM: Meet at the new Jebel Jais ADNOC | Ras al Khaimah gas station, convoy to Jebel Jais
- 7:15 AM: Begin Hike
- 10:45 AM - 11:30 PM: Finish Hike
Steady ascent, slippery areas, length of the trail, sun exposure, loose rocks, hazardous species.[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
- 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).
