Tucked between the Ghub area and the vast Fay Valley beneath the Shuhada Road, the Wadi Busserah trail is an adrenaline-packed adventure for thrill-seekers. This ridge-walking, canyon-scrambling, and boulder-dropping hike is one of the most exhilarating canyon routes in the Northern Emirates. The trail which cuts through the moutain known as Qarn Fadah, can start off gently or throw you right into the deep end with some immediate intensity, keeping you on your toes from the get-go!
Along the way, you'll encounter Turbidite sediments, layered deposits formed by underwater landslides millions of years ago. These sediments, also found in Wadi Thaena (Rainbow Valley or Wadi Ghub), create stunning rock formations that tell the story of ancient geological activity.
Once you conquer the climb, you’ll reach a high plateau with a sparse, rugged ecosystem, where vegetation grows directly out of the rocky ground. The trail’s final descent takes you back into the canyon, with dramatic drops requiring careful scrambling—perfect for those seeking a heart-pounding challenge.
6:00 AM: meet at the ADNOC gas station in Fujairah and convoy to the trailhead
6:30 AM: Park some cars at ending point (Al Henna trail)
7:00 AM: Begin hike
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Finish hike
(constant ascending/descending for 4+ hours, exposed areas to heights, loose gravel/scree downwards, length of the trail, scrambling sides of the canyon, sun exposure, 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.
6:00 AM: meet at the ADNOC gas station in Fujairah and convoy to the trailhead
6:30 AM: Park some cars at ending point (Al Henna trail)
7:00 AM: Begin hike
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Finish hike
(constant ascending/descending for 4+ hours, exposed areas to heights, loose gravel/scree downwards, length of the trail, scrambling sides of the canyon, sun exposure, 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).
