Abu Dhabi’s sole mountain range, at 1,249 meters, Jebel Hafeet possesses the third-highest peak in the UAE. Its name comes from a historical period in the UAE’s history, the “Hafeet Period” dating back to the Bronze Age (3200 to 2600 BCE), as a cluster of Bronze Age “beehive tombs” were discovered at its foothills. Teetering into Oman from the city of Al Ain, its limestone formations hold troves of geological and paleontological secrets.

Jebel Hafeet forms a part of the greater Hajar mountains, with the vast amount of the Hajars lying within Oman. The range accounts for the vastly different climates between Oman and UAE. The mountain consists of shallow marine sedimentary rocks, which includes limestone, marl, and evaporites. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jabal Hafeet.

Abu Dhabi’s oldest archaeological site is on the east side of the range. Built 5,000 years ago in the early Bronze Age, it is believed to cradle several ancient cemeteries of the people who lived in the oasis. Artifacts found here provide examples of trade relations with Mesopotamia and India.

Hike Details

We will start hiking a short distance away from the Mubazarrah lake and make our way up through a trail within the Ain Al Faydah wadi and interconnected ridge lines to reach the summit near Jabel Hafeet, marked by a tower. There is a cafe about 10 minutes walk along the road from the tower, with ample parking space where the bus can pick up the participants from after the hike.

The hike is either an intermediate trail, going one way from the bottom to the peak, with the option of retracing, making the trek an Intermediate+ (closer to 5 hours, 7-8 KM). There is large amounts of exposure, some light bouldering, and elevation gain/loss along the trail. Rerouting back the same way is possible for those who cannot