The summit road
11.7 km of bends.
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The only mountain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and one of the highest in the country, stretching some 26 kilometres south of Al Ain along the Omani border and rising about 900 metres above the surrounding plains. It is made of limestone and ancient marine layers, with fossil corals in the rock. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, built in 1980, climbs 11.7 kilometres in sixty bends and three lanes, gaining 1,200 metres, to a car park at the top with a view over all of Al Ain; at night the city lights glitter below. It is one of the region's most famous driving roads and a classic climb for cyclists. At the foot of the mountain are the Green Mubazzarah park, with lawns and hot springs of around 40 °C, and the domed stone Hafit tombs of the Bronze Age (3200 to 2600 BCE), which gave their name to the Hafit period of UAE history and are part of the Cultural Sites of Al Ain on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Driving up and enjoying the view are free. The hour before and after sunset is best, and from October to March it usually stays below 25 °C, so bring a jacket for the evening at the top.
11.7 km of bends.
A night view from the top.
Hot springs at the foot.
South of Al Ain city, on the border with Oman
11.7 kilometres with sixty bends, climbing 1,200 metres from the foot to the summit car park; driving up is free.