Jebel Jais: the ridge trail to Jabal Al Raai

From the car park beside Jebel Jais Flight, on the mountain road above Ras Al Khaimah, pick up the dirt path that runs east along the ridge. OpenStreetMap names it the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge Trail. It climbs steadily over stony ground, with views over the mountains, to the rocky top of Jabal Al Raai (جبل الراعي) at about 1,670 m. Turn round there and walk back the same way.

It is 4.4 km there and back with 163 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours, longer for the view. The grade is Easy: a clear dirt path, stony in places, with a steady climb on the way out.

There is no shade on the ridge. Carry at least 3 litres of water each, with a hat and sun cream. Visit Jebel Jais, the mountain's official visitor site, gives October to April as the best season; in warmer months start at first light and be down before mid-day. Keep to the path near the edges.

Walking the marked trails is free and needs no guide, but groups of more than 10 should register with RAKTDA, the tourism authority. The walk starts at a car park on the Jebel Jais mountain road, next to the Jebel Jais Flight attraction.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.