Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais is best known as the highest peak in the UAE and home to the longest zip line in the world, Sky Flight. It’s much more than that though with stunning views and a variety of attractions. Read on to discover all the things to do in Jebel Jais.
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Jebel Jais Sky Tour and Sky Flight
Jebel Jais Sky Flight is a single zip line and is 2.83kms long. You ‘fly’ in a horizontal position at speeds between 120 and 160 kph. If you go with a friend or partner, you can do it together.
If that’s all a bit too thrilling for you, why not try the Sky Tour? The Sky Tour is a series of 6 ziplines over 5 km. You’ll be ‘sitting’ in a harness and reach up to speeds of around 60kph. This option also includes a walk over the Sky Bridge with absolutely stunning views.
Sky Flight and Sky Tour Timings:
Jais Sky Tour and Flight operates Wednesday to Sunday with the morning slot at 9:30 and other slots later in the afternoon. Advance booking for Jebel Jais zipline is required.
Jebel Jais Tour and Jebel Jais Flight Prices:
Prices change according to season, day and available promotions. Check prices and book Jebel Jais flight tickets on the links below.
Book your Jebel Jais Sky Flight and add transfer from Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah
Jebel Jais Sledder
Tamer still is the Jebel Jais Sledder, the mountainside toboggan style ride but on rails. The Sledder ride will start by taking you up the mountainside at a leisurely pace allowing you to take in the view.
Just as you’re feeling nice and relaxed, you’ll suddenly shoot off down the slope at a speed of up to 40kph. However, it feels much faster as you speed around the hair-raising bends. You’ll probably scream all the way down and then jump back on for another go!
This ride is for anyone three and above but if you have little ones, you may want to watch the cars coming down before deciding whether they would like it. (Mine wouldn’t have enjoyed it at that age but plenty of others seem to.)
For the Sledder, there is no advance booking, so you have to buy the tickets at the location.
Jais Sledder Ticket Prices
- Adults single ride – AED 45, three ride bundle – AED 100.
- Adult and child single ride – AED 60, three ride bundle AED 120.
- Children over 10 can ride alone, but there is no special price.
Jais Sledder Timings
- Tues-Thurs: 12pm-6pm
- Fri-Sun 11am-6pm
- Ticket office closes between 4:30pm and 5pm.
- Note: Last ride 5:30pm (although they may let you on later and ticket office may be open later if it’s quiet and depending on time of year), bundles can only be used one person, max weight rules apply
If you’re looking for something calmer than all of these, then head to one of the hiking trails, the viewing deck or the cafes.
Jebel Jais Hiking
Trails range from easy to advanced. Further down the mountain are the Lower Trails, with several overlapping paths of varying levels. The longest is the Samar Trail at 6km and the shortest is Farfar Trail at 0.7km. See more on Jebel Jais Lower Trails.
The Ghaf trail starts from the viewing deck and takes you up to Puro and the Sky Flight and Tour starting point. It’s around 4.3km. Shelters along the route make for great spots to stop and take in the view.
Advanced hikers can join trekking groups to do the Stairway to Heaven, starting in Wadi Ghalilah and reaching near the peak of Jebel Jais.
If you’re looking for a trail to do with young children, I’d recommend the Jebel Jais Lower Trails and follow one which is around the right length. You can see one of the trails I did on my hike map here on Wikiloc and also get directions to the starting point.
If you want to hike to the peak of Jebel Jais, you can do that from Wadi Ghalilah further north, but it is a difficult hike and should only be undertaken by experienced hikers and/or with a guide. See the companies mentioned lower down the page for organised hikes.
The really serious hikers can spend all year getting ready for the Highlander!
Camping on Jebel Jais
Jais Mountain is also a popular camping and picnic spot in Ras Al Khaimah. There are a few rest areas for camping or having a picnic on the way up. Most don’t have seating, so you need to have your own or a mat if you plan on stopping there. Some have toilets and there are some food trucks along the way too.
Jebel Jais Viewing Deck and Food Outlets
Not far from the top is Jebel Jais viewing deck with a play area on one side and cafes with outdoor seating on the other. You can hire a mountain bike here too. There’s a small entrance fee of 5 dhs. Children under 5 go free. Puro Cafe is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm and Muse cafes opens daily from 10am to 10pm.
The viewing deck park is also where the Jebel Jais Upper Trails start, with the simplest being easy-moderate. The same trail continues on to a higher peak. However, the view is well worth the effort.
This is also the best place for a toilet stop too as they are serviced and always clean. A cubicle is available for People of Determination and baby-changing. You have to pay the entrance fee to use them. Hold on to your ticket in case you need to come back!
Further up still is another area with more food trucks and rest places. One of the trucks sells delicious legemat, Emirati fried dough balls drizzled in date syrup. They’re just as gorgeous as the view! Higher still is a food truck selling desserts and drinks opposite The Sledder.
You can also just lay out your own set-up for free at the rest areas. Remember though, if you have any kind of fire, it mustn’t be on the ground. You need a fire pit of some sort, or you’re at risk of a hefty fine from RAK Municipality.
1484 by Puro
Puro is the UAE’s highest restaurant and its name comes from the height above sea level – 1484 metres. As you would expect, it has fantastic views over the Hajar Mountain Range and you can enjoy these from the terrace or indoors. 1484 by Puro offers a variety of cuisines, so you’re sure to find something you like.
They also offer a children’s menu. Prices aren’t the cheapest but they’re quite reasonable given the location. You can view the menu on their website. Booking is required.
1484 by Puro Opening hours: The restaurant is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
Lower Jebel Jais
You don’t need to go right to the top for something to do as there are a lot of Jebel Jais attractions lower down and at the foot of the mountain.
At the bottom of Jais Mountain, Challenging Adventure offers various activities for children and adults, including trekking, rock climbing, orienteering and camping. They also provide day and residential programmes for schools. Visit Challenging Adventure website to find out more.
Adventurati is a fabulous outward-bound operator offering a wide range of activities, including hiking, canyoning, survival courses, overnight retreats with yoga at sunrise and much more. Visit the Adventurati website to find out more.
Other outdoor companies providing things to in Jebel Jais are Beyond Action and Adventure Quest
Bear Grylls Explorer Camp
If you’re feeling like a challenge or want to do something different with your family, Bear Grylls Explorer Camp Jebel Jais can give you just that. The mountainous terrain is the perfect environment to learn survival skills and reconnect with nature.
In their own words – “Bear Grylls and his team will unleash your forgotten wild spirit as you uncover your hidden compass and natural survival skills.”
Leave the devices at home, enjoy chatting around the campfire, spend the night in the basic camp cabins and disconnect from the noise of daily life.
Find out more about this and other activities, such as the Via Ferrata, and book here.
Jais Ropes Course
If you visited Jais Mountain a few years ago, you might have gone to the Sky Maze next to the Toroverde Centre. This frame, full of challenges, is now part of the ropes course halfway down the mountain. (The photo shows it at the top.)
Both children (6+) and adults can enjoy negotiating their way across and around the ropes, climbing boards, bike rails etc.
- Jais Ropes Prices: AED 50-80 depending on the day and season.
- Jais Ropes Timings: Wed-Sun (and public holidays), 9.30am to 5.30pm.
- Jais Ropes Course Location: Bear Grylls Camp
- See more information on Jais Ropes Course.
How to get to Jebel Jais
The only way to get to Jebel Jais is by car or motorbike (or bike if you’re fit enough.)There is a new road, a lit dual carriageway, which takes you from the E18 highway to the foot of the mountain and the start of the winding ascent.
If you’d like a more scenic route, you can take the old road through Wadi Bih, passing a dam with a lake (depending on recent rainfall) and a few old ruins along the way and some nice picnic spots.
The road up to the top is long and winding but wide and well-paved and now has cat eyes, making it easier for those who are not used to driving at night. Make sure you remember to fill up your tank before turning off the highway and then sit back and enjoy the stunning views.
If you don’t have a car, the only options at the moment are renting one or taking a RAK taxi. You can get to Jebel Jais from Dubai by taking an intercity bus to RAK city then taking a taxi. If you’re staying at a hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, check if they offer shuttle services or transfers.
Buy tickets for Jebel Jais Sky Flight or Jebel Jais Sky Tour or a combo of the two now
Places to stay near Jebel Jais and Where to stay in Ras Al Khaimah
The only options for places to stay at Jebel Jais at the moment are camping or registering with one of the activity programmes mentioned earlier. There are some exciting places to stay coming soon so be sure to check back later in the year.
Of course, there are also plenty of great places to stay in and around the city. Here are a few I’ve hand-picked especially for you.
Luxury places to stay near Jebel Jais $$$
- The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert Resort
- Waldorf Astoria
- The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort
- Pool Villa Jebel Jais
- Khatt Mountain Farm
Moderate places to stay near Jebel Jais $$
Budget places to stay near Jebel Jais $
If you loved the Jebel Jais Zipline, you might also like to try the longest urban zipline in the world at Dubai Marina. See more of the Dubai Marina Zipline and book.
What is the best time to visit Jebel Jais?
The best time to visit Jebel Jais is in the winter, but it can get very cold after the sun starts to go down. Although the temperature may not drop too much, the wind can be biting.
Many people camp on Jais mountain in the winter, so maybe I’m just a wimp who doesn’t like the cold! In any case, take a sweater or similar to keep warm after sunset.
You can also visit Jebel Jais in the summer for some relief from the heat, but it won’t be suitable weather for hiking. We usually go around 4:30 in the summer, have some fun on the Sledder then find a spot to eat, drink and enjoy the view.
When I went in July, the temperature at Jebel Jais around 33 degrees celsius, a relief from the 40s and humid! Winter temperatures are usually in the 20s during the day and the 10s at night but can also go lower.
Where to visit in Ras al Khaimah?
Visit these pages to find more interesting places in Ras Al Khaimah
- Khatt
- Rams
- Wadi Ghalila
- Al Hamra Old Village
- Wadi Shaam
- Manar Mall Promenade
- RAK Natures Treasures
- Best Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah
- Wadi Naqab (see on Instagram or on Facebook)
This post was last updated on 17 September 2023.
If you liked this, you might also like my posts on Jebel Jais Lower Trails, Hiking in the UAE, Khor Fakkan or Masfoot.
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FAQ
Is Jebel Jais worth visiting? – If you like adventure or just love to be in the mountains, then yes.
Does the Sky Flight and Sky Tour operate in the summer months? Yes, but at lower capacity and it’s usually cheaper. Look out for promotions.
Can I get to Jais without a car? – Only if your hotel provides a shuttle or you’re a mountain biker.
Can I cycle up Jebel Jais? Yes, some cycling events include Jebel Jais. You need to be pretty fit but I often see people cycling up. You can also rent a mountain bike at the Viewing Deck.
How tall is Jebel Jais? Jebel Jais is 1,934 metres or 6345 feet high.
What is the name of the restaurant at the top of Jebel Jais? – Puro 1484
What is Jebel Jais temperature? It can go as low as freezing or a few degrees in the winter at night and up to the 30s in the summer. See more on Jebel Jais weather in the post
What is the Jebel Jais Zipline price? This can change according to time of year, day and any promotions. Check the price through the links in the post.
Is it allowed to camp on Jebel Jais? Yes, it is.
Can you camp on Jebel Jais in the summer? I think it would be too hot to be inside a tent but you could sleep in the open air as long as you’re up as soon as the sun comes up.
Are cafes, restaurants and food trucks on Jebel Jais open in the summer? Yes, they are. Puro and Muse have fixed timings. Not all food trucks open but plenty do and some tend to open according to demand.
Are there public toilets on Jebel Jais? Yes, there are several toilets at different stopping points along the way. In general, they are clean but the one at the Viewing Deck is the most comfortable as it is large, air-conditioned and serviced. It also has cubicles for People of Determination and baby-changing facilities.
Is there a mobile signal on Jebel Jais? Yes, there are several masts on the mountain.
Is it safe to drive on Jebel Jais? Yes, it is but make sure you keep your eyes on the road at all times.