Important Note:
- Check the COVID 19 travel restrictions of the place online before undertaking your sojourn.
- Kindly note that the Distance of places, Prices, Hotel rates, Temperature, and other figures may change according to the conditions prevailing at the time of your visit. There may even be short cuts and extra conveyance available that you can avail of when traveling locally. Tourists must conduct their own research before traveling and take due diligence on rates & distances from authorized online sources. All the facts and information provided in relation to the place is for my own personal use and collected from different online sources and collated together. For more details, Click this link DISCLAIMER.
People close to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and its surrounding emirates must be familiar with the mesmeric Al Hajar mountain ranges but for people in the rest of the world, a trip to #JebelHafeet is a privilege.
The Jebel Hafeet is a mountain range in the #Tawam region located on the border of Oman & UAE. The climate is typical of the desert but due to the altitude, you can experience some breeze. Here you can also locate the elusive #ArabianTahr, an endangered, elusive, stocky mountain goat native to the #Hajr region.
Located 1300m high above MSL (mean sea level), a drive to the mountain top is along a winding, scenic panorama which will leave you bedazzled. Although the whole of UAE is dotted with mountains, caves, streams, a few beaches, and heritage locales, this one perched remotely in Al Ain will surely impress you to curate it in your blog or a journal. A trip to Jebel Hafeet is one of the most beautiful experiences for any Emirati and expatriate alike. This mountain range borders Oman and you can rejig your tour by buying an Omani visa and car insurance in advance if you plan to do so. The closest Omani town is Al Buraimi & Nizwa. But right now let's focus our attention on a UAE resident or a visit visa traveler on a sojourn to Jebel Hafeet.
The mountain has existed since historic
times and more so important during the Hafit or Bronze age due to the
discovery of the bronze era 'Beehive tombs' located at the mountain base on
the eastern side. It is one of the locations to be incorporated in the list of
Sheikh Zayed protected areas. The mountain has extensive cave networks and
ridges spread in the vicinity, so be sure to explore it if you are an avid
history buff. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for
ex-pats and locals alike and preferred by residents for a weekend
get-together next only to the famous 'Baracudda Beach Resort' in Dubai.
Jebel Hafeet mountain is part of the National park, home to exotic flora & fauna located in #WadiTarabat. The whole mountain range covers an area of 17 km comprised primarily of sedimentary, craggy limestone rocks and sandstones. You can get a spectacular view of the illuminated Al Ain city from the mountain top. The journey to Jebel Hafeet is around 11 km from the base at Al-Ain city circle and is counted as one of the best mountain ranges in the world as cited by Edmunds(US Auto information resource site). You can try out some local delicacies and amazing beverages at the lone restaurant at the top named 'Top of Hafeet'. Tantalize your taste buds with some Khaboos(flatbread of Lebanese origin) along with lamb chops and wash it down with the local favorite, the distinct Suleimani tea.
How to Reach Jabe(a)l Hafeet:
* Dirhams: UAE local currency
* Buses are operated by Al Ghazal or Dubai RTA Agency
* Important Note: The bus & cab fares mentioned in the article are as per the Internet sources. The current rates may differ per se prevalent market rates in UAE. So you can check it accordingly from verified online sources.
International Travelers: (Guessing that the currency conversion is already done at Money exchanges Bureaus)
- If you are in
Dubai: 100 km
- If you are in
Abu Dhabi: 140 km
Dubai residents:
- Take a metro
to Deira city center, walk to the bus depot, and take a bus heading to
Al-Jubail, Sharjah. From Al-Jubail board a bus heading to Al-Ain bus stand.
Catch Bus No. 990 to Al-Ain Wadi. From Wadi its almost 1/2 hr drive.
It's preferable to take a taxi from here which costs around 40-60 Dirhams.
Abu Dhabi Residents:
- By bus: No direct
buses are available to Jebel Hafeet but you can alight at Wadi adventure
or Al Ain American School and take a taxi from there. The total journey
time from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain Wadi is 2 1/2 hr and costs in the range of
60-80 Dirhams.
- By Taxi: It will
costs around 300-400 Dirhams
Best time to visit:
- The best month
to plan a trip to the top is Aug - Sept when the weather is kind and
milder.
Nearby Attractions:
- #AlAinZoo: While taking a leisurely stroll in the zoo, meet and greet the famous Arabian antelopes,
Oryx, Gazelles & Giraffes, which are peculiar to the region.
- Green #Mubazarrah: Green oasis located at the base of Jebel Hafeet mountains. Lined by palm-fringed pathways and surrounded by lush greenery, water chalets, streams, and hot water geysers, this place is a must-visit to escape the scorching temperatures.
The water channels or the Falaj system of agriculture is native to the Arabian region and practiced for hundreds of years to feed the palm groves. This place is renowned for its therapeutic thermal springs and is flocked by hundreds of tourists.
- #AlAinmuseum: Dispensing local artifacts and traditional merchandise, this place is teeming with cultural addicts to collect #Bedouin jewelry and historic ceramic pots and
Arabian lamps.
Hotels to satiate your taste buds:
What makes this place all the more interesting is the unparalleled
dining & staying options. Expect the world's best cuisines and liquors
flushing here at the top hotel brands.
Selected & curated hotel list for your reference:
- Hotel #GrandMercure
- Ayla Grand
- City Seasons
- #AlRotana
- Raddison Blue
- Grand
Mubazarrah
Remember to get the best deals on Aggregator sites like Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Agoda, etc.
Its probably in the range of 3000-15000 per night.
Don't go by the dry, withered landscape of this region. Beauty
sometimes lies hidden in the least expected places. So pack your wares and fasten
your gears and head straight to visit this place at least once in your lifetime.
You may never forget the memories!
Bon Voyage!