A High-Altitude Adventure in the Hajar Mountains
“You froze time!” exclaims Fadi Hachicho to a Harris’s hawk, marveling as the bird hovers high above, enjoying the thermals in the sky. This captivating scene unfolds in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, where mountains, sea, and desert converge to create a unique adventure landscape. While falcons are traditionally associated with the region, Bedouins having used them for millennia to hunt for survival, Fadi and his friend Hussain Darwish introduce us to Logan, a Harris’s hawk trained to hike with them.
Starting our journey from Camp 1770, the highest campsite in the UAE at 5,807 feet, we embark on an hour-long trek up Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE at 6,345 feet. The trail offers panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains, which extend from Oman into the UAE, creating a dramatic landscape ideal for adventure activities like ziplining, paragliding, and summit-bagging. “No other place in the country has all this in one spot,” says Fadi, highlighting the unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor pursuits available in Ras Al Khaimah.
Fadi, originally from Beirut, moved to Ras Al Khaimah to immerse himself in its grand nature. His tour company, Adventurati Outdoor, operates from Camp 1770, offering a variety of adventure experiences. The Hajar Mountains, formed 70 million years ago when tectonic plates collided, present a rugged terrain reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains or the Grand Canyon. Ras Al Khaimah’s adventure scene is relatively new, with only a handful of official hiking trails just five years ago. Today, the area boasts 58 miles of paths, with more being developed, thanks to events like Highlander, a long-distance trekking series.
The Thrill of Jebel Jais
Jebel Jais has become an adventure playground, featuring the world’s longest zip-line and the UAE’s highest restaurant, which offers international cuisine and plays Western pop music. The mountain road, a 20-mile stretch of smooth tarmac and wide hairpin bends, attracts sports cars and SUVs, with plans for glamping and luxury lodges to accommodate thrill-seeking visitors.
During our hike, we encounter the harsh yet welcoming environment of the Hajars. The temperature drops below 5°C as we reach the Omani exclave of Musandam, marking the end of our trek. The view from this high vantage point is breathtaking, with the sun setting over the Persian Gulf, a sight unique to this part of the UAE. “Even today, there are people who’ve been in the UAE 20 years and don’t know this exists,” Fadi remarks, emphasizing the hidden beauty of Ras Al Khaimah.
A Desert Safari in Al Wadi Nature Reserve
The next day, we venture into the Al Wadi Nature Reserve, a 1,200-acre protected area of dunes and wildlife. Ranger-ambassador Sisira Ranjan Panda guides us through the reserve, where we encounter Arabian oryxes, sand gazelles, and a variety of birds. The Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild, has been successfully reintroduced and thrives in protected areas like Al Wadi.
Our desert safari reveals the vibrant life of the dunes, damp from recent rains. The oryxes, with their luminous coats and ringed horns, are a testament to the resilience of desert wildlife. We observe a newborn oryx calf and witness the agility of sand gazelles as they sprint across the terrain. The reserve also boasts a diverse bird population, including the brightly colored Indian roller and the warbling great grey shrike.
Sisira’s love for the reserve is evident as he shares his extensive knowledge of its flora and fauna. We explore burrows of pharaoh eagle-owls and Arabian red foxes, track desert beetles and ants, and learn about the UAE’s national tree, the ghaf. The green dunes, a result of cloud seeding to induce rainfall, add a unique touch to the desert landscape.
The Coastal Heritage of Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, meaning ‘head of the tent,’ boasts a rich coastal heritage. Before the oil boom of the 1950s, pearl trading was a major industry, with divers spending months at sea searching for oysters. This heritage is preserved at the Suwaidi Pearl Farm, established in 2004 by the grandson of a local pearl diver. The farm offers tours that delve into the history of pearling in the region.
The emirate’s 40-mile coastline is dotted with historic sites and modern attractions. Divers and visitors can explore the underwater world and learn about the ancient art of pearling. The Persian Gulf’s turquoise waters provide a serene backdrop to the coastal adventure.
Writing New Adventures
Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly establishing itself as a premier adventure destination, offering a blend of high-altitude thrills, desert safaris, and coastal explorations. With its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities, it’s a place where history is continuously being written.
From the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the serene dunes of Al Wadi and the vibrant coastline, Ras Al Khaimah invites adventurers to explore its diverse landscapes. Whether hiking with a Harris’s hawk, ziplining across Jebel Jais, or discovering the secrets of the Arabian oryx, visitors will find endless opportunities for adventure in this hidden gem of the UAE.
