A five-day Via Ferrata climbing trail is also in the works
If you’re looking for a serious UAE adventure as the weather cools during the rest of the year, Jebel Jais is about to offer even more reasons to head north.
Jas Al Khaimah is expanding its network of hiking and climbing routes, with a huge 80km Grand Loop and a new five-day Via Ferrata among the projects taking shape across the UAE’s highest mountain.
The Grand Loop is set to become the centrepiece of the new trail network, linking existing routes with new sections to create a proper multi-day mountain experience.
The idea is to give visitors the chance to hike, climb, camp, cycle and explore Jebel Jais over a longer journey, rather than simply making a quick trip to the summit and heading home.
For those who fancy something a little more adventurous, the planned Via Ferrata will stretch for up to 20km across four sections, with different levels of difficulty.
Mountain shelters along the route will be accessible on foot, giving hikers a place to stop during the five-day journey.
And it’s not just about adding new trails. Existing routes are also being given some attention, with rehabilitation work taking place around Wadi Khammed–Hidden Oasis.
New connections, improved trail construction and clearer wayfinding are being introduced, including work on trail width, gradients and rocky crossings.
Safety is another major part of the plans, with mountain rescue support set to complement existing emergency services across the network.
There’s also a strong focus on making sure the mountain’s natural environment stays protected as more people explore it.
A biodiversity assessment by Ajaz Environment Consultants recorded 45 plant species, 29 bird species and eight mammal species across the Jebel Jais survey area, including the Arabian red fox, Afro-Asiatic wildcat, Brandt’s hedgehog and Arabian spiny mouse.
That research will help shape future trail planning and environmental monitoring, making sure new routes work with the landscape rather than simply cutting through it.
With new climbing routes also being developed and standards being introduced for a more consistently managed climbing network, the mountain is shaping up to be much more than a scenic drive.
The trail and climbing upgrades will continue through the 2026–27 season, with temporary wayfinding signage being introduced ahead of the season opening.
For hikers, climbers and anyone who likes the idea of swapping city life for a few days in the mountains, Jebel Jais could soon be the place to be.
