Exploring UAE’s most beautiful and underrated hiking trails

1. Secret Beach, Khor Fakkan

Location: Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
Parking: Luluyah Beach, with ample parking on both sides of the road.
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Heart beach, Sai beach

Many people have heard of the Al Rabi Trail in Khor Fakkan, but did you know there's another stunning hidden trail in Khor Fakkan? This medium-altitude mountain walk offers panoramic beach views and is a perfect spot for sunrise camping.

The hidden Sai Beach is a rocky, secluded beach perfect for a rewarding end to your hike. For beginners, the Heart Beach Hike is another great option. This loop trail offers spectacular views of Khor Fakkan Amphitheater, Khor Fakkan Waterfall, and Khor Fakkan Beach from the top.

2. Sheri Village, Wadi Naqab, Ras Al Khaimah (the Batcave trail)

Location: Wadi Naqab
Parking: 25.713894, 56.104464 or 25.715124, 56.112581
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Sheri Village, Bat Cave, Hajar Mountains

If you're up for a challenge with splendid views, the Sheri Village Trail in Wadi Naqab is a must-do. This eight km, five-hour hike is moderately difficult, with steep inclines, descents, and rock scrambling. It’s not kid-friendly, but if you're fit, you'll love the adventure.

The trail walks through a spectacular landscape, surrounded by vibrant orange cliffs and dramatic rock formations, offering plenty of photo opportunities. You'll hike up to the remote Sheri Village, perched at 800 meters, where you'll be rewarded with amazing views of the Hajar Mountains.

The village, built on traditional terraces, offers a glimpse into the past with its stone houses. Along the way, you can visit the fascinating "bat cave." The trailhead is accessible by sedan cars, and the dirt road in Wadi Naqab has been flattened and extended.

3. Hidden Oasis, Ras Al Khaimah

Location: Jebel Jais
Parking: 25.899310507109103, 56.14202450333588
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlight: Hidden Oasis, Shahha Village

Hidden in the rocky mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, the Hidden Oasis is a lush green sanctuary surrounded by date plantations and farms. Starting at Jebel Jais, this intermediate to advanced hike involves some scrambling but offers flourishing views and a rewarding experience.

The shorter five km route takes about two to three hours, while the longer 15 km loop takes six to eight hours. Along the way, you'll pass hillside villages and magical landscapes. For a more challenging adventure, extend your hike to Shahha Village with its steep elevation gain.

The view from the top is well worth the effort, providing a clear perspective of the oasis below. In winter, the scenery becomes incredibly green, making the hike even more picturesque. Along the way, take a moment to enjoy a quick snack while soaking in the beautiful landscapes.

4. Stairway to Heaven, Jebel Jais

Location: Jebel Jais
Parking: Sedans at Wadi Ghalilah dam (25.980979, 56.145422) or 4x4 to the starting point (25.984311, 56.167752)
Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
Highlight: Stairway to Heaven, Voh Village, Wadi Galilah

One of the UAE’s most iconic and challenging trails, the Stairway to Heaven hike in Jebel Jais follows an ancient Bedouin path up an impressive cliff face. The 17 km hike takes 10-12 hours with some scrambling involved. GPS can be unreliable, so don’t hike alone and avoid summer months due to extreme heat.

Full Loop: Start from the left bank of Wadi Lithbah, traverse a riverbed, and climb the "Stairways" – a steep 800m ascent revealing stone stairs. Reach a summit plateau at 1800m with phenomenal views, then descend on a well-marked right bank trail to complete the loop.

Right Bank: For an easier route, take the right bank trail, which offers amazing views of Wadi Galilah. After a 1200m elevation gain, reach Voh Village at 1800m. Rest, take photos, and descend.

5. Wadi Kub, Ras Al Khaimah

Location: Wadi Kub, Ras Al Khaimah
Parking: 25.493421964201545, 56.10335775514801
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlight: Colorful mountains, sidr trees, off-roading

Between the rugged landscapes of Ras Al Khaimah and the scenic landscapes of Fujairah lies Wadi Kub, a hidden gem for hikers seeking both tranquility and adventure. Wadi Kub stands out with its greenery during winter and impressive mountain formations. After reaching the peak, the trail winds down into the wadi's opposite side, where loose rocks demand caution.

To reach Wadi Kub, take the E87 towards Dibba and keep an eye out for the signpost near Tawyeen. A short drive off the main road leads you to a parking spot (GPS: 25.493421964201545, 56.10335775514801), accessible even by sedan. From there, a brief walk through the valley unveils a green landscape with uniquely shaped rocks and distant mountain peaks. Overall, Wadi Kub presents an easy-to-moderate hike, blending picturesque beginnings and endings with challenging terrain along the way.

6. Al Dhayah Fort, Ras Al Khaimah

Location: Al Dhayah Fort, Ras Al Khaimah
Parking: Northern, Dhayah Fort - Al Rams - Ras Al Khaimah
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Date wadis, mountain & sea views

Al Dhayah Fort, the only remaining hill fort in the UAE, stands proudly amidst the arid mountains and lush date wadis of northern Ras Al Khaimah. This castle-like structure, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, offers incredible views from the mountains across palm trees and jungle-like lands to neighboring Oman and the sea.

The 239 zigzagging steps to the top are worth the climb for the spectacular panorama view. Though the uneven, rocky stairs are not accessible to prams or wheelchairs, a daytime visit ensures you fully enjoy this historical gem.

7. Al Rafisah Dam and Al shuhub rest area, Sharjah

Location: Al Rafisah Dam, Al Suhub Rest Area
Parking: Search "Al Raafisah Dam Walk" on Google Maps
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Khorfakkan city

The Al Rafisah Dam hike is a fun three-hour round trip to the Al Suhub Rest Area, recently inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan. The well-marked trail features ancient terrain, intriguing rock formations, lake and sea views, especially from the summit, where you can see the Arabian Sea, Khorfakkan city, and Khorfakkan port.

Starting at the Al Rafisah Dam Walk (search "Al Raafisah Dam Walk" on Google Maps), the first half offers impressive dam views. Al Rafisah Dam is ideal for all types of hikers, with a range of trails and rest stops.

8. Rainbow Valley, Fujairah

Location: Wadi Ghub (Spectrum/Rainbow valley), Fujairah
Parking: 25.579819, 56.186216
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Highlight: Colorful rocks, seasonal pools

Rainbow Valley is one of the most beautiful trails in the UAE. The name says it all — Rainbow Valley features rocks that have all sorts of shades of the rainbow, making it look like an art piece. This trail in Fujairah Emirate is just 1.5 hours from Dubai and the three km round-trip hike is perfect for capturing insta-worthy photos. Lucky hikers might spot friendly goats along the way.

For more adventure, extend the hike to a 12 km round-trip, with the longest trek offering breathtaking views of Oman. Just follow the ravine bed for the scramble over smooth rocks and boulders. Whether you're a novice hiker or a seasoned adventurer, this trail promises a memorable experience.

9. Al Bithnah Fort & Heritage Trail

Location: Al Bithnah Fort, Fujairah
Parking: Search ''Al Bithnah Fort Fujairah'' on Google Maps
Difficulty: Easy
Highlight: Heritage sites, green valleys

The Al Bithnah Nature & Heritage Hiking trail offers a glimpse into a 3000-year-old history and views of the Masafi mountains and lush green valleys. Start your adventure by exploring the Al Bithnah Fort, which takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Then embark on the trail beginning at the old watchtower.

Suitable for beginners but challenging enough for experienced hikers, the path features archaeological sites and gravestones of soldiers from historic battles. Soak up the views of Fujairah along the way. Enjoy the easy parts, and if you're not up for the steeper sections, simply turn back and enjoy the scenery on your return.