Hiking Trails In Dubai For Every Adventurer
As a traveler, you might not think of hiking when you think of Dubai. This desert metropolis has garnered attention for its enormous malls, immaculate beach resorts, and opulent mega-yachts, but we are here to share its best-kept secret: Dubai is home to some of the most remarkable hiking trails in the world.
From rough wadi hikes to vistas reminiscent of Mars, traversing off the beaten track in Dubai is a unique way to explore a different side of the city and a deeper understanding of the rural culture that still exists there.
Are you in Dubai and need of a city break? Want to see a different side of the UAE if you live there? In this article, we learn about everything hiking in Dubai as well as the best hiking trails in Dubai. Come on, let us explore!
Best Hikes In Dubai
Dubai has many beautiful hiking paths and is surrounded by a lot of natural area. They all have their own beauty and draw you outside to enjoy the season. In addition, they are free.
Here are the 10 best hikes in Dubai to go conquer:
Dubai has many beautiful hiking paths and is surrounded by a lot of natural area
1. Zero Point Running Track
By far the closest you can get to Dubai, the Zero Point Run is an urban hike that passes by all of Dubai's most famous beaches. This 5.1-mile hike starts in Jumeirah Beach, which is just past the Burj Al Arab, and passes by many of Dubai's most famous sites. Take in the sights of Kite Beach's paragliders or give a wave to the Burj Khalifa from a distance!
Since the trail is entirely level and rubberized, hikers of all skill levels can easily complete it. Along the route, there are several restaurants and public facilities that are accessible from the walkway.
2. Mushrif Park Trails
With its vast network of pathways that instantly take you from busy city streets to peaceful nature paths, Mushrif Park is a hidden gem in Dubai. The park offers a variety of paths, but the 9.7 km hiking trail that winds across the desert is the best.
Hikers will be able to see a variety of distinctively changing scenery along the path, in addition to local fauna. Look out for lots of amiable chipmunks and if you're lucky, a stoic Arabian Gazelle!
3. Hatta Mountain Trail
This Hatta Mountain trail, which lies in the Hatta region, provides beautiful views of untamed mountains, glistening lakes, and verdant surroundings. Do you want to skip it?
If not, this trail has more in store for you!
You will find hidden tunnels, stroll across rugged terrain, and cool off in natural ponds.
Remember to visit the Hatta Dam for some beautiful photo ops. Your social media gallery should look fantastic, after all!
Hiking through a wadi in Hajar Mountains
4. Al Qudra Lakes Trails
In Dubai, the Al Qudra Lakes are a well-liked location for desert camping and are home to several paths. The Love Lakes, two interlocking lakes shaped like a heart surrounded by a 7 km trail, are on the list of best hikes Dubai for a couple. Come stroll the lakes with your significant other and spend the night beneath the stars in the desert.
Al Qudra Lakes trails are on the list of best hikes Dubai for a couple
Best Hikes Near Dubai
There are seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, each with a distinct personality and topography. Beyond the boundaries of Dubai there are 6 more emirates to explore and these are some of the best hikes near Dubai.
1. Fossil Rock
This trail passes over a rock covered with fossils and offers breathtaking views of the desert. Look for prehistoric nummulites encased in the rock while hiking, or simply take in the orange sands of the nearby Mleiha Desert.
Despite being situated in the Emirate of Sharjah, which is adjacent to Dubai, Fossil Rock is just a short drive from downtown Dubai, making it one of the best hikes near Dubai.
Fossil Rock is just a short drive from downtown Dubai, making it one of the best hikes near Dubai
2. Wadi Naqab
This hike, which is in the northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, incorporates the perfect elements, highland towns, and expansive views that make up the perfect journey in the United Arab Emirates.
The Wadi Naqab hike starts out reasonably flat, meandering along a wadi on a well-packed dirt road. After an exhilarating ascent over a broad rocky ledge with breathtaking vistas, the journey descends once more into a wadi dotted with tiny, twisting pools. The hike's destination, the mountainous, agricultural village of Al Sanat, with its terraced farms and breathtaking vistas of the Hajar Mountains.
Read more: Top 7 National Parks in UAE: A Nature Lover's Paradise
3. Al Rabi Hike
One of the best places to see the Gulf of Oman is from the Al Rabi Hike, which is situated on the breathtaking eastern coastline of the UAE. Reaching the last overlook on this trek will reward you with expansive views of the seaside metropolis.
For those who want to try their hand at hiking, the Al Rabi Trail is an excellent place to start, but be warned - despite its moderate rise, it is definitely not an easy trail. The walk starts at the 1915 watchtower known as the Al Rabi Tower (Burj al Rabi) and ascends the nearby mountain. Throughout, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the ocean; be on the lookout for boats, dolphins, and a few undiscovered beaches!
One of the best places to see the Gulf of Oman is from the Al Rabi Hike
4. Wadi Ghub
For good cause, Wadi Ghub is also known as the "Rainbow Spectrum Hike." You will think you have arrived on a different planet as soon as you set foot in the wadi because of the multicolored rocks that surround you in layers of color that resemble rainbows.
The Rainbow Valley, where layers of pink and white granite combine to form a colorful swell, is the hike's most photographed location, but the whole wadi is full of colorful rocks that are well worth exploring.
More information: Top 6 Most Beautiful UAE Natural Places You Need To Visit
Things to Know Before Hiking in Dubai
Because of the city's typically harsh and arid climate, hiking in Dubai can be a very different experience from walking on foot anywhere else all over the world. Before you hit the trails, consider the following points.
1. Check your fitness levels
Have you ever gone on a hike? Have you gone hiking somewhere else in the world? Take into account your current level of fitness, and do not be scared to begin with one of the easier on this list of best hikes Dubai.
2. Dubai hiking tours
If you have never gone hiking before or would prefer not to trek alone, there are lots of Dubai hiking tours available.
3. Pack plenty of water
You’ll need way more water than you think! We recommend at least 3 liters per person and carry this water bladder with you on all your hikes in the Dubai.
4. Dress accordingly
For hiking in Dubai, we advise wearing clothing that is both light and fully covered. This will shield you from the sun and be appropriate for many hikes in more rural locations where conservative clothing is preferred.
5. Hike in the correct season
In other words, it is too hot to go hiking in Dubai during the summer. Because of the milder weather, October through March is the ideal time of year to go hiking. We suggest starting early to take advantage of the shade and milder temps, regardless of the season. The best prepararation that we recommend for travelers is check the UAE weather information before the trip to make sure that you have a comprehensive adventure in the Emirates.
6. Visa requirements
Before embarking on your hiking in Dubai, it's essential to check the visa requirements for entry into UAE. Fortunately, applying for a UAE e-visa has never been easier, thanks to our convenient online application process. Simply visit our website, fill out the required information, and submit your application. In just a few clicks, you can receive your eVisa electronically, allowing you to explore the best hiking trails in Dubai with ease.
Related Articles
- Understanding the UAE Visa Security Deposit
- All You Need to Know About UAE (Dubai) Transit Visa
- Umrah Package from Dubai - Affordable Prices & Deals
- Jumeirah Public Beach: Activities, Attractions and Travel Guide
- Downtown Dubai: Top Attractions, Activities & Places to Visit
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in Yas Island: Tickets, Experience Guide
- Sharjah Safari Park: The UAE’s Largest Wildlife Adventure
- Michelin Restaurants in Dubai: A Culinary Journey through Excellence
- Celebrate UAE New Year: Unique Experiences You Can't Miss