Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
United Arab Emirates
From Dubai across the desert to Al Ain, then up 60 switchback hairpins to the summit of the UAE's highest peak, consistently ranked among the world's greatest driving roads, with the whole Arabian plain at your feet.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Dubai
Leave the glass towers via the E66 highway heading south-east into the gravel desert toward Al Ain and the edge of the Empty Quarter.
- Al Ain Oasis
UNESCO-listed date-palm oasis fed by 3,000-year-old falaj channels. Some 147,000 trees shade a living agricultural landscape in the desert city.
- Al Ain Palace Museum
Former residence of Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE. Coral-and-mud courtyards offer a quiet glimpse of life before oil transformed the peninsula.
- Green Mubazzarah
Natural hot springs and vivid parkland at Jebel Hafeet's base. The contrast between manicured lawns and bare limestone cliffs looming above is surreal.
- Jebel Hafeet Summit
At 1,249m, 60 hairpin bends deliver a panorama across three countries. Consistently ranked among the world's greatest purpose-built driving roads.
Where to Eat
- Al Fanar Restaurant & CaféEmirati
Experience traditional Emirati cuisine in a setting reminiscent of 1960s Dubai, offering dishes like machboos and grilled meats.
- Zest RestaurantInternational
Enjoy a diverse buffet featuring international dishes in a contemporary setting, with options ranging from sushi to Middle Eastern specialties.
- Al Mallah RestaurantLebanese
Savor authentic Lebanese shawarma, falafel, and mezze in a casual dining atmosphere popular among locals and visitors alike.
Things to Do
- Al Jahili FortHistoric Site
Explore a 19th-century fort showcasing Emirati history and culture, with exhibits on desert life and the British explorer Wilfred Thesiger.
- Al Ain ZooZoo
Visit a sprawling zoo home to over 4,000 animals, including endangered species, with interactive exhibits and safari experiences.
- Hili Archaeological ParkArchaeological Site
Discover Bronze Age tombs and ancient artifacts in a park that offers insights into the region's early civilizations.