All you need to know about the Hajar Mountains in the UAE

• About Al Hajar Mountains
• Mountains in Al Hajar Region UAE
• Wadis in Al Hajar Region UAE
• Things to do at Al Hajar Mountains UAE
• FAQs

Stunning sand dunes, imposing rock formations, and epic summits characterise the iconic Hajar Mountains. These stately mountains stand guard over the borders of Oman and the UAE, forming an integral part of landscape for both. Let’s discover more interesting secrets about these rocky mountains in the UAE.

OVERVIEW OF AL HAJAR MOUNTAINS

The name Al Hajar itself hints at an arresting image of a mountain. It is basically a combination of two Arabic words, Al means ‘the’ while Hajar means ‘rock’ or ‘stone,’ which when combined, translates as ‘the rock’ or ‘the stone.’

Located on the eastern side of the UAE and northeastern part of Oman, the Hajar Mountain range is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on the Arabian Peninsula. It spans 700 km across the two countries and is the highest mountain range in the region.

The mountain range is sometimes also called the Oman Mountains, Al Hajar Mountains Oman, Hajar Mountains or simply Hajar.

THE HISTORY OF THE HAJAR MOUNTAINS

It is believed that the Hajar Mountains were first formed on the Arabian-Eurasian convergent plate boundary, as a result of continental collision that began at least 30 millennia ago. Exactly when these mountains developed is still not known.

AL HAJAR MOUNTAINS GEOLOGY

Al Hajar Mountains lie on the north-east corner of the Arabian Plate, starting from the Musandam Peninsula and stretching all the way to the east of Oman. The mountain’s geology is divided into four groups of rock layers:

• Base rocks like carbonates
• Continental shelf carbonates
• Rocks that have moved from their original positions, commonly known as nappes
• Marine and terrestrial sedimentary rocks

GEOGRAPHICAL SECTIONS OF AL HAJAR MOUNTAINS

Geographically the Hajar Mountains are divided into the following sections:

CENTRAL HAJAR

The central part of the Al Hajar Mountains is the wildest terrain of all. It features the two highest mountains of the Hajar region – Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar – both of which are located in Oman.

EASTERN HAJAR

Eastern Hajar is located closer to the city of Sur, a fishing point in northeastern Oman. This section is also known as Al-Ḥajar Ash-Sharqī.

WESTERN HAJAR MOUNTAINS

Generally, Western Hajar refers to the western mountainous region of Samail. But since Jabal Akhdar and the surrounding mountains are located in close proximity, they are often considered a part of Western Hajar. Western Hajar is also known as ‘Al Hajar Al Gharbi’ in Arabic.

NORTH-WESTERN HAJAR

The northwestern area of the Hajar Mountains include Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE. Rising up to a height of 1,934 metres, it is a popular tourist destination in the country.

Jebel Jais in Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaimah, offers an electic range of interesting and adventurous activities. From zip lining to trekking, there’s so many things to do in Jebel Jais UAE.

OUTLIERS

JEBEL HAFEET

Located at the juncture of Oman and Abu Dhabi, Jebel Hafeet is a skyline-dominating giant in the region, standing at a monumental height of 1,249 metres. Also known as Jebel Hafit, it is a majestic landmark where you can soak up beautiful views and click selfies. There are several other things to do in Jebel Hafeet that you can indulge in.

SHUMAYLIYYAH

The mountains surrounding the Shumayliyyah coast may be also considered an outlier of Al Hajar Mountains. These mountains spread across three northern emirates of the UAE: Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The major peak in this region is Jebel Al Heben.

MOUNTAINS IN THE AL HAJAR RANGE IN UAE

While there are plenty of mountains in the UAE that fall within the Al Hajar mountainous region, the key sites include:

• Jebel Jais
• Jebel Hafeet
• Hatta Mountains

AL HAJAR MOUNTAINS WADIS

There are quite a few valleys/wadis in the Hajar Mountains. Some of the most notable include:

• Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah | Known for exotic wildlife
• Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah | Comprises Shawka pools and dam
• Wadi Hatta in Al Hajar Mountains Dubai | Famous for Hatta dam and Wadi Hatta Hub
• Wadis in Fujairah | Key valleys in Fujairah Hajar Mountains include Wadi Al Waruyah, Wadi Al Hayl and Wadi Siji

THINGS TO DO IN THE UAE HAJAR MOUNTAINS

TREK ALONG THE MOUNTAINS

Trekking is definitely one of the primary reasons for visiting the Al Hajar Mountains. Hike through the rocky mountains with your family or friends, taking in the glorious views surrounding you. Make sure you bring all the necessary refreshments with you.

CONSIDER HAJAR MOUNTAINS CAMPING

Camping is another way to spend quality time in the Hajar Mountains. Set up a tent, pick your campsite and prep up the food. To enrich your camping experience, you can play games, go for a night walk or gaze at stars. Feel like recreating childhood memories? Make shadow puppets!

DISCOVER FAUNA AND FLORA

The mountains are noted for hosting different varieties of fauna and flora. They are rich in olive, fig, pomegranate and apricot trees. With regard to animals, Arabian Caracals (medium-sized wild cats) can sometimes be spotted.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES NEARBY

Depending upon which side of the mountains you’re on, they’ll be a whole range of different activities nearby. Jebel Jais offers zip-lining, whilst Hatta Wadi Hub offers horse riding and kayaking. Not feeling the activities vibe?Just enjoy the breathtaking vistas and maybe click some envy-inducing selfies!

AL HAJAR MOUNTAINS FACTS

• The Hajar Mountains are located primarily in Oman but extend considerably into the east of the UAE.
• Hajar Mountains weather is usually partly cloudy with temperatures between 17°C – 31°C in the warmer months of the year. During the winter months the temperature can sometimes drop as low as 0°C!
• Popular hotels near the mountain range include the JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

FAQs

HOW WERE THE HAJAR MOUNTAINS FORMED?

The topic is still under debate. Some geologists, however, suggest that the mountains came into being as a result of Zagros’ formation – a zone of rocks created as an aftermath of the collision between the Eurasian and Arabian Plates.

WHAT IS THE MOST POPULAR PLACE FOR CAMPING IN DUBAI?

Hatta is the most popular destination for camping in Dubai. Offering a range of campsite facilities, Hatta camping offers an unrivalled camping experience. When there, you can even consider staying in these trailer-style hotels of the UAE.

WHAT ARE TOP TRAILS FOR HIKING IN THE UAE?

The UAE is covered with various hiking trails that allow you to enjoy the glorious natural terrain the country has to offer. Jebel Hafeet and Hatta are some of the most popular hiking trails in the UAE.

With that, we wrap up our guide to the Hajar Mountains in the UAE. If you’re in the Hajar region, the beautiful Al Ain Madhab Hot Springs are certainly worth a visit.