What can you do in and around Jebel Hafeet?

Serving as a vital piece in the jigsaw puzzle of UAE’s ancient history, Jebel Hafeet is the highest peak in Abu Dhabi. There are many things to do at Jebel Hafeet, right from gravity-defying thrills to more sedate historic adventures. Depending on your interests, you can either take a look at the beehive tombs of Jebel Hafeet or enjoy the magnificent views of Al Ain from the top of the mountain. 

Best things to do at Jebel Hafeet 

Forged out of craggy and weather-beaten limestone, this place narrates a tale of the UAE’s transformation from the Bronze Age through significant fossil discoveries made in the area. If you want to know what to do at Jebel Hafeet and how to spend your time there, have a look at the list of the things to do in and around Jebel Hafeet.

Explore the tombs at Jebel Hafeet

Standing tall in its rugged landscape, Jebel Hafeet is home to a large number of tombs. You will be surprised to know that there are over 500 tombs – that can be traced back to 5000 years – in the Jebel Hafeet foothills, marking the beginning of the Bronze Age in the country.

In 1959, when Danish archaeologists explored the site, they found copper and ceramic vessels in these tombs. The discovery took the entire world by storm and now people come from various places to take a look at these single-chambered tombs. Comprising of roughly cut stones, they still speak volumes about the Jebel Hafeet archaeology.

Drive around the highway in Jebel Hafeet

Many people travel to these mountains to make their way to the top and gaze at the sky from there. But, even if you don’t have such a desire, try this out – you will love it. Drive or, if you are feeling like combining fun and fitness, cycle your way across the mountain via a winding highway. Considered among the world’s greatest driving roads, the highway will offer you an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views of Al Ain.

Enjoy the beautiful views of the city 

The drive up to the mountain has plenty of scenic viewpoints and once you reach the summit, you can literally see the entire region beneath you. The panoramic views of the city from the top are truly breathtaking.

How to go to Jebel Hafeet from Dubai?

You can reach Jebel Hafeet from Dubai as well. If you’re wondering, how to go to Jebel Hafeet from Dubai using public transport, worry not! While driving your own vehicle is the easiest way to get to Jebel Hafeet, you can also get there by public transport. Take the metro to Deira City Centre. Once you reach the metro station, walk to the bus station, take a bus from there and head to Al Jubail Bus Station, Sharjah. Hop on a bus from Sharjah and step out of the bus at Al Ain Bus Station. From there, where you can board a bus and reach your desired destination.

Things to do around Jebel Hafeet Al Ain

Other than the things that you can do at Jebel Hafeet Al Ain, there are many other things to do around the area. 

Relax at Mercure Jebel Hafeet Hotel

If you’re tired after exploring the place, you can relax at the Mercure Jebel Hafeet resort, located nearby. Built in a modern style, Mercure is a unique resort in Al Ain. It has spacious rooms with a minibar, three restaurants and swimming pools. You can enjoy a fine spread of French, Moroccan and Italian cuisine at the hotel. 

There are many parking options available for guests. You can park your car in on-site, private, accessible, free, and electric vehicle parking areas depending on their availability at Mercure.

• Location: Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel
• Timings: 24/7
• Contact: +971-3-704-6888

Take a look at Al Jahili Fort

Al Jahili Fort is a cultural centrepiece in Abu Dhabi. Established in the 1890s by Zayed The First, it was the official residence of the Al Nahyan ruling family. Between 2007 and 2008, it was finally restored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, to be renovated into a museum, and open to the public. 

Now it is one of the top tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi that has a permanent and temporary exhibition gallery. If you’re curious to know about the philosophy and heritage of the city, this place will offer you a lot to explore. It is surrounded by a lush green park so once you’re done looking at the cultural and historical objects, you can unwind at the park.

• Location: Sultan Bin Zayed Al Awwal St – Al Mutawaa, Al Ain
• Timings: Tue-Thurs, Sat & Sun: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm, Mon & Fri: 03:00 pm – 05:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-711-8311

Visit Al Ain Zoo near Jebel Hafeet

One of the best things to do near Jebel Hafeet is to visit Al Ain Zoo. Take a look at the spacious enclosures inhabited by rhinos, tigers, hippos, lions, Barbary sheep and the Arabian Oryx, which is the world’s largest human-made safari. The immersive walk-through experience is also something to cherish at the zoo. You can walk amongst the lemur residents at the zoo for a close encounter – what can be more exciting than enjoying views of lemurs up in the trees, skillfully moving around and using their hands effectively?

There are five interactive galleries as well in the zoo. These include Abu Dhabi’s Living World, Abu Dhabi’s Desert over Time, People of the Desert, Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall and Looking to the Future. You can check them out too on your visit to the zoo.

• Location: Nahyan The First St, Abu Dhabi
• Timings: Daily: 08:00 am – 09:00 pm
• Contact: +971-3-799-2000

Learn about the heritage of Abu Dhabi at Hili Archaeological Park

Named after the island near Abu Dhabi, Hili Archaeological Park is both a public garden and an archaeological site. It consists of many monuments which date back to 2500 BCE to 2000 BCE. The most famous monument of them is Hili Grand Tomb. Engraved with beautiful portraits of human and animal figurines, it invites people to dig into the Umm an- Nar culture.

There are also Bronze Age forts and settlements in the park that you can check out. Other than archaeological structures, there are fountains and a children’s play area. If you’re bringing along your children, drop them here so that they don’t get bored.

• Location: Mohammad Bin Khalifa St, Al Ain
• Timings: Daily: 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-666-4442

Apart from the ones listed above, there are many historical sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain that you can check out to know more about the cultural past of the emirate. 

Other than these beautiful destinations, you can find many Instagrammable locations in Abu Dhabi that definitely deserve a visit. In fact, it is still working towards creating more such places. Take a look at the upcoming attractions in Abu Dhabi and see what more the city has to unfold!