Jebel Hafeet Mountain – Al Ain's Iconic Summit Drive Guide 2026

Q: Is it free to drive up Jebel Hafeet?

Yes — completely free, 24 hours a day. No tolls, no tickets. Road maintained by the Abu Dhabi government.

Q: How long does the drive up Jebel Hafeet take?

11.7 km road takes 20-25 minutes each way at the 60 km/h limit. Allow 1.5-2 hours total including summit time.

Q: Can any car drive up Jebel Hafeet?

Yes — fully tarmacked road suitable for any standard car. 4WD not required. Drive carefully on curves in wet weather.

Q: What is Green Mubazzarah?

A naturally green park at the base of Jebel Hafeet with geothermal hot spring pools, lawns, chalets, and a small lake. Entry AED 5-15.

Q: Is Jebel Hafeet the highest mountain in the UAE?

No — Jebel Jais in RAK (1,934m) is highest. Jebel Hafeet at 1,240m is second but far more accessible with the famous summit road.

The UAE's Greatest Mountain Drive

Rising 1,240 metres from the desert floor on the Al Ain–Oman border, Jebel Hafeet is the UAE's second-highest peak and one of its most spectacular natural landmarks. The mountain is open 24 hours, completely free to drive up, and rewards visitors with what is arguably the finest panoramic view in the entire country.

The road to the summit — 11.7 kilometres of perfectly engineered switchbacks with 60 curves — has been listed among the world's best driving roads by Evo magazine. Even if you're not a driving enthusiast, the sheer drama of ascending through the raw limestone landscape with Al Ain sprawling below is an experience that stays with you.

What to Expect at the Summit

The Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet sits at the very top, offering the surreal experience of a full-service hotel perched on a mountain summit in the middle of the desert. Their rooftop terrace is open to non-guests for coffee and light meals — the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset spread across two countries. On a clear day you can see deep into Oman's Hajar Mountains.

What to See and Do at Jebel Hafeet

Summit Free

360-Degree Views

On one side: the green grid of Al Ain city and its oases. On the other: the raw Hajar Mountains of Oman and empty desert stretching to the horizon.

Summit Hotel

Mercure Grand Hotel

Stay at the summit for a genuinely unique UAE experience. Non-guests can use the café terrace for sunset coffee — one of the UAE's best sunset spots.

Nighttime

Night Drive

Driving up after dark gives a completely different experience — the lights of Al Ain below and the stars above make for extraordinary night photography.

Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs

At the base of Jebel Hafeet lies Green Mubazzarah, a small oasis park with natural hot spring pools, green lawns, chalets, and paddle boats — all completely unexpected in the middle of the UAE desert.

Facility	Cost	Notes
Park Entry	AED 5–15	Seasonal price variation
Hot Spring Pools	Included	Natural geothermal pools
Chalets (day use)	AED 100–200	Private area with BBQ facilities
Pedal Boats	AED 20–30	On the small lake
Camping (overnight)	AED 50–100	Popular November–February

Insider Tips

Time your drive to arrive at the summit 30–40 minutes before sunset — the light is extraordinary and the temperature is perfect at altitude.
The road has a 60 km/h speed limit which is strictly enforced — enjoy the curves at a steady pace rather than rushing. The road itself is part of the experience.
The summit is approximately 10°C cooler than Al Ain city below — bring a light jacket even in mild winter months as the wind at altitude can be cold.
Green Mubazzarah is best visited in the morning — by afternoon it can fill up, especially on weekends and public holidays.
There is a small café near the summit viewpoint area for refreshments. The Mercure Hotel restaurant is higher-priced but the terrace views are unmatched.
After dark, the drive down Jebel Hafeet with the lights of Al Ain below is a spectacular experience — if you have the time, stay for the full sunset and drive down in the dark.
The mountain also contains prehistoric Bronze Age tombs (Jebel Hafeet Tombs) at the base, visible from the road — stop and look before beginning your ascent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to drive up Jebel Hafeet?

Yes — completely free, 24 hours a day. There are no tolls, no tickets, and no entry requirements. The road is maintained by the Abu Dhabi government and open to any vehicle capable of driving a winding mountain road.

How long does the drive up Jebel Hafeet take?

The summit road is 11.7 km with 60 curves. At the 60 km/h speed limit, the drive takes approximately 20–25 minutes each way. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours total for a visit with time at the summit to enjoy the views.

Can any car drive up Jebel Hafeet?

Yes — the road is fully tarmacked and suitable for any standard car. 4WD is not required. The road is well-maintained and regularly used by touring motorcycles, sports cars, and ordinary family saloons. Drive carefully on curves in wet weather.

What is Green Mubazzarah and is it worth visiting?

Green Mubazzarah is a naturally green park at the base of Jebel Hafeet with geothermal hot spring pools, lawns, chalets, and a small lake. Entry costs AED 5–15. It's a very pleasant half-hour stop before or after the mountain drive, especially for families.

Is Jebel Hafeet the highest mountain in the UAE?

No — Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah (1,934m) is the highest peak in the UAE. Jebel Hafeet at 1,240m is the second highest. However, Jebel Hafeet is far more accessible by car and offers the better-known summit road and hotel experience.

Jebel Hafeet