Hiking might not be the first word that comes to mind when travelers think of Dubai. City-sized malls, pristine beach resorts, and luxurious mega-yachts have all stolen the spotlight in this desert city, but I’m here to tell you its best-kept secret: The UAE has some of the most extraordinary hiking trails in the world.
From Martian-esque landscapes to rugged wadi treks, traversing off the beaten track in the UAE is a unique way to see a new side to the country and better understand the rural lifestyle that still exists in the Emirates. From the bustling streets of Bur Dubai to the simple pearling villages on the coast, there’s a lot more to the UAE than the Burj Khalifa.
So visiting Dubai and need a city break? Live in the Emirates and want to experience a new side of the country? In this guide, I’ll break down my top 10 favorite hiking trails in the UAE and exactly how to get there from Dubai. Let’s get exploring!
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Recommended Tours in the UAE
Looking for more things to do around the UAE? Check out some of these highly recommended tours!
🐪 Desert Safari from Dubai or Abu Dhabi – Experience the desert with dune bashing, camel rides, and more!
🕌 Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai – Visit the Louvre and Grand Mosque on this day trip from Dubai
🇦🇪 Dubai Old Town Tour – Try traditional foods, ride an abra in Dubai Creek, and explore Old Dubai
Things to Know Before Hiking in the UAE
Due to its arid landscapes and often extreme conditions, hiking in the UAE can be a completely different experience from trekking on foot anywhere else in the world. Here are a few things to consider before you hit the trails.
- Consider Your Fitness Levels: Have you been on a hike before? Do you have experience hiking elsewhere in the world? These are all important questions to consider before setting out on a trek in the Emirates. Consider your current fitness levels and don’t be afraid to start with one of the easier hikes on this list to get started.
- Join a Group Trip: If this is your first time hiking, or you’d rather not hike alone, there are plenty of group trips organized throughout the Emirates. I recommend checking Meetup for organized groups.
- Pack Plenty of Water: You’ll need way more water than you think! I recommend at least 3 liters per person. I carry this water bladder with me on all my hikes in the UAE.
- Consider the Geography: Are you hiking in the rocky mountains of the north? The desert landscapes of the south? Consider the landscape you are visiting before you begin your hike in the UAE and make sure you pack appropriately.
- Dress Accordingly: I recommend lightweight but full-coverage clothing for hiking in the UAE. Not only will this keep you protected from the sun, but many hikes are in more rural areas where conservative dress is appreciated. Consider long-sleeve hiking tees like this one from Columbia.
- Hike in the Correct Season: Simply put, the summer months are too hot to be hiking in the UAE. The best season for hiking is between October-March, when the temperatures are more mild. Regardless of the season, I recommend beginning early to maximize shade and cooler temperatures.
- Pay Attention to the Weather: While rain is scarce in the UAE, reconsider your hike if you choose the one rainy way of the year! Much of the infrastructure of the UAE is not equipped for rain, and many desert landscapes are prone to flash floods in the case of rain.
Recommended Reading: The Ghost Town of Al Madam – Exploring a Buried Village in the UAE
Understanding This Guide
While living in the Emirates, I hiked nearly every weekend (sometimes, quite frankly, against my own best interest!) Here I’ve compiled my top 10 hiking trails, all accessible from Dubai. With everything from urban treks to multi-day mountain hikes, there’s something for every hiker on this list.
I’ve organized this list by distance from Dubai, but also specified trekking difficulty for each hike. I’ve also written extensively about many of the hikes mentioned here, so check out my in-depth guides for each as you go along. Happy hiking!
Best Hiking in Dubai City
Don’t want to leave the city limits? Here are the best hikes within the city of Dubai.
1. Zero Point Running Track
By far the closest hike you can get to Dubai, the Zero Point Running Track is an urban trek passing by all of Dubai’s most popular beaches. Beginning at Jumeirah Beach just beyond the Burj Al Arab, this trek continues for 5.1 miles alongside many of Dubai’s most notable landmarks. Admire the paragliders along Kite Beach or wave to the Burj Khalifa in the distance!
The path itself is completely flat and rubberized, so it’s an easy hike suitable for any fitness level. The path also has access to public restrooms along the way as well as a number of restaurants. I recommend a stop at SALT in Kite Beach – try their salt and vinegar fries and thank me later!
ZERO POINT RUNNING TRACK
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.1 miles/8.2km
Location: 25.147373, 55.194181 (Starting Point)
Cost: Free
2. Mushrif Park Trails
Mushrif Park is a hidden gem in Dubai, its extensive network of trails immediately transporting you from bustling city streets to tranquil nature paths. While there are a number of trails to choose from in the park, the best is its 9.7km hiking trail through the desert landscapes.
During the route, hikers will be able to view a number of unique changing landscapes, as well as wildlife native to the area. Keep an eye out for plenty of friendly chipmunks, and if you’re lucky, a stoic Arabian Gazelle! The route is also fully equipped with public restrooms and plenty of signage, so it’s a great start for beginners.
If you’re into biking, Mushrif Park is also home to over 50 km of biking trails, as well as a skills course and pump track. Come for a hike, or bring your bike and get your adrenaline pumping!
MUSHRIF PARK TRAILS
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6 miles/9.7 km
Location: 25.223475, 55.452272 (Administration Office)
Cost: 10 AED per car
Best Hiking in The Emirate of Dubai
The Emirate of Dubai encompasses the city but so much more – stretching out into the desert and including the mountainous enclave of Hatta. If you want to explore beyond the city limits but still stay close to home, here are the best hikes in the Emirate of Dubai.
3. Al Qudra Lakes Trails
An hour drive from downtown Dubai lies the Al Qudra Lakes – home to a number of trails and some of the most extraordinary wildlife in the country. Over 170 species of birds call the lakes home, from commonly spotted flamingos, geese, and ducks to rarer species like the steppe eagle and Asian houbara.
The Al Qudra Lakes are home to a number of trails and are a popular spot for desert camping in Dubai. The most popular trail surrounds the Love Lakes – two interlocking lakes in the shape of a heart encircled by 7 km of trail. Come wander the lakes with someone you love before pitching your tent under a night of desert stars.
There are a number of other lakes in the area that can be explored either on foot or by car. Check out this in-depth guide to all the lakes in the area.
AL QUDRA LAKES
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: ~4.3 miles/7 km
Location: 24.839975, 55.352506 (Main Al Qudra Lake)
Cost: Free
QUICK TIP: The Al Qudra Lakes are located right by the Al Marmoum Racetrack, home to Dubai’s weekly camel races! Check out my guide to visiting this popular Emirati sport.
4. Hatta Sign Hike
Perhaps the most Instagram-famous hike in the Emirates, the Hatta Sign hike in Hatta’s Wadi Hub puts the Hollywood Sign to shame. Hatta is an enclave of the emirate of Dubai, located approximately 140km (1.5 hours by car) from downtown Dubai. The towering skyscrapers are replaced by the towering Hajar Mountains, and in the middle of them all lies the Hatta Sign, perfect for sweeping views or epic Insta shots.
The hike is short but steep, a little over 3 km round trip but with major elevation gain in the first half. Beginning at Wadi Hub, a “hub” of adventure activities such as cycling, high ropes courses, and more, the trail quickly turns uphill and takes hikers all the way to the viewpoint, where they can snap a photo with the 19-meter tall sign, or admire the views into neighboring Oman.
Want to hike the Hatta Sign for yourself? Check out my in-depth guide to every step of the hike!
HATTA SIGN HIKE
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Distance: 1.9 miles/3 km
Location: 24.814353, 56.159866 (Wadi Hub Parking Area)
Cost: Free
Best Hiking in the UAE
The UAE is actually home to 7 Emirates, each with their own unique personalities and terrain. Beyond the boundaries of Dubai lie 6 more emirates to explore, and here are some of the best hikes in the UAE.
5. Fossil Rock
One of my favorite hikes in the UAE, Fossil Rock is a geologist’s dream, the route taking hikers over a fossil-laden rock with sweeping views of the desert. Keep your eye out as you trek for prehistoric nummulites embedded in the rock, or admire the orange sands of the surrounding Mleiha Desert.
Despite being located in Dubai’s neighboring Emirate of Sharjah, Fossil Rock is only a short drive from downtown Dubai, making it one of the best day hikes on this list. I’d describe the hike as medium difficulty, mainly due to its somewhat unmarked path and flexible route. I’ve broken down each step of the process in my Fossil Rock Hiking Guide, so don’t fret too much about missing the trail and get to spotting prehistoric gastropods!
FOSSIL ROCK HIKE
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 5 miles/8 km
Location: 25.10029, 55.50297 (Parking Spot for Hike)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Sharjah – 70 km from Dubai
6. Wadi Naqab
Wadi Naqab might be one of the most technical hikes in the UAE, but worth every step. Located in the northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, this hike combines all the best elements of a UAE trek – winding wadis, mountaintop villages, and sweeping views. It’s truly one of my favorite hikes in the country, a perfect combination of technical and challenging but with epic payoff.
The Wadi Naqab hike begins fairly flat, wandering along a well-compacted dirt road through a wadi. The hike then takes you up the side of the wadi over a wide rocky ledge, an adrenaline boost with epic views before descending yet again into a wadi filled with small winding pools. Finally, you’ll climb steeply uphill to the final point of the hike – the rural, mountaintop village of Al Sanat, complete with terraced farms and epic views of the Hajar Mountains.
The Wadi Naqab trail is fairly well-marked, but I still recommend following a Wikiloc Guide to ensure you follow the trail correctly, as it can be fairly technical.
WADI NAQAB
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Distance: 8.6 miles/13 km
Location: 25.690768, 56.041753 (Parking Spot for Hike)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Ras Al Khaimah – 115 km from Dubai
7. Wadi Shees
For those who want to explore outside the city limits but aren’t looking for a hike of epic proportions, the Wadi Shees Nature Trail is the perfect in between. This is the perfect introductory hike – 1.8 km through a date farm, where visitors can observe the date growing process in action.
The trail also takes visitors along an ancient falaj – an ancient system of irrigation utilized throughout the Arabian Peninsula to transport fresh water year round. The falaj beside the Wadi Shees Nature Trail is one of the oldest in the country, 3,000 years old to be exact! The trail is a great way to get to know about the history of the emirates while also spending some time outside in nature.
The best part? Wadi Shees is home to its own microclimate, meaning it’s cooler year round! If you’re looking for a respite from the summer heat, check out my guide to planning the perfect day trip to Wadi Shees.
WADI SHEES
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.1 miles/1.8 km
Location: 25.291278, 56.244973 (Beginning of Trail)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Sharjah – 120 km from Dubai
8. Al Rabi Hike
Located on the UAE’s stunning eastern coastline, the Al Rabi Hike is one of the best places from which to view the Gulf of Oman. This hike is located right outside the city of Khor Fakkan, meaning you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the seaside city once you reach the final lookout.
With a roundtrip distance of 5.5 kilometers, the Al Rabi Trail is a great starting point for those interested in dipping their toes into hiking, but with a gradual elevation, it’s certainly not a walk in the park either. The trail begins at the Al Rabi Tower (Burj al Rabi), a watchtower constructed in 1915, and continues up the adjacent mountain. You’ll have epic views of the ocean the entire time – make sure to keep your eyes peeled for boats, dolphins, and a few hidden beaches along the way!
Al Rabi is one of my favorite hikes in the UAE, but Khorfakkan is my favorite city! If you still have time after your hike, check out Shark Island – my favorite snorkeling spot in the country!
AL RABI HIKE
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Distance: 3.4 miles/5.5 km
Location: 25.339901, 56.357955 (Parking Spot for Trail)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Sharjah – 130 km from Dubai
9. Wadi Ghub
Wadi Ghub is colloquially called the “Rainbow Spectrum Hike” and for good reason. From the moment you step foot in the wadi you’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet – multicolored rocks create layers of color all around you, appearing like a rainbow. While the most photographed spot of this hike is the Rainbow Valley – where layers of white and pink rock align to create a colorful swell – the entire wadi is filled with multi-colored rocks and is certainly worth exploring.
Wadi Ghub is one of the most customizable hikes on this list. The Rainbow Valley is a mere 3.2 roundtrip from the trailhead, meaning even novice hikers can go get the Insta-shot they’re looking for. However, there’s plenty more to see in the wadi, so more experienced hikers can continue on up to 13 km into the wadi to find views into neighboring Oman. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Wadi Ghub to explore all the different hiking routes in this valley.
WADI GHUB
Difficulty: Easy/Medium/Difficult (routes vary)
Distance: 2-8 miles/3.2-13 km
Location: 25.577142, 56.185255 (Parking Spot for Trail)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Fujairah – 140 km from Dubai
10. Stairway to Heaven
Last but not least, the final place on this list goes to the UAE’s most challenging hike, the Stairway to Heaven. This hike has an infamous reputation – known for its never ending uphill and gravely, technical path. The irony is that this remote hike is a daily commute for many – you’ll likely pass plenty of local villagers making their way up the mountain if you decide to take the trek.
I’m a fairly strong hiker, but I actually believe the Stairway to Heaven hike is a great challenge for those wanting to test their physical abilities (and have epic views while they do it!) It’s a challenging hike mainly for its elevation – it’s basically an uphill climb to the top with little to no respite. However, the views of the surrounding cliffs are extraordinary, making every uphill step worth it.
If you’re nervous about the challenge, I recommend camping at a shelter along the route. We did this and found it way easier to tackle the hike over two days. You can read all about my own hike of the Stairway to Heaven in my in-depth guide to the route.
STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5-12 miles/8-20 km
Location: 25.577142, 56.185255 (Parking Spot for Trail)
Cost: Free
Emirate: Fujairah – 140 km from Dubai
Why Go Hiking in the UAE?
While your trip to Dubai should certainly include all the glitz and glam the city is known for, consider adding a hike or two to your list. The United Arab Emirates is a hidden gem in the hiking world, and just imagine the look on your friends and family’s faces when you tell them you went hiking in Dubai!
Love hiking? Check out some of my hiking guides from around the world, including my in-depth guide to backpacking Turkey’s Lycian Way or my favorite hike on the African continent. Even with my trekking all across the world, the Martian landscapes of the UAE will always have a special place in my heart.
Did I miss any hikes on this list? Let me know in the comments below, or click here to keep exploring the UAE!
UAE Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to the UAE
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout the UAE on Booking.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a UAE road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting adventures all around the UAE
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
I never knew the UAE had so many hikes! Saving this for when I’m in the region. Thank you.
These are stunning hikes. I especially love the looks of Al Quadra lakes Trails.
I’m personally not a big hiker but all your recommendations have inspired me to try it! I never knew that there were so many picturesque hiking spots in the UAE. I’ll be saving this post for a future trip. Thanks for sharing all your recommendations for hiking trails.
I admit that hiking and Dubai aren’t necessarily two things that I would put together, but you’ve highlighted some great looking hikes and outlined some useful tips for the climate, culture and terrain. The Stairway to Heaven hike sounds great!
I wondered how I missed doing hikes in Dubai as I have been there so many times, but then I realised most mountainous ones are in neighbouring emirate states. I can only imagine how hot it must be to hike there – you are brave!
When I think of Dubai, hiking is not the first thing I think of. In fact, I’m rather surprised to learn that there are hikes there. I would love to try out the Starway to Heaven trail.