Jebel Jais from Dubai: a Ras Al Khaimah day trip guide
Shuttlix teamUpdated October 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE, at 1,934 metres. It is in Ras Al Khaimah, the northern emirate, and it is about 10°C cooler at the top than on the coast. People come for the views, the mountain road and one very long zipline.
How far is it from Dubai?
Ras Al Khaimah city is about 110 km from Dubai, a drive of an hour to an hour and a quarter. From the city, a winding mountain road climbs for another 45 minutes to an hour. Allow about two to two and a half hours from a hotel in Dubai to the top.
What to do on the mountain
- Jais Flight. The longest zipline in the world: almost three kilometres, flown lying face down, high above the valley. Book in advance, and check the age, height and weight limits.
- Jais Sledder. A toboggan on rails that runs down the mountainside. You control the brake, so it suits children and nervous adults.
- The viewing deck park. Terraces with binoculars and wide views over the Hajar Mountains towards the sea. It is the best place for sunset.
- Lunch at 1,484 metres. The restaurant near the zipline centre is the highest in the UAE. Book a table at weekends.
- Hiking. Marked trails start from the upper part of the road. Go with a guide if you do not know the mountains.
More to see in Ras Al Khaimah
If you have time on the way up or down, add one of these:
- Dhayah Fort: a small hilltop fort with a view over palm gardens and the sea.
- Al Marjan Island and Al Hamra: long, quiet beaches and resort hotels.
- The National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah: in an old fort in the city centre.
A one-day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | Leave Dubai |
| 9:30 | Dhayah Fort |
| 11:00 | Jais Flight or Jais Sledder |
| 13:00 | Lunch on the mountain |
| 15:00 | Viewing deck park |
| 16:30 | Drive back, arriving at about 19:00 |
How to get there
There is no public transport up the mountain. A taxi from Ras Al Khaimah city will take you up, but finding one to bring you down is difficult, especially after sunset. Arrange the return before you go.
- From Dubai for the day: a car with a driver for 10 hours covers the drive, the waiting time and the return at one fixed price.
- From Dubai Airport: if you are staying in Ras Al Khaimah, see our Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah transfer.
- From Ras Al Khaimah Airport: Jebel Jais is one of the fixed-price destinations on our RAK Airport transfers page.
Good to know
- Bring a jacket. In winter it can be close to freezing at the top in the early morning and after dark.
- The road has many bends. If you get car sick, sit in the front and eat lightly before the climb.
- Weather can close things. The zipline stops in strong wind, and the road can close after heavy rain. Check on the morning of your trip.
- Weekends are busy. On cold winter weekends, traffic on the mountain road is heavy. Go on a weekday or start early.
Like the idea of the mountains but want a shorter drive? Our Hatta day trip guide covers the mountain town inside the emirate of Dubai.