UAE hiking trails that are worth the sweat

With winter at an end, begin your hiking journey in the UAE

Take a load of snacks to keep your energy high, water to keep you hydrated and electrolytes to save you from getting fuzzy on this curated list of less traveled hikes that have beginner and moderate level hikes.

Sulphur pools in Fujairah - Wadi Dahir

A start for beginner hikers that just want to enjoy the hike and it comes with a sweet treat of sulphur pools as well. The hike is around 3 km and you can spot an abundance of desert wildlife on the trail. Sulphur water is known for its skin-friendly properties, it heals skin issues like acne, psoriasis and also softens the skin with its properties.

Add this hike trail to your list, obtain the location below:

Google maps location: Fujairah Adventures Al Dahir Hiking Trail

Secret Beach in Khorfakhan

A unique trail that leads to an empty beach spot in Khorfakhan, which is usually 3.7km long. You can start at the stairs and go up the summit to reach the secret beach at the end of the trail and travel back the same way to the exit.

There is a new construction taking place right beside the secret beach at heart beach and cannot be trailed so keep that in mind. Hikers can take a dip in the water at the secret beach as well, so pack for a beachy day.

Google maps location: Secret Beach Khorfakhan

Wadi Abadillah in Fujairah

Looking for greens in the middle of the desert? Then Wadi Abadillah is the hike for you. Filled with lush green vegetation along the trail and a bunch of friendly wildlife as well, this hiking trail is 7 km long and can take 3 hours long. Coming at a moderate level hike, there is an easy car parking spot and the phone signal rarely gets spotty.

The trail has abundant water pools as well, so take a dip if you want to cool down from the hike.

Google maps location: Wadi Abadillah in Fujairah

Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah

A popular hiking spot on this list, around 8.2 km long and takes around 4 hours. This hike has stairs all the way to the Showka dam to help newbie hikers, making it family friendly and pet friendly as well.

We recommend you go with a group to keep company, the cellphone reception is stable on the trail and you will spot lakes at the end of the trail. It is one of the longer hikes around the UAE hiking trails so be ready for a sweaty and energy consuming hike. We did warn you!

Google maps location: Wadi Showka Dam Ras Al Khaimah

Wadi Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah (Right fork)

This is one of the hiking trails that can be harder for new hikers, with steep ascent and loose rocks on the way. The route is 10 km long and can take upto 4 hours, with zero cellphone reception at the route. Cars can be parked at the start of the trail and it is recommended for beginners to go with a guide.

The trail is not marked except for the cairn rocks that lead the way to the top. With immaculate views from the top and a small village nestled there is not much around, trekkers will find bat caves on the way as well. The route back is also the same as the route to reach to the Sheri village at the top.

Google maps location: Wadi Naqab Ras Al Khaimah

Rainbow Valley, Wadi Ghub

Located in the Fujeriah mountains, rainbow valley (preciously spectrum valley) is unlike any other hike in the UAE. A sight to behold and preserve for the beauty it captures. The hike is about 6km long and will take a good 3 hours time, hikers that are beginners can also go on the hike. There is no cellphone reception so keep in mind when you go on the trail.

There are a number of different routes and distances that can be done with some cairns to follow along the way. If you don’t know the area go with a guide, we recommend @aft.adventures for this hike. Bring a valid ID along as military personnel in the area may ask to see it.

We recommend you follow @hike_uae for her hiking tips to get you through the trails with ease or give www.wikiloc.com/ a try!