Standing within a protected area that bears the same name, Jebel Hafeet, reaches a summit of approximately 1,200 metres above sea level. It is accordingly the second highest mountain in the country, after Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah.

Jebel Hafeet stretches south, away from the southern edge of Al Ain and its ascent, turning and twisting on a much acclaimed mountain road, makes for breath-taking scenery that encompasses surrounding country and jagged limestone outcrops. In regard to its geology, with the area once covered by the ancient Tethys sea around 70 million years ago – marine fossils are embedded in its rock at considerable heights above sea level.

The mountain offers a bird’s-eye view of the Hajar mountains, landscapes including Oman, cloud formations beneath, and the Green Mubazzarah – an area made verdant by natural hot springs. It also presents evidence of prehistoric civilisation in the Hafeet Tombs sitting at its eastern and northerly bases.¹

A number of outdoors activities are possible from bird watching, to cycling the ascent, having picnics and barbecues in one of the allotted viewing areas, to sitting at the springs or visiting Hafeet’s prehistoric tombs.