03Cities and regions

The north

Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais

Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate, set between the sea and the Hajar Mountains, and its city succeeds the historic port of Julfar. Its highlight is Jebel Jais, where a 36-kilometre road climbs in hairpin after hairpin almost to the top. The summit itself, at 1,934 metres, lies on the Omani side; on the UAE side the high point reaches about 1,892 metres. Near the top of the road there are car parks, food stalls and a viewing platform. Here too is the zip line opened in 2018, 2,832 metres long, with speeds of up to 150 km/h. In winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and snow fell on the mountain in 2009, 2017 and 2020. On the coast, Dhayah Fort stands on a rocky hill, and the old town of Jazirat Al Hamra keeps its abandoned houses and wind towers. Bring warm clothes in winter, set off early to see the valleys before the haze rises, and check the weather before you drive up.

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Jebel Jais road

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Zip line

About 192,000

City population