As Ras Al Khaimah continues to rise as the adventure capital of the UAE, its highest peak, Jebel Jais, stands out as the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers. If Ras Al Khaimah is the Nature Emirate, then Jebel Jais is undoubtedly its crown jewel. With swirling mountain roads, cooler temperatures, and startling views of the Hajar Mountains, it offers more than just breathtaking scenery; it is a haven for those looking to escape the noise, break free from the routine, and chase excitement.
Jebel Jais is far more than just the highest peak in the UAE. It's home to a thriving network of adrenaline-fueled experiences. From the world’s longest zipline to Bear Grylls’ survival courses and mountain dining at 1484, the UAS’s highest restaurant, there are countless things to do in Jebel Jais for those craving adventure. Whether it's flying, sliding, dining, climbing, camping or glamping, every moment spent on the Jebel Jais promises something extraordinary.
Jebel Jais zipline zips across the mountain valley at 160km/h. The sheer length and height of this experience make it one of the most iconic adventures in the region. For anyone ticking off bucket list items, this Jebel Jais zipline is non-negotiable. Add a seated experience of Jais Sky Tour, the fun ride of Jais Sledder, and the survival courses at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, and it's easy to see why this area has become a hub for Ras Al Khaimah’s adventure activities.
Start from the Base: Things to Do in Jebel Jais
The mountain’s base isn’t just where the road begins; it’s also where the adventure begins. Jebel Jais is alive with activities, offering an ideal mix of adrenaline, exploration, and peace. From structured survival courses to leisurely mountain viewing and family-friendly activities, the journey upward is lined with experiences that leave a lasting impact. Here are some must-try Jebel Jais activities, starting from the ground up:
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Bear Grylls Explorer Camp
Offering the world's first Bear Grylls-branded camp, which provides survival courses, adventure activities and cabin accommodation, this isn't just a campsite, it’s an entry point into real-world survival. The camp provides hands-on training through curated survival courses designed by Bear Grylls’ own field-tested methods. Choose from 4-hour, 6-hour, or 24-hour courses.
Expect sessions that go beyond the basics, fire-making without matches, building shelters from scratch, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and even purifying water. Group and solo experiences are both available, with each course focusing on adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving in the wild.
For those looking to extend the experience, the site offers comfortable cabin accommodations. These cabins are intentionally minimalist, equipped with beds, an air conditioner, a functional toilet, a shower and more facilities, making them perfect for an unplugged, nature-immersive overnight stay.
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Viewing Deck Park
Ideal for catching golden hour or a starlit mountain skyline, seated at 1,250 metres, the Viewing Deck Park offers panoramic vantage points over the dramatic valleys of the Hajar Mountains. Located along a scenic bend in the road, this elevated platform includes shaded areas, benches, and telescopes, making it an inviting spot to pause and take it all in. Visitors often stop here to enjoy a quiet moment between adrenaline-fueled adventures, capturing the view or simply watching the clouds roll over the sea.
Unlike the action-packed energy of the Jebel Jais activities nearby, the park delivers a sense of calm, perfect for sunrise or sunset meditations, sunset photography, or sipping a warm drink while soaking in the silence of the peaks.
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Jais Sky Tour
If the Jebel Jais zipline feels a little too daring, the Jais Sky Tour is the ideal stepping stone. This adventure offers a suspended, seated journey across a series of six ziplines connected by aerial bridges, all while suspended up to 125 meters above ground level. The route spans over five kilometres and offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and winding roads.
It’s not just a softer version of Jais Flight, it’s a full experience in its own right. With every glide and pause on a platform, visitors get to soak in the raw, natural beauty of the mountain at a slower, more deliberate pace. It’s a brilliant option for those easing into heights or wanting to appreciate the scenery without the extreme speeds, and an excellent family-friendly activity.
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Jais Flight
This is the headline act for a reason. The Jebel Jais zipline, also known as Jais Flight, is the crown jewel of the mountain’s adrenaline lineup. Spanning 2.83 kilometres in length and perched at an elevation of 1,680 metres, it holds the Guinness World Record as the longest zipline on Earth. Riders are strapped into a horizontal harness, belly-down, superhero style, and launched at speeds of up to 160 km/h over the jagged valleys of the Hajar Mountains.
It's not just the thrill of speed that captivates; it's the feeling of flying, of leaving the ground behind and soaring over one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UAE. With safety standards that match international benchmarks and an experience that blends adventure with awe, it’s an unmissable rite of passage for thrill-seekers visiting Jebel Jais.
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1484 by Puro
Named after its height in meters, 1484 by Puro is the UAE’s highest restaurant and an unmissable destination for anyone visiting the mountain. Set against a backdrop of golden peaks and open skies, the restaurant offers not just a diverse but a memorable dining experience. The menu features an eclectic mix of international cuisine, artfully plated and thoughtfully curated to match the altitude. Whether it’s a warm meal after a winter hike or a celebratory dinner following a zipline ride, the ambience and views elevate every bite.
What sets 1484 by Puro apart is its use of ingredients sourced directly from the Hajar Mountains. Local produce such as olives, olive oil, artemisia tea, honey, and dates are grown in Jebel Jais and thoughtfully incorporated into the dishes served at the restaurant.
Itinerary: A Weekend of Thrills and Chill
Planning a Jebel Jais weekend? Here’s a short itinerary for those aiming to fit it all in:
Day 1
- Start at the base, check in at Bear Grylls Explorer Camp’s cabin accommodation
- Sign up for a survival course or try one of the many activities offered just steps away from the cabins.
- Spend the night at the camp in a Jebel Jais camping cabin
- Enjoy a BBQ under the stars
Day 2
- Wake up early for a guided morning hike
- Drive up to the Viewing Deck Park for coffee and a panoramic view
- Head to either Jais Sky Tour or the iconic Jebel Jais zipline (Jais Flight)
- End the day with sunset views and dinner at 1484 by Puro
Jebel Jais: Not Just for the UAE Residents Anymore
Once a well-kept secret among UAE residents, Jebel Jais is rapidly becoming a global destination for those interested in bucket-list experiences and outdoor activities in the UAE. Whether it's tourists looking for extreme sports Dubai doesn’t offer, or families seeking cool-air escapes, Jebel Jais is now on every itinerary planner’s radar.
Its lineup of signature Jebel Jais activities continues to expand, blending adventure with comfort and accessibility. Between the record-breaking Jebel Jais zipline, the grit-focused Bear Grylls Explorer Camp, and the scenic rest stops like 1484 by Puro, the region offers an unmatched balance of thrill and tranquillity.
The Mountains Are Calling, It’s Time to Answer!
The mountains are calling, and Jebel Jais is the answer for every thrill-seeker ready to rise above the ordinary. It’s more than just a peak. It’s where stories begin and limits are left behind. The list of things to do in Jebel Jais makes it clear, this peak is the UAE’s new altitude of adventure. With growing global attention, improved access, and facilities for both casual explorers and seasoned thrill-seekers, Jebel Jais is no longer just a mountain. It’s an experience. And for those searching for the most unforgettable Jebel Jais activities, the journey is just beginning.
