Overnight Camping & BBQ at the top of Jebel Jais Mountains

Overnight Camping & BBQ at the top of Jebel Jais Mountains

Ras Al Khaimah is famous for its camping spots, where you can pitch a tent, light a barbecue and leave the city noise far behind. The moment the cooler winter air rolls in, half the country starts hunting for the perfect patch of ground to set up camp under the stars. When it comes to a proper outdoor weekend with friends and family, Jebel Jais camping is right at the top of the list for residents and visitors alike. One thing has changed though, and it matters before you load the car: since the mountain reopened in early 2026, you cannot just drive straight up any more. More on that below.

WOW-RAK Expert Tip: Access to Jebel Jais is now controlled. You need either a confirmed booking for an attraction or restaurant, or a Dh10 Viewing Deck Park ticket bought at the security entrance, before you are allowed past the checkpoint. Sort this out before you set off so you are not turned around at the gate.

Get yourself ready for one cracking camping trip in the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah.

About Jebel Jais Mountain Ras Al Khaimah

Home to the tallest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah gives you a mountain experience like nowhere else in the country. The Hajar Mountains in the eastern part of the emirate were formed more than 70 million years ago and rise to almost 2,000 metres above sea level.

This stretch is part of a range called the Ru’us Al Jibal. Jebel Jais itself, at 1,934m, is the highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah and the whole of the UAE. The mountains are riddled with wadis, hiking trails and mountain bike routes, which is exactly why outdoor lovers keep coming back. For the full picture on everything to do up here, see our complete Jebel Jais guide.

Nature and ecosystem at Jebel Jais

Ras Al Khaimah packs a lot of nature into one emirate, with sandy deserts, coastal strips, salt flats, mangroves and mountains all in reach. That mix makes it a genuinely interesting place for anyone who likes wildlife.

Up on Jebel Jais you share the slopes with mountain goats, camels, foxes, wildcats and hundreds of bird species. After the winter rains the mountains turn surprisingly colourful, with purple lilies, wild irises and white daisies poking out of the rock. Keep an eye out for the Sidr tree too. It is valued locally for its medicinal use, and the bees that feed on its pollen produce the prized mountain honey you will see sold across RAK.

Wadis at Jebel Jais

Wadi is the Arabic word for valley. These valleys fill with rainwater in winter and a few hold water right through summer. After the rains they turn green with local plants and become one of the prettiest spots in the range, ideal for photos or a quiet picnic by a spring. Some of the better known wadis around Jebel Jais and the wider Hajar range are Wadi Shahha, Wadi Albih, Wadi Ghalilah and Wadi Sham.

WOW-RAK Expert Tip: Lovely as the wadis look, do not camp inside them in unsettled weather. They flood fast and without warning when it rains, so pitch on higher ground and check the forecast before you head up.

Jebel Jais Location

The Jebel Jais peak sits in the Hajar Mountains on the northern side of Ras Al Khaimah.

If you are driving yourself, search Google Maps for “Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park” or use the exact plus code W4QJ+3G Ras Al-Khaimah, Ras al Khaimah.

Do not search for just Jebel Jais or Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah, because it can route you in via Oman. It is a known quirk on Google Maps. Use the map below to be safe.

Weather at Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah

As the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais sits in the Hajar mountains that formed over 70 million years ago across the eastern edge of Ras Al Khaimah and into Oman. At 1,934m above sea level it serves up big mountain views and, just as importantly, temperatures that run around ten degrees cooler than down at the coast.

That gap really shows in summer. While the rest of the emirates bake at 43 to 45°C, the Jebel Jais summit holds at a far more bearable 31°C in the daytime and around 29°C in the late afternoon. In the depths of winter it can drop close to freezing at the very top, so pack layers whatever the season.

How to reach Jebel Jais from Dubai?

Jebel Jais is the highest mountain in the UAE with the best view from the top. The road is smooth and well built, so you will not need an SUV or a 4×4 to get up there.

Private or Rent a Car

The mountain road is around 60 km from Ras Al Khaimah city centre, so driving is the easiest option for locals and visitors alike. Remember to have your Dh10 Viewing Deck Park ticket or a confirmed booking ready at the security checkpoint.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find across Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the UAE. Al Hamra taxis are cream coloured, government licensed, metered, air conditioned and comfortable, and all drivers speak English. You can book one within RAK by calling Al Hamra taxi services on 8001700. Dubai is roughly 256.5 km by road from Jebel Jais, so a taxi the whole way is possible but pricey.

Metro

If a car is not an option, you can mix the metro, bus and taxi. From Dubai, take the Red Line to the Dubai Deira terminal, then hop on bus C-19 or C-26 to Ras Al Khaimah bus station and grab a taxi from there.

Public Bus Transport

Several bus services run from Dubai. Buses 17, C-19 and C-26 are the main ones to Ras Al Khaimah bus station, costing around 20 to 25 AED and taking up to 2 hours. From the RAK station you still need an hour long taxi to reach the mountain.

Shuttle buses (Terminated)

RAKTDA used to run shuttle buses up to Jebel Jais from Ras Al Khaimah City, the Al Hamra area and Al Marjan Island for around 20 AED. That service has been terminated, so do not plan around it. Check the official Visit Jebel Jais site for current transport options before you travel.

Camping on Jebel Jais Ras Al Khaimah

Jebel Jais is one of the best camping spots in the UAE. There are several areas along the mountain road that work well for pitching a tent and firing up a barbecue.

Camping is a favourite weekend escape in the UAE, and Ras Al Khaimah is the pick of the bunch thanks to those cooler temperatures. Before you head off for a weekend with family and friends, run through a proper checklist of essentials and make sure your gear is in good shape. Once you are set up, take the usual safety precautions so the trip stays a happy one.

Plenty of people stay the night purely to catch the sunrise over the rock. Just remember that bonfires must go in fire pits and barbecues on a grill, or you risk a fine. Littering and fire violations carry penalties starting at around AED 500, so pack out everything you bring in.

Option 1: Do an evening camp. Spend a few hours with family and friends, enjoy the sunset, fire up the BBQ, do a bit of stargazing and head home without giving up your comfy bed.

Option 2: Stay the full night on top of Jebel Jais for the dawn and dusk views, the BBQ, the stargazing and the late night chats. Someone always has a horror story to tell.

Jebel Jais Camping sites

On the way up there are options to suit every level of camper. First timers should head for the 3 dedicated campsites set up by the government. These have level ground, parking, toilets, shade and clear rules, so they take a lot of the guesswork out of a first trip.

Experienced campers have far more freedom. Free roadside camping is still tolerated in permitted areas along the lower viewpoints, roughly around viewpoints 5 to 8, on a first come first served basis with no marked pitches. You can park and camp at the foot of the mountain or drive higher and find a quiet spot under the stars. Facilities up there are minimal and the rules are enforced, so behave and clean up after yourself.

Facilities available at Jebel Jais for campers

Advanced campers will find plenty of places on the way up to pitch a tent and set up a barbecue. Newcomers are better off at the 3 official campsites, which are levelled for convenience and come with the following:

1. Free parking available
2. An open structure for shade
3. Separate toilets for men and women
4. Easy access to a few shops and a cafe near the viewing deck

Organise Camping Tours with a Local Travel Company

If you would rather have someone else handle the gear, the route and the permits, a few local operators run guided camping and adventure trips on Jebel Jais. Always confirm the latest pricing and availability directly with them before you book.

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp
The region’s first outdoor survival camp, set on the cliffs of Jebel Jais, with survival courses, guided activities and mountain cabin stays. Phone +971 4 815 7333, WhatsApp +971 56 501 5831, email Info@beargryllscamp.ae. See our guide to the Bear Grylls camp for more.

Arabian Wanderers
An RAK based adventure outfit running guided camping, hiking and stargazing trips across the emirate. Check current contact details and trip dates on their official website.

Adventurous Camel
A local tour company offering camping and outdoor experiences in Ras Al Khaimah. Confirm availability and contact details directly before booking.

NI Tours
A UAE tour operator that arranges Jebel Jais camping and day trips. Confirm availability and contact details directly before booking.

Things to pack for Camping

If you have never camped before, put these at the top of your checklist:

1. A moderate size tent for 2, around 200x150x110 cm or smaller, from any hypermarket or ACE
2. Blanket, pillow, towel, slippers and comfortable shoes
3. An extra set of clothes
4. Wet wipes
5. Power supplies such as a power bank and spare batteries
6. Food
7. Water and beverages
8. A mat or a fold up chair, optional
9. Utensils such as disposable plates, spoons, forks, knives and cups

You can also bring a sleeping bag, a torch, barbecue equipment if you want to grill, and a first aid kit. For the full rundown, see our outdoor camping checklist for Ras Al Khaimah.

Read this before visiting Jebel Al Jais Ras Al Khaimah

• Access is controlled. You need a confirmed attraction or restaurant booking, or a Dh10 Viewing Deck Park ticket bought at the security entrance, to drive up. Vehicle numbers are being managed for safety while road repairs continue.
• Jebel Jais reopened on 31 January 2026 after weeks of closure caused by severe December rainfall and a major rockslide. Check the latest status before you set off.
• Jebel Jais is busy on holidays and weekends. For a quieter camp, go off peak.
• The drive from Dubai takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours.
• There are no fuel or gas stations on the mountain, so fill up before you go.
• It is about 10 degrees colder up top than at ground level, so bring warm layers, especially in winter.
• There are no lights at the camping spots.
• The terrain is rough and hilly, so wear closed sports shoes.
• The viewing deck, zip line and camping sites have parking, restaurants and washrooms.
• Bring all your barbecue kit, including coal and lighter fluid, as there are no supermarkets up there.
• Pack a proper camera. The light at sunrise and sunset is worth it.

More details related to Jebel Al Jais

For everything else worth knowing about the mountain, from attractions to the latest access updates, read our complete Jebel Jais guide.