Want to learn how to go to Jebel Jais from Dubai?
Drive through scenic roadways as you achieve Jebel Jais – the tallest mountain in the North-Western Hajar range in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The peak stands high, with the summit scaling 1,934 meters. As probably the highest peak in the UAE, Jebel Jais is a favourite weekend appeal for visitors and residents alike. The mountain hosts the world’s longest zipline and also the highest bridge in the UAE suspended 1,250 meters above sea level.
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Some of the major attractions at Jebel jais Mountains RAK
Jebel Jais sits 1,934 metres above sea level – the UAE’s highest peak – and reopened to visitors on January 31, 2026 with new entry rules and a fresh roster of attractions. Here is what is open and what to budget for in 2026.
Jais Flight Zipline (the Guinness record holder)
The world’s longest zipline at 2,830 metres, launching from 1,680 metres altitude. You hit speeds of 120 to 160 kph in roughly 3 minutes. Standard ticket costs around AED 370. Book ahead at rakzipline.com – this fills up on weekends and during cooler months.
Jais Sky Tour (six ziplines, 5km route)
If one zipline is not enough, the Jais Sky Tour combines six ziplines across a 5 km mountain route for AED 280. It is the better-value adrenaline package and the only way to see the upper mountain face from the air.
Viewing Deck Park
The UAE’s highest viewing deck. AED 10 entry per person. Bring a picnic, use the telescope, stay for sunset over the Hajar mountains. The hiking and cycling trails connect from this point.
Via Ferrata Climbing
A guided cliff-face climbing route with fixed cables and steel rungs. Bookable through Toroverde – the same operator that runs the zipline. Suitable for beginners with no prior climbing experience.
Hiking and Cycling Trails
Marked trails of varying difficulty start from the Viewing Deck Park area. Best between November and March. Bring water, sun protection and proper shoes – the rock surface is sharp and the heat is unforgiving even in winter.
Camping at 1,250m
Free camping is permitted in designated zones along the upper road. You can pitch a tent next to your car. Bring everything – there are no shops, no toilets after the Viewing Deck Park, no rentals. See our Jebel Jais camping guide for the best spots.
Jais Sledder (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
The 900-metre toboggan ride – the longest in the UAE – is currently closed for maintenance. Check rakzipline.com for reopening updates before you plan your trip around it.
Coming soon attractions
- Earth Hotels Altitude: An eco-based pop-up hotel concept set to feature 15 fully fitted accommodation units, an activation center, and a swimming pool.
- Saij: A Mantis Collection mountain lodge, comprising 35 luxury lodges, will provide a pure mountain retreat that focuses on nature as well as mind, body, and soul with guided treks, mindful pursuits, and creative experiences.
- Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais: This will provide tourists with a ‘glamping’ experience with 30 accommodation units built out of sustainable material.
- Basecamp Jais: This will offer affordable accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and nature lovers. It will serve as a leisure hub at the base of the rugged Jebel Jais mountains.
- Jais Yard: An F&B Village with food trailers, kiosks, retail containers, vintage truck restaurants, open-air cinema, and children’s play areas.
- Jais Wings: Adventure seekers can take off on a paragliding experience from the top of Jebel Jais with landing pads near Saraya Islands and Al RamsThe region’s first paragliding site in the GCC.
- Jais Swing – an Instagramable swing made of twin ropes that provide amazing views and a unique content opportunity.
- Balloon Base with fixed hot air balloons that visitors can take in the infinite beauty of Jebel Jais.
These are only few reasons why people travel from Jebel Jais to Dubai.
New Entry Rules for Jebel Jais (2026)
Jebel Jais reopened to visitors on January 31, 2026 with updated entry rules. There is no formal entrance fee for the mountain road itself, but the Viewing Deck Park requires an AED 10 ticket. Visitors must follow posted speed limits, stay on marked roads, and respect the no-littering rules – rangers patrol the upper sections and fines apply. Drone use requires advance permission from RAK authorities.
Getting to Jebel Jais RAK
Private or Rent a car
From Dubai, take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) north toward Ras Al Khaimah. Exit onto Al Rams Road (E18) and follow signs to Jebel Jais. The full drive is approximately 256 km and takes 2 hours 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai with no traffic. The mountain road from RAK city to the Viewing Deck Park is roughly 35 km and takes another 45 minutes – the climb is steep, well-paved and breathtaking. Salik tolls on the Dubai exit add roughly AED 4 to AED 8 each way.
Taxi
A taxi from Dubai to Jebel Jais costs roughly AED 350 to AED 500 one-way depending on your Dubai pickup point and whether the driver waits for the return trip. For groups of four, this is genuinely competitive with car rental. Hala (via the Careem app) is the most reliable option.
Metro
If a private car is not an option, you could always use a combination of the metro, bus and taxi to reach Jebel Jais. It is one of the cheapest option to travel from Dubai to Jebel Jais. Visitors from Dubai can get onboard the Red Line at the Nakheel Metro Station and get off at the Dubai Deira Terminal. Hop onto buses C-19, C19, or C26 to travel to the nearest stop (Ras al Khaimah Bus Station) and take a taxi from there.
Public Bus Transport
There is no direct public bus from Dubai to Jebel Jais. The realistic public transport route is two-stage: take the RAKTA bus from Dubai Union Station to Al Hamra Bus Station for AED 27 (see our Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah guide), then connect to a taxi or pre-booked tour for the mountain ascent. Total journey time: 4 to 5 hours one way. This is the cheapest option but it is impractical for a day trip.
Shuttles Buses (Terminated)
There are regular shuttle buses from Ras Al Khaimah City, Al Hamra area and Al Marjan Island to Jebel Jais daily for a fee of around 20 AED. These shuttles are offered by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). Visitors can buy tickets on the bus or book them online at Visit Jebel Jais.
From the Dubai Airport
After landing at Dubai airport, take any of the buses in the city to reach Ras Al Khaimah and then hire a taxi or shuttle to reach Jebel Jais. Visitors can also hire direct taxis and town cars to take them to the mountain.
Organised Tours
The smoothest option for visitors without a car is a guided day tour from Dubai. Tours typically include hotel pickup, the mountain drive, the Viewing Deck Park stop, lunch and either zipline tickets (premium) or photo stops only (budget). Prices range from AED 250 to AED 600 per person depending on inclusions.
Which option is best for you?
- Solo or couple, doing the zipline: Rent a car. AED 200 a day plus petrol gives you full flexibility, and you need a car at the top to reach the zipline launch point quickly.
- Group of 4 to 6: Taxi split. AED 400 divided four ways is AED 100 per person, door to door, no rental paperwork.
- Tourist on a tight schedule: Organised tour. Pickup, lunch, attractions and return, all sorted.
- Photographers and sunset chasers: Rent a car and stay until after dark. The drive down at twilight is the experience itself.
- Budget travellers: RAKTA bus to RAK + day tour from RAK city. The cheapest combination if you can spare the time.
How to reach Ras Al Khaimah
Only a 45 minutes drive away from Dubai, it is easy to get to Ras al Khaimah. The emirate is also linked to Dubai by free shuttle buses to and from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Centre Airport, offering easy, direct transfers to Ras Al Khaimah. You can find more information on travelling from Dubai to Jebel Jai on our getting here section.
Incase getting to Ras Al Khaimah by your own transport is not an option check our article on How to travel between RAK and Dubai if you don’t have a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 2 hours 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai to the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, including the 35 km mountain road climb from RAK city which takes another 45 minutes after you exit the highway.
There is no direct bus. The two-stage option is RAKTA bus from Dubai Union Station to Al Hamra Bus Station in RAK for AED 27, then a taxi or tour to the mountain. Total journey: 4 to 5 hours one way.
There is no formal entrance fee for the mountain road. The Viewing Deck Park costs AED 10 per person. Individual attractions like the zipline (AED 280 to AED 370) and Sky Tour (AED 280) are priced separately.
The standard Jais Flight zipline ticket is approximately AED 370. The Jais Sky Tour package, which includes six ziplines across a 5 km route, costs around AED 280. Book online at rakzipline.com to secure your slot.
The Jais Sledder is currently temporarily closed for maintenance. Check the official rakzipline.com website for reopening updates before planning your visit around it.
November through March is ideal. Daytime temperatures sit between 18 and 25 degrees on the mountain, and nights can drop to single digits. Summer (June to September) is doable but harsh – bring extra water and avoid midday hikes.
Yes. Free camping is permitted in designated zones along the upper mountain road. There are no facilities – bring water, food, toilet supplies and pack out everything you bring in.
No. The Jebel Jais mountain road is fully paved and accessible by any standard car. The climb is steep but well-engineered with proper barriers and lay-bys. A regular sedan is fine.
Yes. Several tour operators run day trips from Dubai with hotel pickup, the mountain drive, lunch and either zipline access or photo stops. Prices range from AED 250 to AED 600 per person depending on inclusions.
Jebel Jais stands at 1,934 metres above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates. The Viewing Deck Park sits at approximately 1,250 metres.
Yes. It is a 2 hour 15 minute drive that delivers a completely different landscape to anywhere else in the UAE – mountain switchbacks, cooler temperatures, the world’s longest zipline and some of the best sunsets in the country. A full day trip is enough; a weekend with camping is better.
Drone use at Jebel Jais requires advance permission from RAK authorities. Recreational flying without authorization is not permitted and rangers do enforce the rule.
