Top Of The Mountain

Jebel Hafeet (Jebel means mountain and Hafeet is the name) is the highest mountain within the easily reachable hills around the eastern front of the UAE.

Located 160 kilometres from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it borders a part of Al Ain city with the neighbouring territory of Oman.

If you can beat the sunrise to reach the top of Jebel Hafeet you can see many wonders unfold right in front of you.

Dramatic scenes whet the senses all along the 9km steep road and for another 4-5km from the roundabout on the Al Ain-Al Wagan Road from where the road bends towards the east.

When driving uphill, you will come across the Mubazzarah Green Park — a beautiful spot for outings with a mosque, restaurants, chalets and many sheds. One can also approach it from the Mezyad or Omani side.

I still remember the first time I reached the hilltop in September 1984. It felt like paradise, with not a soul around.

A few Desert Larks, Arabian Yellow Wasps and Oriental Wasps were busy feeding on food left behind by visitors. One of the most eye-catching sights were the large white flowers from the Common Caper Capparis Cartilaginea family, some turning red as they were maturing.

It is amazing to note how this evergreen plant grows on this barren tableland, virtually devoid of water.