Jebel Jais is the highest peak in the UAE at 1,934 metres, and the road that climbs it from the desert floor is one of the great drives in the Gulf. The Ras Al Khaimah government has poured money into the mountain over the last decade, sealing a smooth two-lane road with viewpoints, picnic areas, an observation deck near the summit, and the now-famous zipline operated by Toroverde.
The drive itself takes around 45 minutes from the city, climbing through rust-coloured limestone gorges with steady switchbacks. The summit area is noticeably cooler than the coast — in winter the air drops below 10°C and on rare occasions there has been a light frost. Even without the zipline, the via ferrata, the sledge run, and the simple act of standing on a Gulf mountaintop with the lights of Oman visible below make the trip worthwhile. Go at sunset.