Jebel Hafeet, on the outskirts of the oasis city of Al Ain, is a popular destination for a quick and easy nature break from Abu Dhabi.

During the summer, the cool mountain air on the summit provides relief from the coastal heat.

This is the second highest peak in the UAE, and the winding road up to the top rewards you with far-reaching, sumptuous views across the mountain’s reaches and down to Al Ain.

At the top of the twisting switchback mountain road, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding desert stretching out in all directions.

Hafeet Mountain Road is a challenge for cyclists who use it frequently for training. The Jabal Hafeet Mercure Challenge is a road cycling competition held each January. National and international riders compete in the mountain’s 8% average ascent. [36] It hosted the arrival of the third stage of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour in 2015, which was won by Colombian Esteban Chaves. The road to the top of Jebel Hafeet has been a permanent feature of the UAE Tour since 2019. The mountain was visited twice for the 2020 edition. The first ascent was won by eventual Tour winner Adam Yates, and Team UAE’s promising young rider Tadej Pogacar won stage 5, which ended up being the race’s final stage due to concerns about the coronavirus.