In my memory’s recollections driving through Adhan (أذن) village, there are palm trees extending their fronds to the sky, the desert chasing the highlands, the mountains casting a shadow over valleys and “adhan” (Arabic: call for prayer), echoing throughout the neighboring villages, like in old times, drawing people to the mosque. Dates cultivation is particularly notable in the history of Adhan village. Date palms thrive in a unique mountainous climate, away from the coastal humidity. Dates from Adhan—a delicacy for eaters—are well known in the United Arab Emirates.
While researching Adhan’s village history, I stumbled upon the enigmatic network of mountain roads—Adhan off-road trail.
ENIGMATIC NETWORK OF MOUNTAIN ROADS
It is the middle of January 2023. It recently rained, and the ground is still moist. I was driving around, looking for the place where the entry point to the off-road trail I found on satellite view could be found. Neither the entrance nor the mountain road itself was visible from the main Adhan village road.
GREEN MEADOW
I noticed a green meadow (25.455115, 56.057533) in the valley parallel to the road just before where I was scheduled to turn off the road. A wonderful location for a picnic or quick rest in the shade of the trees, surrounded by lush vegetation. I do not advise camping here due to the area’s proximity to a paved road. A 4×4 vehicle is required to drive down from the main road to the valley. Otherwise, park the car on the side of the road and walk a few meters to reach the green meadow.
THE HIDDEN ENTRANCE POINT TO ADHAN OFF-ROAD TRAIL
The entrance point to the Adhan off-road trail (25.458515, 56.057230) is hidden between agricultural buildings. From the main road, take the turn here: 25.456324, 56.058684.
After driving a short stretch off-road, you will pass by a gate made of barbed wire.
After passing the gate, continue driving till the end of the gravel road to arrive at the parking area surrounded by farmhouses. The entry is marked by a road that begins to ascend a mountain on your left.
In case the gate is closed, there appears to be a different entrance point (you can do this trail in a loop by entering at one location and leaving through a different one). That is, however, still debatable because I did not check this option and I do not know the status of that road. The alternative entrance point is here: 25.465706, 56.061611.
THE MOUNTAIN GIRDED BY NETWORD OF ROADS
Although the trail’s beginning may seem intimidating because it is so steep and narrow, there is nothing to worry about. A layer of concrete supports it, so even after rain, the tires ought to have good traction on the surface.
The entire mountain is girded by a network of roads, and as the trail ascends, it offers wonderful camping spots with breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, the desert, and villages, depending on which side of the mountain you decide to pitch up your tent.
THE BARREN MOUNTAINTOP
The distance from the entrance point to the highest peak, which is located here: 25.459980, 56.045207, is around 3 to 4 kilometers. It is a barren mountain top so it might get a bit windy at times. Plan your journey to arrive there before sunset so you can enjoy the magical scene of the sun setting over the desert, mountains, and picturesque towns in the valleys.
ADHAN OFF-ROAD TRAIL DIFFICULTY
4×4 vehicle required. Due to the partially damaged road in some places on the trail I would rate it somewhere between 6 and 7 out of 10. You should also pay attention to the dead ends—there are plenty of the roads that unexpectedly end by the cliff.
I hope you found this article about Adhan off-road trail helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more interesting places nearby, I recommend you to check: Al Ghail Village—Where the Mountains Meet the Desert or Wadi Tayyibah—Serene Walk in Greenery.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eQMBbr
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://amzn.to/3JmqzNc
REMEMBER!
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, and use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
