A few years ago, Jebel Yibir (also known as Jebel Al Mebrah) was an unpopular destination for outdoor lovers. Cold weather and the phenomenon of higher parts of the mountain often sinking in the clouds attracted a lot of adventure seekers, including photographers, explorers, and hikers but unfortunately also random tourists. Due to many accidents and the disturbing calmness of the heritage farms at the top of Jebel Yibir, access to the mountain was restricted, and the road disappeared from Google Maps.
ARMY CHECKPOINTS
There are two army checkpoints. One is located at the bottom of the mountain (25.606520, 56.125501), and one is at the top (25.643800, 56.115270). The one at the bottom is always working during the weekends. Depending on officers: sometimes they will check your Emirates ID and let you go, sometimes they will tell you to turn back. I pass near that point quite often (turning into an unpaved road next to a checkpoint you will find beautiful Wadi Sidaqa (more about it you can check here: Wadi Sidaqa: Forgotten Valley) and during weekdays usually there is no one at this checkpoint. The second checkpoint is by the boom barrier at the top. The officer will ask you for car registration of your car. Sometimes you may also be denied entry.
THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN PEAK OF THE UAE
I’m sure that if asked about the highest mountain peak in the United Arab Emirates many have Jebel Jais in mind. Will I surprise you if I say that you are mistaken? Jebel Jais is a mountain that is divided by the border – part of it is in Oman and the other part is in the UAE. The summit of it, however, is on the Omani side and has an elevation of 1,934 m. The highest point where you can stand on the UAE territory is 1,892 m. Therefore, it is Jebel Yibir (1,727 m) that is the highest mountain peak in the United Arab Emirates.
You will not come across anything on the way to the top of other than a tree farm and spectacular views. The temperature in higher parts of the mountain is usually about 10-15 °C lower than at the bottom of Jebel Yibir. The summit is out of reach as a telecommunication tower and a military base is situated there.
HIKING AT JEBEL YIBIR
Jebel Yibir gives plenty of hiking opportunities at high altitudes. One of the hiking routes (25.656696, 56.111661) connects villages from Jebel Yibir to Baqal and exits in Wadi Naqab. It is a very long trail but with rewarding views. Another route starting from here: 25.625375, 56.124382 will take you down to the valley and then up the mountain to finally reach heritage farming areas. Additionally, you can find many more trails by downloading Wikiloc.
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
MY EBOOK ABOUT SALALAH
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