A few years ago, Jebel Yibir (also known as Jebel Al Mebrah) was an unpopular destination for outdoor lovers. Cold weather and 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 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.
WHY I DO NOT RECOMMEND TO GO TO JEBEL YIBIR
It is strange to me to write an article where I would have to discourage someone from visiting a place. But I have always been honest in my guides and I do not intend to mislead anyone.
I do not recommend to go to Jebel Yibir and the reason why I am saying this is:
- The road is steep and dangerous. It is destroyed by the rainfalls and although it is paved with tarmac in many places there is only one line that you can drive through because the other line is damaged and collapsed. You need to be very vigilant and constantly looking for cars going opposite direction to have enough time and space to make a way, which is very stressing. Therefore, it is extremely important to check your breaks and perform general maintenance of the car before such trip.
- There are two army checkpoints. One is located at the bottom of the mountain (25.606520, 56.125501) and one 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 nearby that point quite often (turning into unpaved road next to 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. Only the owners of the farms and houses located in this area are permitted to pass through.
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? Actually, 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 the summit of it, however, is on the Omani side and has 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 altitude. 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 downloading Wikiloc.
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 not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick. Additionally, have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – at the end you are saving the 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. Don’t move them or bring them home with you.
- Minimize cooking over campfire, use the stove instead – as less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around 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/2UrKZdo
I hope you found this article about Jebel Yibir helpful and it gave you an idea where to head to next weekend. Enjoy!
