Lucky for 4-wheeling fun lovers, there are many adventurous places in the United Arab Emirates, and the country is packed with venturesome things to do year-round for every type of thrill-seeker. Today we will set aside the desert and focus on the mountains, and precisely, the abandoned quarry in Ghub town in Fujairah emirates, which has become a paradise for rock-crawling lovers.
ROCK-CRAWLING PARADISE
The quarrying and cement industry in the United Arab Emirates is well established, especially in the northern regions of the Hajar Mountains, allowing producing a wide range of rock-based construction materials. After the exploitation process is completed, the abandoned quarries (like the one in Mleiha I previously wrote about here: Jebel Al Faya – Also Known As – Real Jeepers Mountain), often become a paradise for off-roaders seeking an adrenaline rush.
Located in close proximity to the town of Ghub, a quarry on a mountain slope in the emirate of Fujairah, although exploited and abandoned for a long time, has become a perfect spot for off-roading and rock-crawling enthusiasts. The final point of the trip, approximately 300 meters above sea level, allows you to enjoy a wonderful view of the complex of farms located in the valley below the mountain.
The abandoned quarry in Ghub can be reached from the nearby main road: Gragrah – Ghub, by driving through a stony road in the valley, passing through green farms. The entry point to the mountain area is here: 25.567864, 56.195547.
BEFORE YOU GO ROCK-CRAWLING
A marked route leads to the top of the abandoned quarry in Ghub. The road traverses the mountain slope. In some places, the rainwater has transported large rocks that might be on your way but – nothing to worry about and nothing too dangerous. This route is one of those that can be classified as “rock crawling”, beginner’s level.
Before you start rock-crawling in abandoned quarry in Ghub, make sure to secure anything inside the vehicle that could fall on you and cause injury. In more demanding places use the lowest gear possible and approach at a crawl. Low-range first gear is best for rocky ground. If in doubt, get out of the vehicle and assess the risks or ask someone to guide you. Deflate the tires to the pressure suitable for rocky terrain.
THE WAY TO ABANDONED QUARRY IN GHUB
After passing through the valley, you will reach this point: 25.577055, 56.186735, where you take a left turn and this is where the road will start climbing up. On the next crossroads (25.577284, 56.185466) right turn is a short road leading to a few heritage farms, and taking the left is where you will continue to climb towards the higher parts of the abandoned quarry in Ghub. The top parts of the road are rather very difficult to conquer – considering the risk I do not recommend climbing further than this point: 25.574433, 56.180820.
Moving around the former quarry in Ghub, you can see an interesting opencast showing the geological structure of this place. Also, if you are interested in geology, there is a famous “Spectrum” hike, also known as “Rainbow Valley” nearby and its trail starts here: 25.580462, 56.186389.
Before entering the farm area in the valley, you might be able to notice a complex of old heritage stone houses, that are accessible after a short walk to the top of the hill here: 25.574672, 56.188126.
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.
- 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, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
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/2UrKZdo
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://www.fieldguidetoemirates.com
I hope you found this article about the abandoned quarry in Ghub in Fujeirah helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more places to visit nearby, I recommend you to check: Incredible Journey Through Wadi Sena and Hidden Oasis Under the Red Mountain.
