I’ll be honest—this isn’t the smoothest, most scenic off-road trail you’ll ever find in the UAE. The terrain near Wadi Al Abadlah in Fujairah is rugged, broken in parts, and not for the faint of heart. But if you’re the type of adventurer who sees the beauty in a challenge and enjoys the thrill of navigating tough terrain, this trail offers more than just an off-roading experience. It’s a route that will push your 4×4 to its limits, and at the end, it opens up the possibility of hiking around the pristine Wadi Al Abadlah nearby.
THE CHALLENGE BEGINS: EASY START, TOUGH CLIMB
Your journey starts with a deceptive ease at 25.455583, 56.185629. The first kilometer takes you through a wadi, following a clear path but don’t get too comfortable—the trail has some surprises in store.
At 25.447199, 56.184509, you’ll hit a crossroads. To the right lies a route to a farm, but the real adventure awaits to the left, up a rough and rocky hill. The road is heavily damaged, and only those with a proper 4×4 and good ground clearance should even attempt this climb.
The terrain will test your vehicle, your driving skills, and your patience. But if you can tackle this first hurdle, you’ll feel that sense of accomplishment that only comes from overcoming nature’s obstacles.
THE REWARD: A CAMPSITE (25.443777, 56.183699)
After the steep climb, you’ll reach a flat, open area—a reward well-earned. The rough terrain makes reaching the campsite a true victory. This mountaintop plateau is the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy some peace. You can park right on this flat terrain, surrounded by stunning mountain views.
But beware: there’s a nest of carpenter ants near the only tree on the site, so you’re better off pitching your tent in the lower flat area, safely away from the ants’ territory.
EXPLORE WHAT’S BEYOND BY HIKING
For those who like to explore on foot, this trail in Wadi Al Abadlah has an extra treat. Just beyond the campsite, you’ll spot a path snaking up another hill, on the left side of the main road (25.443742, 56.183395). While you might be tempted to take your vehicle further, this part of the road is impassable due to fallen rocks. But don’t be discouraged—this section is perfect for a hike.
While it may be disappointing that you can’t continue by car, hiking offers a different way to experience the landscape. You’ll be able to get up close to the rugged terrain and discover hidden corners that vehicles simply can’t reach. And the view from the top is stunning!
THE MYSTERY WHAT LIES AHEAD
The trail in Wadi Abadlah continues for another kilometer or so beyond the camping spot, but I can’t tell you much about what lies further ahead. Satellite images suggest the road eventually ends around 25.449373, 56.178724, and it might lead to another secluded camping area. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to explore it further.
NEXT DAY ADVENTURE: HIKING IN WADI AL ABADLAH
After a night under the stars, there’s no better way to start the next day than by hiking one of the UAE’s most beautiful trails: Wadi Al Abadlah. You’ll need to drive back to the main road and park the car here: 25.440816, 56.197142. This hike offers stunning natural scenery, water pools and lush wadi greenery, towering rock formations, and quiet serenity. It’s the perfect way to cap off your off-road adventure with a dose of nature and exploration on foot.
I hope you found this article about Wadi Al Abadlah helpful and that it gave you an idea of where to head next weekend. If you are looking for more interesting places nearby, I recommend you to check out: Abandoned Quarry in Ghub: Traversing the Mountain Slopes, Wadi Zikt—The Valley of Verdant Brooks 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
MY EBOOK ABOUT SALALAH
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 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 has less impact on the wilderness.
