Jebel JaisJebel Jais

The highest road in the UAE, climbing through the Hajar mountains in a long chain of switchbacks.

Take the E311 north out of Dubai and pick up the E18 towards Ras Al Khaimah. The plains are flat and quick, and the mountains appear on the horizon long before you reach them.

The mountain road itself is about 30 km of smooth, wide tarmac with barriers on the outside of every bend. It climbs well above 1,000 m, and the air is noticeably cooler at the top.

Go early. The road is quiet at sunrise and the light on the ridges is at its best. There is fuel at the base and a café at the summit, but nothing in between.