As the weather finally begins to cool and everyone’s thoughts begin tuning to activities in the great outdoors, we all remember that no one does winter-season better than the UAE. Every year the country launches a slew of new outdoor activity options… with everything from record breaking zip-lines, sporting events and training options, to kayaking, camping, mountain bike tracks and hiking trails.

If you feel you want to get out and do more this season, but don’t really know where to start, why not think about hiking some of the UAE’s smaller summits? The activity combines really good cardio exercise, some seriously stunning views, loads of fresh air and of course, a huge sense of accomplishment.

Here’s my top four trails for beginners…

Al Rabi Trail
Location: Khorfakkhan, Sharjah
Distance: 5.2km
Elevation: 380m elevation gain/ 395m max elevation
Description: Located on the coast, this really well maintained trail leads up to the Al Rhabi Tower, with views across several beach coves, Khorfakkhan and the mountains. The well-marked trail is ideal for beginners and children and offers various scenic rest points along the way, with seating.
Highlights: Located in the city limits the Rabi trail makes a great start to a day exploring Khorfakkan.
Facilities: Loads of parking, great coffee shop and toilets.

Find the Route Here: http://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/emiratos-arabes-unidos-eau-sharjah-khor-fakkan-khawr-fakawn-jabal-khawr-fakkan-385-m-al-rabi-tower-125338117

Al Hefaiyah Trail
Location: Kalba, Sharjah
Distance: Three levels: Beginner- 2km, Intermediate-5km and Advanced- 8km
Elevation: 490m
Description: A really beautiful trail through the mountains above Kalba. The area has been really well landscaped with indigenous flora to encourage the local wildlife to make Hefaiyah their home. The trails are really well maintained, however some are quite technical with uneven steps etc) so poles might be advised for those not used to walking ‘off-road.’
Highlights: Beautiful meandering trails offering spectacular glimpses of Kalba city, plus its mountains and lakes.
Facilities: Loads of parking, beautiful new mosque, large café with kids play area and lake with boats to hire.

Find the Route Here: www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/al-hefaiyah-trail-al-ghayl-kalba-sharjah-167247458

Wadi Shawka
Location: Ras Al Khaimah
Distance: The classic route is 8.2km but there re various other options too
Elevation: 372m gain/max elevation 480m
Description: Wadi Shawka has to be Dubai’s ‘nearest and dearest’ hiking option. At only a little over an hour away from both Dubai and Sharjah, Wadi Shawka offers great trails and stunning views across the Hajar mountains. The area offers various trails to suit all capabilities: from following the farm trail along the wadi bed, to numerous trails up the mountains or into the wadis to scramble through the rivers.
Highlights: Herds of wild donkeys, incredible blue lizards and the occasional desert fox.
Facilities: Vast car park and free BBQ and camping spots, washroom and toilet facilities, kids play area, basic food shops in the village a few km away.

Find the Route Here: www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/wadi-shawka-full-loop-with-three-summits-80130314

Wadi Sahm: Jebel Raham
Location: Fujeirah
Distance: 7km
Elevation: 450m elevation gain/ 760m max elevation
Description: This trail has everything. The drive in through beautiful Wadi Sahm and its lush green farms and oasis. The trail is straight up and down the mountain, passing through old abandoned villages and at the summit hoisting the UAE flag over the Indian Ocean and Fujeirah, before descending down a different route (arriving at the same spot) through a dry wadi bed. The descent is quite technical, however the whole route is well marked and really well maintained, and the views really impressive especially at sunrise.
Highlights: One of the country’s most significant (and impressive) Petroglyphs- a large rock covered with ancient paintings of horsemen and warriors.
Facilities: Basic: A small Mosque with toilets (not always open), free parking.

Find the Route Here: www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/wadi-saham-jebel-raham-summit-fujairah-111190579

Important Info for Hiking in the UAE

If you plan to hike in the UAE there are several things you MUST do first, these are:

1. Always check the weather! Its incredibly dangerous to be out in the wadis/mountains when it rains: if you see rain forecast stay home!
2. Plan for sun rise or sun set: Even in winter midday is hot for many people not used to the tempeatures here. For successful and happy hiking aim for either early mornings or late afternoons.
3. Carry enough water, and then a bit more!
4. The sun is intense regardless of the season: always take a hat, sunscreen and cover when required.
5. Always make sure you have a charged phone for emergency calls.
6. Try and carry a small first aid box with plasters, anti-inflammatories, bite and sting relief etc.