Jebel Jais reopens with entry rules: Booking or viewing deck ticket now required
Visitors and residents are once again making their way up Jebel Jais, drawn by cooler temperatures and sweeping mountain views, as the UAE’s highest peak reopens following recent closures.When Khaleej Times visited Jebel Jais on Monday, February 2, the atmosphere was calm and unusually quiet for this time of year. Unlike the typically busy winter weekends, fewer cars were seen along the winding mountain road, with some visitors unaware that access now requires a confirmed booking or a viewing deck ticket.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Jebel Jais reopened after weeks of closure caused by severe weather and a major rockslide. A Jebel Jais staff member told Khaleej Times that access is currently available only to visitors with confirmed bookings for designated attractions, including 1484 by Puro restaurant, and approved activities such as the zipline.Visitors can purchase a Viewing Deck Park ticket for Dh10 at the security entrance.“Managing the number of vehicles going up the mountain is important to avoid further damage and to ensure everyone’s safety,” the staff member said.The reopening follows an announcement made last Thursday, with access resuming on Saturday, January 31. Visitors holding reservations, including the Dh10 viewing deck ticket, may proceed beyond security checkpoints, subject to capacity and road conditions.The most recent closure was caused by a large rockslide on a steep section of the road, presenting a more complex challenge than earlier disruptions linked to flash flooding.Authorities are working closely with relevant government entities to stabilise the affected area and carry out long-term repairs. While no timeline has been confirmed, the staff member said full access could be restored in the coming weeks, potentially before the end of Ramadan.“Safety remains the priority,” the staff member said. “These steps are in place to protect visitors and preserve the road until permanent repairs are completed.”Herwaig and Anne from Austria said they arrived in Ras Al Khaimah two days earlier as part of a wider tour of the UAE and Oman. Despite initial concerns after Google Maps suggested a lengthy route via Oman, they were pleased to discover access was possible up to the Observation Deck, allowing them to experience the UAE’s highest peak. They described their visit as a “wonderful surprise”, praising the natural scenery and noting that nature, people, and food are their top priorities when travelling. They added that Jebel Jais's rugged landscape makes Ras Al Khaimah a special destination for visitors who enjoy nature, camping, and outdoor experiences.Dubai resident Savannah, visiting with her parents from South Africa, said the reopening allowed them to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain scenery during their first visit to the emirate. “It would have been disappointing if it were still closed,” she said, adding that the upgraded road leading to Jebel Jais made the journey enjoyable. Jebel Jais remains one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular natural attractions, especially during winter and holiday periods. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and make bookings while temporary measures remain in place.UAE: Want 21°C weather this summer? Why residents are escaping to Jebel JaisUAE winter: 8 camping spots where you can pitch a tent this season
Visitors and residents are once again making their way up Jebel Jais, drawn by cooler temperatures and sweeping mountain views, as the UAE’s highest peak reopens following recent closures.
When Khaleej Times visited Jebel Jais on Monday, February 2, the atmosphere was calm and unusually quiet for this time of year.
Unlike the typically busy winter weekends, fewer cars were seen along the winding mountain road, with some visitors unaware that access now requires a confirmed booking or a viewing deck ticket.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Jebel Jais reopened after weeks of closure caused by severe weather and a major rockslide. A Jebel Jais staff member told Khaleej Times that access is currently available only to visitors with confirmed bookings for designated attractions, including 1484 by Puro restaurant, and approved activities such as the zipline.
Visitors can purchase a Viewing Deck Park ticket for Dh10 at the security entrance.
“Managing the number of vehicles going up the mountain is important to avoid further damage and to ensure everyone’s safety,” the staff member said.
The reopening follows an announcement made last Thursday, with access resuming on Saturday, January 31.
Visitors holding reservations, including the Dh10 viewing deck ticket, may proceed beyond security checkpoints, subject to capacity and road conditions.
The most recent closure was caused by a large rockslide on a steep section of the road, presenting a more complex challenge than earlier disruptions linked to flash flooding.
Authorities are working closely with relevant government entities to stabilise the affected area and carry out long-term repairs.
While no timeline has been confirmed, the staff member said full access could be restored in the coming weeks, potentially before the end of Ramadan.
“Safety remains the priority,” the staff member said. “These steps are in place to protect visitors and preserve the road until permanent repairs are completed.”
Herwaig and Anne from Austria said they arrived in Ras Al Khaimah two days earlier as part of a wider tour of the UAE and Oman. Despite initial concerns after Google Maps suggested a lengthy route via Oman, they were pleased to discover access was possible up to the Observation Deck, allowing them to experience the UAE’s highest peak.
They described their visit as a “wonderful surprise”, praising the natural scenery and noting that nature, people, and food are their top priorities when travelling. They added that Jebel Jais's rugged landscape makes Ras Al Khaimah a special destination for visitors who enjoy nature, camping, and outdoor experiences.
Dubai resident Savannah, visiting with her parents from South Africa, said the reopening allowed them to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s mountain scenery during their first visit to the emirate. “It would have been disappointing if it were still closed,” she said, adding that the upgraded road leading to Jebel Jais made the journey enjoyable.
Jebel Jais remains one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most popular natural attractions, especially during winter and holiday periods. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and make bookings while temporary measures remain in place.
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