Hidden Oasis Hiking Trail from Jebel Jais: A Scenic Route to a Hidden Oasis

Feb 16, 2022

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Hidden Oasis in Wadi of Giants in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

A scenic and beginner-friendly hike from Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the Hidden Oasis Hiking Trail is a 9–10 km backtrack route that rewards you with sweeping mountain views. The trail passes through open slopes, a small village, and long stone staircases before leading to a lush hidden oasis. It’s especially worth doing after the rain, when the oasis is at its greenest.

Disclaimer: This route starts from Jebel Jais and follows a backtrack trail toward the Hidden Oasis located between Jebel Jais and Wadi of Giants—so don’t confuse it with other variations of the Hidden Oasis hike.

Hidden Oasis Trail Overview & Quick Facts:

Route: Jebel Jais to Hidden Oasis (backtrack; can be extended to Wadi of Giants and back)
Distance: 9–10 km
Elevation Gain: ±689 m
Highest Point: ~1352 MASL
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (2/5)
Time Required: 3–5 hours (depending on your pace)
Best Season: October to April
Highlights: Jebel Jais mountain views, old village, stone staircases, hidden oasis

How to get there and how to get out?

As with most hiking trails in the UAE, the trailhead is not accessible by public transportation, so driving is the most practical way to get there.

For reference, you can use the coordinates of the parking area and trailhead:
📍Jebel Jais Google Pin

Tip: Always check the weather forecast and any temporary road closures before your hike. Parking fills up quickly on weekends and public holidays, so it’s best to arrive early.

As of November 2025, the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority introduced a shuttle bus service connecting Al Hamra, Al Marjan, and Jebel Jais. This makes it possible to combine a beach staycation with hiking and other outdoor activities.

You can also take a bus from Union in Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, get down at Al Hamra, and transfer to the Jebel Jais shuttle bus. Just make sure to plan your timings carefully. For schedules and pickup points, check the Jebel Jais Tour Bus Routes.

How to Exit the Hidden Oasis Trail (Backtrack or Wadi of Giants)

This guide follows a backtrack route, which means you’ll start and end your hike at the same trailhead in Jebel Jais. To exit the trail, simply retrace your steps back up to the starting point, then drive back to Dubai the same way you came.

Alternatively, you can continue the trail toward the Wadi of Giants instead of turning back. If you choose this option, make sure to arrange a pickup or have a second car waiting at the endpoint before starting your hike.

📍Endpoint coordinates:
Hidden Oasis Trail Parking

Keep in mind that road access near Wadi of Giants can vary. In the past, it was possible to drive closer to the dam, but conditions may change—so it’s best to check the latest updates before leaving your vehicle.

Hiking Trailhead:

The trailhead is located near the last viewing deck in Jebel Jais, which is easily accessible by car and serves as the main starting point for this hike.

There are public washrooms available at the viewing deck, but keep in mind that there are no shops or facilities to buy water or snacks, so it’s best to bring everything you need in advance. The restrooms are frequently used, so cleanliness may vary.

For reference, you can use the coordinates of trailhead:
📍Jebel Jais Google Pin

Hidden Oasis Trail Route (Step-by-Step Guide)

Divided into three main sections, the direction of this trail starts downhill and then uphill at the end. Let's go, shall we?

1. Jebel Jais' Slope & Old Village

As you start your hike down, you will follow the easy trail along the slope of Jebel Jais. There were a few boulders along the way but not really part of the trail. You will also come across the zipline sections but they are located on a higher ground.

Hiking trail from Jebel Jais — Zipline station at the far right (white roof)

The trail is easy and mostly flat but exposed to the sun. You will also be rewarded with an eye-level view of the zigzag road of Jebel Jais from another angle as you walk further ahead.

Sweeping Mountain Views of Jebel Jais from the Hidden Oasis Hiking Trail

The trail will finally veer to the left side of the mountain and once you follow the trail, the view of the Old Village will be sighted right away. What was once a donkey trail is now an established trail after a particular event. It's now wider, yet remains a little sandy and with no shade at all.

Old Village as seen from the hiking trail

The old village is now just a stone's throw away so continue walking down.

2. Stairs (lots of them!)

At the village, there are multiple layers of plateau. There were newly-built houses during my last visit (December 2023) and a cemetery on the upper parts.

We usually take the lower area where there were enclosed areas with water gallons. Walk further to the last house at the end of the plateau and the edge after is the top of the stairs to go down the hidden oasis.

Railings in Hiking Trail towards Hidden Oasis

As you go down the stairs, there are new railings built for support although the texture is a little meh. Some parts don't have railings but don't worry as they are not narrow anyway. There were no technical sections here and you just have to walk. The use of trekking poles is helpful in this part though.

A few more meters down, the hidden oasis will be peeking right away. Be careful going down and follow the stairs down to the hidden oasis.

3. Hidden Oasis of Wadi of Giants

Depending on the season, the oasis could be a hit or miss. I've been here multiple times and of course, there were times when it wasn't as green as you'd expect. It's just nature.

Hidden Oasis (Wadi of Giants) in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE — Photo taken on December 2023

There were footpaths to follow to reach the trees where you could take rests. Beware of the goats (lots of them) as they will start circling around you once you take your snacks out.

Relaxing for lunch in Hidden Oasis in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah

On the left side (facing the wall from the trees), are enclosed areas on your left. If you wish to continue walking to the Wadi of Giants trail, the trail is on that side. It's been years since I took the Wadi of Giants trail, I will write about that when I get a recent hike.

In the meantime, to go back is just to go up the stairs again and follow the same trail to Jebel Jais.

Hiking Tips & What to Bring for Hidden Oasis Trail

Even though the Hidden Oasis Trail is beginner-friendly, preparation is still key, especially during warmer months in the UAE. For a safe and enjoyable hike, here are some essential tips and things to bring:

What to Bring:

Water and snacks – there are no facilities along the trail; on warmer days, bring at least 3 liters of water.
Proper hiking shoes – the terrain includes loose rocks, staircases, and uneven slopes.
Trekking poles – optional, but helpful on the steep stair sections. You can read my review of the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles if you’re considering one.
Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential.
Offline map or GPS – download 2–3 variations so you can adjust your route if you want to shorten or extend the hike.
Plastic bag for trash – always practice Leave No Trace.

👉 If you're looking for an entry-level and affordable trekking pole, you can check my Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles Review if you’re considering getting one.

Essential Tips:

Arrive early – parking near Jebel Jais fills up fast, especially on weekends and holidays.
Check the weather – Always check the forecast before hiking. Heavy rains can cause temporary road closures in Jebel Jais and make the wadi sections dangerous.
Pace yourself – take breaks at scenic spots like the old village or viewpoints along the trail to enjoy the views.
Check the weather – avoid hiking in extreme heat or immediately after heavy rain, as the trail can be slippery.
Hike with company – the trail is suitable for beginners and families, but hiking with friends or family is safer and more enjoyable.

Personal Thoughts:

As I always say, we all have different adventure appetites, or what I call #hikeppetite to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you, and vice versa. And that’s completely okay — we don’t need to agree with anyone or everyone all the time. Anyhow, here’s what I think about hiking in Hidden Oasis Trail from Jebel Jais:

Pros:

The trail is easy and child-friendly which is similar to Wadi Shawka Loop Trail. There are no technical sections along the trail and the trail is visible. The only confusion could be after the village leading to the stairs downwards.
It is a short trail that you can do in a couple of hours only. The trail can be done up to the old village only and you can go back if you feel like it. Or you can go further up to the Hidden Oasis (which is the highlight for me) and hike back.
Getting to the jump-off or the trailhead is easy too.

Cons:

If you continue to finish the whole trail which ends at the off-road section of Wadi of Giants, going back to the trailhead in Jebel Jais' viewing deck is challenging if you only have one vehicle.
If you're looking for a challenging trail to test your capabilities, this is NOT the trail for you. You may want to check out the challenging trails that I have: Stairway to Heaven - Wadi Litibah Loop Trail and the Wadi Naqab Loop Trail instead.

Overall, the trail is easy and refreshing. We all have days were we just want an easy hike, enjoy the view, and just walk aimlessly (somehow) alone or with friends. If that's your mood right now and looking for a perfect trail for that kind of mood, THIS IS IT!