Hiking

Hiking might not be the first word that comes to mind when travelers think of Dubai. City-sized malls, pristine beach resorts, and luxurious mega-yachts have all stolen the spotlight in this desert city, but I’m here to tell you its best-kept secret: The UAE has some of the most extraordinary hiking trails in the world. 

From Martian-esque landscapes to rugged wadi treks, traversing off the beaten track in the UAE is a unique way to see a new side to the country and better understand the rural lifestyle that still exists in the Emirates. From the bustling streets of Bur Dubai to the simple pearling villages on the coast, there’s a lot more to the UAE than the Burj Khalifa.

So visiting Dubai and need a city break? Live in the Emirates and want to experience a new side of the country? In this guide, I’ll break down my top 10 favorite hiking trails in the UAE and exactly how to get there from Dubai. Let’s get exploring!