Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
A 12 km switchback road up Jebel Hafeet outside Al Ain in the UAE, with 60 bends climbing about 900 m, often called one of the world's best driving roads.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is a switchback road up Jebel Hafeet (about 1,240 m), the UAE's second-highest peak. It starts at Green Mubazzarah Hot Springs Park on the southern edge of Al Ain and covers about 12 km with 60 bends, climbing to a car park about 1,220 m high, just below the summit. The road has three lanes (two uphill and one downhill), smooth surfaces, gentle gradients, flowing bends, and night lighting. For these reasons, car magazines and enthusiasts often rate it among the world's best driving roads, and it is a classic climb for cyclists in the UAE. Along the way are three viewpoints overlooking the Al Ain oasis city, the Hajar Mountain foothills on the Omani side, and the endless desert. Near the summit are a hotel and cafés, and sunset and night views are the most popular. At the foot of the mountain, Green Mubazzarah has hot-spring streams and grassy lawns where you can soak your feet and picnic before or after the climb. From Abu Dhabi or Dubai, it takes about 1.5–2 hours to drive to Al Ain. It can be combined with the Al Ain Oasis, Jahili Fort, and others for a day trip. The climb takes about an hour each way. Watch the speed limits and speed cameras. Summer daytime temperatures are extreme, so carry plenty of drinking water. On the descent, use low gears to avoid long periods of braking.