Jebel Al Mebrah is an absolute must for road lovers
Jebel Al Mebrah is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.527m (5,010ft) above the sea level, located in the United Arab Emirates.
Is the road to Jebel Al Mebrah paved?
The road to the summit, also known as Jabal Yibir, is fully paved. The highest point and the highest named mountain are actually different places. The highest mountain or peak in the UAE is Jebel Al Mebrah. But the highest place you can actually stand on in the UAE is a point on a mountain slope on Jebel Jais. However the true summit of Jebel Jais is in Oman. Jebel Al Mebrah is at 1,527m while Jebel Hafeet is at 1,240m.
Can you drive to Jebel Al Mebrah?
Set high in the Hajar Mountains, the peak is off limits because at the summit there’s a telecommunications tower and a military base, and the access is closed, so private cars can drive up to approx 1.300m above the sea level. The climb up till the military check point is amazing with all those steep and quirky hairpin bends. The drive down hill is even better. The temperature at the top is typically about 15 degrees C lower than that in the plains. While the summit of Jebel Yibir is off limits you can still scale to 1,350m by car to breath in the crisp air and savour the spectacular panoramic views. You can enjoy wide wadis, amazing mountains and some of the very best views over Musandam and the Northern Emirates.
Is the road to Jebel Al Mebrah steep?
The surface of the road is not good and severely damaged by the rainfalls. The road is steep and dangerous, with sections up to 15%. Starting at Tawiyan, at an elevation of 168m above the sea level, the ascent is 10.66 mi (17.15 km) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1359m and the average gradient is 7,94%. Check your tyres and breaks before you go.
Pic: Arif Ahsan Shaikh
Road suggested by: Andrew Wheeler