Jebel Jais Is Getting an 80km Grand Loop and Five-Day Via Ferrata

A major expansion of Jebel Jais’ hiking and climbing network is underway, bringing an 80km multi-day mountain journey, a five-day Via Ferrata, new climbing routes and improved trails to the UAE’s highest peak.

Jebel Jais is preparing for a new chapter in outdoor adventure.

Marjan Lifestyle is advancing a major expansion of the mountain’s trail and climbing network, with new routes, trail rehabilitation and multi-day experiences being developed across Jebel Jais.

At the centre of the plans are two major additions: The Grand Loop, an 80km multi-day mountain route, and a new five-day Via Ferrata that could extend for up to 20km across the cliffs of northern Ras Al Khaimah.

The programme goes beyond creating new adventure experiences. Improvements to existing trails, new climbing routes, mountain shelters, enhanced wayfinding and environmental conservation are all part of the wider development of Jebel Jais.

The Grand Loop: An 80km Journey Across Jebel Jais

The headline addition is The Grand Loop, an approximately 80km flagship mountain journey designed to connect different parts of Jebel Jais into one extended adventure.

Rather than functioning as a single short hiking trail, the Grand Loop will bring together existing routes and new connections to create a journey that can be experienced over multiple days.

The route is being developed to accommodate several forms of outdoor exploration, including hiking, climbing, camping and cycling.

For visitors, this means the opportunity to experience Jebel Jais beyond a single viewpoint or activity, travelling through different sections of the mountain and spending significantly more time immersed in its landscape.

A Five-Day Via Ferrata Across the Mountains

Another major part of the development is an ambitious five-day Via Ferrata.

Via Ferrata — Italian for "iron path" — describes protected mountain climbing routes that typically use fixed cables, steps, ladders and other climbing aids to help participants traverse challenging mountain terrain.

The planned Jebel Jais route will extend for up to 20km and comprise four sections with varying levels of difficulty.

The experience is inspired by the Via Delle Bocchette in Italy's Brenta Dolomites, one of the best-known high-altitude Via Ferrata networks.

A network of mountain shelters accessible only on foot is also planned to support the multi-day experience, allowing adventurers to progress through the route over several days.

New Climbing Routes Are Also Coming

The Grand Loop and Via Ferrata aren't the only additions.

Work is underway on new climbing routes across Jebel Jais, alongside the introduction of standards and a development framework intended to create a more consistently managed climbing network.

Fieldwork and route development are already underway as part of the wider programme.

Wadi Khammed and Hidden Oasis Trails Are Being Improved

Existing hiking areas are also receiving attention.

Trail rehabilitation is underway around Wadi Khammed and the Hidden Oasis, including improvements to current trail sections and the creation of new connections between routes.

Professional trail-building techniques are being introduced, with dedicated teams working on elements such as trail width, gradients and rock crossings.

Improved wayfinding will also form part of the network, with temporary signage planned ahead of the season opening.

Mountain rescue support will be provided across the trail network alongside the relevant emergency authorities.

Protecting Jebel Jais as the Trail Network Grows

An important part of the project is ensuring that greater access to Jebel Jais does not come at the expense of its natural environment.

A biodiversity assessment conducted by AJAZ Environment Consultants recorded 45 plant species, 29 bird species and eight mammal species within the surveyed area of Jebel Jais.

Wildlife documented during the assessment included the Arabian Red Fox, Afro-Asiatic Wildcat, Brandt's Hedgehog and Arabian Spiny Mouse.

The findings are being incorporated into decisions around trail planning and habitat protection and will provide a baseline for future environmental monitoring.

The objective is to improve access to the mountain while preserving the landscape and biodiversity that make Jebel Jais distinctive.

When Will the Jebel Jais Grand Loop Open?

An official opening date for the 80km Grand Loop or five-day Via Ferrata has not yet been announced.

According to the official announcement, trail and climbing improvements will continue throughout the 2026/27 season, with development of the Via Ferrata currently in progress.

Visitors should therefore note that these are upcoming experiences currently under development, rather than trails that are already available to book or explore.

Jebel Jais Is Becoming a Multi-Day Adventure Destination

The scale of the project signals a broader evolution of Jebel Jais.

Already known for its mountain landscapes and outdoor experiences, the new network is designed to encourage visitors to spend longer exploring the mountain itself.

The combination of an 80km interconnected route, multi-day climbing, remote mountain shelters, new climbing areas and rehabilitated hiking trails could transform a trip to Jebel Jais from a day excursion into a multi-day mountain adventure.

As Marjan Lifestyle CEO Donald Bremner explained in the announcement, the aim is to make "the mountain itself the destination", while ensuring that trails, navigation, climbing management and environmental protection develop alongside increased access.

At a Glance

• Grand Loop: 80km flagship multi-day mountain journey

• Via Ferrata: Five-day experience covering up to 20km

• Difficulty: Four Via Ferrata sections with varying levels of difficulty

• Mountain shelters: Planned along the multi-day Via Ferrata

• Climbing: New routes and climbing standards under development

• Wadi Khammed – Hidden Oasis: Trail rehabilitation and new connections

• Wayfinding: Improved signage across the network

• Development: Continuing through the 2026/27 season

• Status: Under development; official opening dates have not yet been announced