SAIJ Mountain Lodge Ras Al Khaimah: A Jebel Jais Eco-Luxury Guide

High above the RAK coastline, on the slopes of the UAE's highest peak, a very different kind of luxury stay is taking shape. SAIJ Mountain Lodge is an eco-luxury retreat designed to sit lightly on the mountain — a world away from the beach resorts most visitors associate with Ras Al Khaimah. Here's an honest, up-to-date look at what's confirmed so far.

SAIJ Mountain Lodge at a Glance

SAIJ — marketed as Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge — is an upcoming eco-luxury retreat set on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak. It is being developed under Accor's Mantis Collection, the group's nature-led luxury brand.

Key facts we can confirm:

• 70 stand-alone lodges and suites

• Set at approximately 1,680 metres above sea level on Jebel Jais

• Built from locally sourced materials to blend into the mountainscape

• Nature-based experiences including guided hikes, beekeeping and farm-to-table dining

One important note before you plan: SAIJ is not yet open. It's in a pre-opening phase, so treat this guide as a preview rather than a booking-ready checklist.

Opening Date & Current Status

At the time of writing, SAIJ Mountain Lodge is in its pre-opening phase. It is scheduled to open in Q4 2026. Opening timelines for projects like this can shift, so confirm before you build travel plans around it.

To register interest or track updates, check the official site from Mantis Collection. For the latest local developments, our Ras Al Khaimah news section is a good place to keep an eye on.

Location: On Jebel Jais, the UAE's Highest Peak

SAIJ sits on Jebel Jais at approximately 1,680 metres above sea level. That altitude matters: the mountain climate is noticeably cooler than the RAK coast, which is a big part of the appeal, especially in the warmer months.

Getting there means a scenic drive up the well-engineered Jebel Jais mountain road. For exact drive times from RAK city, RAK International Airport and Dubai, check the official site closer to opening — we won't guess at figures. In the meantime, our Jebel Jais & Adventure hub covers the area in detail.

Jebel Jais already draws visitors for its viewing decks, hiking trails and the famous zipline. If you're planning a broader mountain trip, browse adventure activities and day trips from RAK.

The Eco-Luxury Concept

What sets SAIJ apart is its philosophy. This is a sustainably managed mountain lodge, built from local materials so its architecture blends into the surrounding rock and terrain rather than dominating it.

That approach reflects the wider Mantis Collection ethos — a nature-led luxury brand within Accor that leans into conservation and connecting guests to the landscape. In practice, that means the mountain itself is the headline attraction, with design, dining and activities all built around it.

It's a deliberate contrast to RAK's polished beach resorts. Where those offer pools, private beaches and buffets, SAIJ is positioned around quiet, immersive time in nature.

Rooms & Lodges

SAIJ will offer 70 stand-alone lodges and suites. The stand-alone format is central to the concept — each unit is designed for privacy and its own sense of seclusion, rather than the corridor-and-tower layout of a typical hotel.

Expect the emphasis to be on mountain views, natural materials and a design language that echoes the landscape. For confirmed room categories, layouts and inclusions, check the official site as the opening approaches.

Experiences & Activities

This is where SAIJ's nature-led identity really shows. Confirmed experiences include:

• Guided hikes on Jebel Jais

• Beekeeping workshops

• Farm-to-table dining

• Heritage experiences and creative workshops

• Wellness activities

It's a programme built around learning, slowing down and engaging with the mountain environment rather than ticking off resort facilities. If wellness is your focus for a RAK trip, our spas & wellness guide covers options across the emirate too.

How SAIJ Compares to Other RAK Stays

SAIJ is a mountain retreat, which makes it fundamentally different from RAK's coastal offering. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide what suits your trip.

If you'd rather be by the sea, the Al Marjan Island hotels round-up and our where to stay in RAK guide are the places to start. Couples and eco-conscious travellers chasing cool air and quiet will lean towards SAIJ; families wanting beach clubs and kids' pools may prefer the island resorts.

Planning Your Visit

A few practical pointers for a future SAIJ trip:

• Best season: The cooler winter months are the classic time for Jebel Jais, when mountain temperatures are most comfortable. See our best time to visit guide.

• What to pack: Layers — mountain evenings at altitude are cooler than the coast — plus proper footwear if you plan to hike.

• Getting there: Most visitors self-drive up the Jebel Jais road. For car hire, see car rental & taxis.

• Staying updated: Since SAIJ is pre-opening, register interest and confirm dates via the official site before booking flights.

For broader trip planning, our Ras Al Khaimah travel guide pulls everything together.

The Bottom Line

SAIJ Mountain Lodge is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive stays in the UAE — an eco-luxury lodge on the country's highest peak, built to blend into the mountain and centred on nature rather than beachfront glamour. It's not open yet, so keep expectations grounded and confirm the opening date, but for travellers who want cool air, seclusion and a slower pace, it's well worth watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will SAIJ Mountain Lodge open in Ras Al Khaimah?

SAIJ is in its pre-opening phase and is scheduled to open in Q2 2026, though some sources cite a later point in the year. Opening dates can shift, so confirm via the official Mantis Collection site before making plans.

Where exactly is SAIJ Mountain Lodge located on Jebel Jais?

SAIJ is set on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, at approximately 1,680 metres above sea level. This gives it a noticeably cooler mountain climate than the RAK coast.

How many rooms does SAIJ Mountain Lodge have?

SAIJ will offer 70 stand-alone lodges and suites, designed for privacy and to blend into the mountainscape.

What activities and experiences will SAIJ Mountain Lodge offer?

Confirmed experiences include guided hikes on Jebel Jais, beekeeping workshops, farm-to-table dining, heritage experiences, creative workshops and wellness activities.

Who operates SAIJ Mountain Lodge?

SAIJ is developed under Accor's Mantis Collection, a nature-led luxury brand, and is marketed as 'Saij, A Mantis Collection Mountain Lodge'.

How do I get to SAIJ Mountain Lodge from Dubai or RAK Airport?

Most visitors reach the Jebel Jais area by self-driving up the mountain road. Exact drive times from Dubai, RAK city and RAK International Airport should be confirmed on the official site closer to opening.

What makes SAIJ an eco-luxury lodge?

SAIJ is a sustainably managed lodge built from locally sourced materials, with architecture designed to blend into the mountain. It follows Mantis Collection's conservation and nature-led philosophy, contrasting with RAK's beach resorts.