Visit UAE’s New Mountaintop Observation Deck

The United Arab Emirates is more known for its grandiose wealth and luxury, but soon there will be a new attraction aimed at drawing adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The country’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, has a new observation deck opening in October. The mountain rises to 1,934 meters above sea level and is located in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority hopes to attract 1 million visitors to the region by the end of the year.

The Jebel Jais Observation Deck will have a collection of platforms where visitors can scope birds and flora of the Hajar Mountains. The site will also serve as a basecamp for hikers and bikers who want to explore nearby mountains. Included in the construction are picnic areas, walking paths and even a food truck landing area.

A new road leads drivers toward the peak. There’s also the Jebel Jais Via Ferrata, a riff off an Italian concept that sees a collection of steel cables and bridges linking cliffs for thrill seekers. As the Gulf’s only commercial Via Ferrata, adventurous visitors can climb, trek and zip line some 400 feet above sea level.

“The deck will let visitors take in stunning sea and mountain views, and the magnificent sunrises and sunsets which cast a dancing performance of light and shadow over the area every morning and evening. The Jebel Jais Observation Deck will also include a versatile events arena and a permanent area for food trucks serving members of the public and international guests who want to experience the fresh mountain air in temperatures that are traditionally around 10 degrees lower than the UAE average,” said Haitham Mattar, the CEO, RAKTDA, in a statement.