If your weekend plans usually involve escaping the Dubai humidity for the crisp mountain air of Ras Al Khaimah, we’ve got the update you’ve been waiting for. Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest point and every resident’s favorite winter escape, has officially reopened as of Saturday, January 31, 2026.
It’s been a quiet few weeks in the Hajar Mountains. After some unusually heavy storms in late December and a significant rockslide that blocked key sections of the mountain road, authorities had to pull the shutters down for safety checks. But the gates are back open, though things aren’t exactly back to “business as usual” just yet.
Also read: Hatta Resorts Reopens for Winter with New Attractions and Adventure Events – Social Kandura
The “New Normal” for the Mountain Road
If you’re the type who likes to just hop in the car and drive until the temperature drops, take note: you can’t just wing it anymore. To keep traffic under control while long-term repairs continue, there are new entry rules at the security checkpoints.
When we checked in on the situation this week, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm. Unlike the usual winter madness where cars are lined up for kilometers, the road was quiet. That’s because security is now strictly enforcing a “booking-only” or “ticket-required” policy.
To get past the base security, you now need:
- A confirmed booking: This can be for the world-famous Jais Flight zipline or a table at 1484 by Puro (the UAE’s highest restaurant).
- An activity ticket: Reservations for the Jais Sledder or the Sky Tour also count.
- The “Viewing Deck” ticket: If you just want to drive up for the views, the fresh air, or a bit of hiking, you have to buy a Viewing Deck Park ticket for Dh10 at the security entrance.
What’s Open and What’s Still Warming Up?
The reopening is happening in phases. From January 31, the heavy hitters—Jais Flight and 1484 by Puro—resumed operations. If you’ve been craving that breakfast with a view, you’re good to go.
However, if you’re looking for the Jais Sky Tour (the multi-zipline experience) or a coffee at Puro Express, you’ll have to wait until Saturday, February 7. For the fans of the Red Rock BBQ zone, sit tight; that area is still undergoing maintenance and hasn’t been given a green light just yet.
Why the Dh10 Fee?
While the Dh10 charge might feel like a new addition for some, it’s being used as a crowd-control measure. The recent rockslide wasn’t a minor fix; it was a complex geological challenge. Authorities are still working with engineers to stabilize the steep slopes.
By requiring a ticket or booking, they can limit the number of cars on the road at any given time. It’s all about safety. As one staff member told us, “These steps are in place to protect visitors and preserve the road until permanent repairs are completed.” The goal is to have everything fully restored, hopefully before the end of Ramadan.
A “Wonderful Surprise” for Tourists
The closure almost ruined the holiday plans for several visitors. We caught up with Herwaig and Anne, a couple visiting from Austria. They almost skipped the peak entirely after seeing closure warnings online.
“It was a wonderful surprise,” they told us, after discovering they could still access the Observation Deck. For them, the rugged, rocky landscape of RAK is the perfect contrast to the polished skyline of Dubai.
Savannah, a Dubai resident showing her parents around from South Africa, felt the same relief. “It would have been disappointing if it were still closed,” she said. Even with the extra step of buying a ticket at the gate, the drive remains one of the best experiences in the country.
Pro-Tips for Your Next RAK Road Trip
Before you set your GPS for the mountains, keep these points in mind:
- Dress for the mountain, not the mall: It might be 25°C in Downtown Dubai, but Jebel Jais can easily dip toward 10°C or lower this time of year. Bring a hoodie.
- Book early: If you want a weekend slot at 1484 by Puro, you need to be fast. Since the reopening, slots are filling up faster than a zipline descent.
- Check the weather: High-altitude weather changes fast. If there’s heavy rain in the forecast, check official social media channels before you leave home to make sure the road hasn’t been temporarily closed again.
The Hajar Mountains are a national treasure, and while the new rules add a small step to your journey, it’s a small price to pay to keep the UAE’s highest peak safe and pristine.
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