Activity

EMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso

Download

Trail photos

Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso

Author

Trail stats

Distance
3.74 mi
Elevation gain
1,293 ft
Technical difficulty
Easy
Elevation loss
1,293 ft
Max elevation
5,015 ft
TrailRank 
80 5
Min elevation
4,013 ft
Trail type
Loop
Time
3 hours 11 minutes
Coordinates
1060
Uploaded
December 28, 2023
Recorded
December 2023
  • Rating

  •   5 3 Reviews

near Barut, Raʼs al Khaymah (United Arab Emirates)

Viewed 100 times, downloaded 2 times

Trail photos

Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso Photo ofEMIRATOS (EAU) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - Del Collado Norte hasta la cima y regreso

Itinerary description

|
Show original
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) - Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) - Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail - From the North Col of Jabal Raḩabah to the summit and back

DESCRIPTION:

Jabal Raḩabah (Arabic: جبل رحبة) is a peak located in the Al Hajar Mountains, in the region known as Ruus Al Jibal or Musamdam Peninsula in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates, in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah (Arabic: رأس الخيمة).

It has a height of 1,543 m, which makes it one of the highest mountains and peaks in the UAE, completely located in the territory of the Emirates, at the coordinates 25.92610°N, 56.11689°E.


View of Jabal Rahabah, from the climb to the neighboring Jabal Shintal

On the southeastern slope of Jabal Raḩabah, currently quite damaged by the construction of a wide road, some seasonal torrents, small ravines and wadis flow, tributaries of the Wadi Jib , which in turn is a tributary of the Wadi Shah ; and on the western slope it forms the Wadi Raḩabah / Raḩbah ​, which flows directly into the Persian Gulf.

At the top of Jabal Raḩabah there is currently a communications antenna, two paragliding platforms and a small heliport, accessed via a service road, closed to unauthorized vehicles.

Population:

The geographical area of ​​Jabal Raḩabah was historically populated by the Bani Shatair tribe (Arabic: بني شطير‎), one of the two main sections of the semi-nomadic Shihuh tribe, which occupied, among other territories, the Bani Bakhit tribal area. ​.

Geography:

Jabal Raḩabah is the sixth highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, located 7.2 km, as the crow flies, southwest of Jebel Jais / Jabal Bil 'Ays (1,911 m), whose summit is, however, in the Musandam Governorate, in the territory of the Sultanate of Oman.​

Between Jabal Raḩabah (1,543 m) and Jabal ar Raḩraḩ (1,691 m), there is an important 5 km long mountain ridge, called Jabal ar Raḩraḩ Ridge, which delimits the watershed between those flowing into the Wadi Ghalilah and to the Wadi Shah , through their respective tributaries.

This same ridge, which loses altitude as it extends towards the south, also extends from Jabal Rahabah, another 10 km. further, parallel to the coast of the Persian Gulf, until reaching the Wadi Naqat , east of Rams and Dhayah.

The altitude of Jabal Raḩabah may seem modest, when compared to mountainous places in other parts of the world, but considering that much of the country has a predominantly flat relief, Jabal Raḩabah represents a notable exception.

Place names:

Alternative names: Jabal Rahabah, Jabal Raḩabah, Jabal ar Ra`aylah, Jabal ar Ra'aylah.

The name of Jabal Raḩabah appears recorded in documents and maps prepared between 1956 and 1971 by British Arabist, cartographer, military and diplomat Julian F. Walker , due to the work done to establish the borders between the then so-called states of the Truce, completed later, by the UK Ministry of Defence, with maps at 1:100 000 scale (Ref. FCO 18/1785 -1971 -Trucial States, Muscat and Oman: Al Rams) , in which figure with the spelling Jabal Raḩabah .


Detail of the map of the area of ​​Jabal Raḩabah. Map of Trucial States, Muscat and Oman - Rams - Scale 1:100 000 - Published by D Survey, Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom (1971) - Edition 3-GSGS - The National Archives, London, England

-----------
English Version:

Jabal Raḩabah (Arabic: جبل رحبة) is a peak in the Hajar Mountains, in the northeast of the United Arab Emirates, in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. At 1,543 m (5,062 ft), it is one of the highest peaks in the UAE.

Between Jabal Raḩabah (1,543 m) and Jabal ar Rahrah (1,691 m), the highest peak in the country, there is an important ridge about 5 km in length.

On the eastern slope of Jabal Rahabah, currently badly damaged by the construction of a wide road, flow intermittent streams and small ravines and wadis tributaries of Wadi Jib ; and on the western slope it forms the Wadi Rahabah / Raḩbah , which flows directly into the Persian Gulf.

Population

The Bani Shatair tribe (Arabic: بني شطير) is one of the two main sections of the Shihuh seminomadic tribe, which occupied, among other territories, the Shihuh tribal area of ​​Bani Bakhit . . . .

Geographical features

Jabal Rahabah is the sixth highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, located 7.2 km south of Jebel Jais / Jabal Bil 'Ays (1,911 m).

Jabal Rahabah's altitude may seem modest when compared to mountainous locations in other parts of the world, but considering that much of the country has predominantly flat relief, Jabal Rahabah represents a notable exception.

Toponymy

Alternative Names: Jabal Rahabah, Jabal Raḩabah, Jabal ar Ra`aylah, Jabal ar Ra'aylah.

The name of Jabal Rahabah was recorded in the documentation and maps produced between 1950 and 1960 by the British Arabist, cartographer, army officer, and diplomat Julian F. Walker, during the work carried out to establish borders between what was then called the Trucial States, later completed by the Ministry of Defense (United Kingdom), on 1:100,000 scale maps published in

-------

TOUR:

Short, pretty, easy and very interesting circular walk to the top of Jabal Rahabah.

The trail follows a linear itinerary of just over 3 km. (6 km round trip), which starts from the North Col of Jabal Raḩabah (1,250 m.), in the place where some viewpoints and a service area have now been installed, commercially identified with the name of Viewing Deck Park, and runs towards the SSW along a part of the Jabal ar Raḩraḩ Ridge , a mountain ridge that starts from the top of Jabal ar Raḩraḩ (1,691 m.) and reaches the height of Wadi Naqat .

Geographically and historically, this ridge defines the very important watershed line , which in many places and on so many occasions has been used to delimit territories and establish borders.

On the one hand, the ravines, torrents and wadis that flow towards the north and west, which converge into the Wadi Ghalilah and its tributaries: Wadi Litibah , Wadi Barut and Wadi Ḩalḩal .

On the other hand, those that flow towards the south and east, collecting the waters from the southern slopes of Jabal Raḩabah and Jabal ar Raḩraḩ, and those from the western slopes of Jabal Sāl and Jabal Yabana, mainly, and concentrating their waters in two great wadis: the Wadi Jib and the Wada Arus , which join together at a place that is now indicated on the road with the novel name of Wadi Khammed, to form the authentic Wadi Shah , which flows through the enormous canyon and gorge that makes its way between imposing cliffs, until its confluence with the Wadi Shisah and its immediate mouth into the Wadi Bid.

From the aforementioned North Col of Jabal Rahabah, the trail follows the ridge towards the SSW, using an itinerary that is common with the Jebel Jais Rainbow Trail .

The route through the Jabal ar Raḩraḩ Ridge allows us to enjoy excellent views to the west and southwest, with the wādī and the village of Ḩalḩal in the foreground, and a little further on the coast of the Persian Gulf and port area of Ghalilah , although in reality, except at the top, the itinerary of the Jabal Rahabah Hiking Trail preferably offers us views towards the east (watershed of the Wadi Shah and its main tributaries: Wadi Jib and Wadi Arus)


Views towards the wādī and the town of Ḩalḩal, from the North Col of Jabal Rahabah


From the top of Jabal Rahabah. View towards the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge and Wadi Rahabah

The trail is perfectly defined, and has been recently repaired, since a few months ago it had suffered damage due to heavy rains. Although most of the route runs along a simple dirt path, there are some sections with steps on stone set with concrete.

Shortly before the summit, the path reaches the South Col of Jabal Rahabah, where it forks: to the left, the one that follows the route of the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge, and reaches the Wadi Naqat, and to the right, a short path zigzag that leads us to the top.

This South Col of Jabal Rahabah presents a large gap, impressive if one looks out a little, where the central arm of the Wadi Rahabah has its source. From it you can see the coast perfectly.


South Col of Jabal Rahabah. Impressive view of the source of the central arm of the Wadi Rahabah

Already at the top, we find the large communications tower, which serves as a reference even from long distances, two paragliding platforms, with a well-kept artificial grass floor and a small helipad.

From there there is a wonderful 360º view, which allows us to observe some of the highest peaks of the neighboring Sultanate of Oman, among them and at a great distance, the peak of Jebel Jais also looms timidly.


Helipad at the top of Jabal Rahabah. In the background the Jebel Jais timidly looms

For the return itinerary, you can choose to follow the same path as on the way up, or use the wide service track of the summit facilities. There is no sign, sign or indicator that prohibits the use of that track, so for a change and to try it out, we have preferred to go down it, without any major problem, except for a fence or gate located halfway, which forces us to go around it on one of its extremes.

The final gate, already in the Viewing Deck Park area, which is easily passed through one of its corners, does have an access restriction sign, accompanied by a traffic sign prohibiting entry, which seems to indicate that passage through the track that we used on the descent is only restricted to unauthorized vehicles.

ACCESS TO THE ITINERARY AND PARKING:

The starting point of the tour (Viewing Deck Park) can be easily accessed with a sedan car, and park at the coordinates 25.937753, 56.130886. There is a paid car park (AED 5) which offers some shade, and ample free outdoor parking. However, on weekends, and during rush hour, there can be many cars that also end up occupying the shoulders of the road.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ROUTE:

The degree of difficulty of a route is measured mainly based on three factors: effort, technicality and risk , although the real difficulty of an itinerary must also take into account other variables, such as the weather situation, the weight of the backpack and the preparation. or physical form of the walker, who must know how to evaluate himself.

To know the physical difficulty or physical effort required, it is useful to use an automatic assessment system, such as the one provided by the PPI index. This is the index that corresponds to this route:

IBP index: 41 HKG
Total distance: 5.9 km
Desn. Accumulated climb: 328.04 m
Desn. Accumulated descent: 328.34 m
Maximum height: 1528.04 m
Minimum height: 1225.51 m
Total time: 3:11:44 h
Moving time: 2:16:08 h
Stopped time: 0:55:36 h
Total average speed: 1.85 km/h
Average moving speed: 2.6 km/h


IBP index. IBP index is an automatic rating system that rates the physical difficulty of a route

GENERAL TABLE OF TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY AND RISK LEVELS:

Pictograms with the degrees of technical difficulty and risk of a hiking route

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:

Level 2: FAIRLY EASY: Route or section of route with obstacles smaller than or equal to ankle height. The installation of the foot is done by looking for “flat” or “comfortable” areas of the support, quite easily identifiable.

RISK LEVEL OF THIS ITINERARY:

Level 2: FAIRLY LOW: Fairly low accident risk level. Hazard exposure remains limited. Injuries are possible but minor (examples: path in quite marked relief with possible presence of embankments, possible dislocation and sprains in case of fall...)

Waypoints

PictographMountain pass Altitude 4,056 ft
Photo ofInicio del recorrido en el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah (1.250 m.), identificado con nombre comercial de Viewing Deck Park Photo ofInicio del recorrido en el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah (1.250 m.), identificado con nombre comercial de Viewing Deck Park Photo ofInicio del recorrido en el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah (1.250 m.), identificado con nombre comercial de Viewing Deck Park

Inicio del recorrido en el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah (1.250 m.), identificado con nombre comercial de Viewing Deck Park

Start of the route at the North Col of Jabal Raḩabah (1,250 m.), identified with the commercial name of Viewing Deck Park

|
Show original
PictographIntersection Altitude 4,018 ft
Photo ofDesvío al sendero, que durante los primeros metros discurre en paralelo a la carretera Photo ofDesvío al sendero, que durante los primeros metros discurre en paralelo a la carretera

Desvío al sendero, que durante los primeros metros discurre en paralelo a la carretera

Detour to the path, which for the first few meters runs parallel to the road

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,068 ft
Photo ofBuena senda, bien definida Photo ofBuena senda, bien definida

Buena senda, bien definida

Buena senda, bien definida

PictographPhoto Altitude 4,129 ft
Photo ofVista hacia la torre de comunicaciones que corona el Jabal Rahabah

Vista hacia la torre de comunicaciones que corona el Jabal Rahabah

Vista hacia la torre de comunicaciones que corona el Jabal Rahabah

PictographPhoto Altitude 4,124 ft
Photo ofPequeño barranco afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sureste del Jabal Rahabah Photo ofPequeño barranco afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sureste del Jabal Rahabah

Pequeño barranco afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sureste del Jabal Rahabah

Small ravine tributary of the Wadi Jib, which descends the southeastern slope of Jabal Rahabah

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,325 ft
Photo ofCruzando el barranco. Sendero impecable, con algunos escalones de piedra asentada con hormigón. Parece recién reparado Photo ofCruzando el barranco. Sendero impecable, con algunos escalones de piedra asentada con hormigón. Parece recién reparado Photo ofCruzando el barranco. Sendero impecable, con algunos escalones de piedra asentada con hormigón. Parece recién reparado

Cruzando el barranco. Sendero impecable, con algunos escalones de piedra asentada con hormigón. Parece recién reparado

Crossing the ravine. Impeccable path, with some stone steps set with concrete. It seems recently repaired, since a few months ago the path had suffered damage due to heavy rains

|
Show original
PictographPanorama Altitude 4,302 ft
Photo ofVista hacia el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah y cimas del Jabal ar Rahrah y otras Photo ofVista hacia el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah y cimas del Jabal ar Rahrah y otras

Vista hacia el Collado Norte del Jabal Raḩabah y cimas del Jabal ar Rahrah y otras

View towards the North Col of Jabal Raḩabah and peaks of Jabal ar Rahrah and others

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,585 ft
Photo ofVista hacia la aldea de Wassab y hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah, Jabal Hadaba y otros Photo ofVista hacia la aldea de Wassab y hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah, Jabal Hadaba y otros Photo ofVista hacia la aldea de Wassab y hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah, Jabal Hadaba y otros

Vista hacia la aldea de Wassab y hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah, Jabal Hadaba y otros

View towards the village of Wassab and towards Jabal ar Rahrah, Jabal Hadaba and others

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,699 ft
Photo ofVista de otro de los barrancos, afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sur del Jabal Rahabah Photo ofVista de otro de los barrancos, afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sur del Jabal Rahabah

Vista de otro de los barrancos, afluente del Wadi Jib, que desciende por la vertiente sur del Jabal Rahabah

View of another of the ravines, a tributary of the Wadi Jib, which descends the southern slope of the Jabal Rahabah, starting from its South Col

|
Show original
PictographMountain pass Altitude 4,897 ft
Photo ofVista del collado sur del Jabal Rahabah. La senda continúa hacia el SSW siguiendo el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge Photo ofVista del collado sur del Jabal Rahabah. La senda continúa hacia el SSW siguiendo el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge Photo ofVista del collado sur del Jabal Rahabah. La senda continúa hacia el SSW siguiendo el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge

Vista del collado sur del Jabal Rahabah. La senda continúa hacia el SSW siguiendo el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge

View of the south col of Jabal Rahabah. The trail continues towards the SSW following the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge

|
Show original
PictographPanorama Altitude 5,007 ft
Photo ofVista del Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge hacia el suroeste. Al fondo el Jabal Rams, Jabal Naqat y otros

Vista del Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge hacia el suroeste. Al fondo el Jabal Rams, Jabal Naqat y otros

View of the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge towards the southwest. In the background the Jabal Rams, Jabal Naqat and others

|
Show original
PictographSummit Altitude 5,010 ft
Photo ofJabal Rahabah (1.543 m) Photo ofJabal Rahabah (1.543 m) Photo ofJabal Rahabah (1.543 m)

Jabal Rahabah (1.543 m)

Jabal Rahabah. Summit 1,543 m. Communications antenna and paragliding platforms

|
Show original
PictographPanorama Altitude 5,010 ft
Photo ofVistas hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge y Wadi Rahabah

Vistas hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge y Wadi Rahabah

Vistas hacia el Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge y Wadi Rahabah

PictographPanorama Altitude 5,013 ft
Photo ofVistas hacia la zona del Wadi Ghalilah, la costa, Jabal Hadaba (en Omán) y otros Photo ofVistas hacia la zona del Wadi Ghalilah, la costa, Jabal Hadaba (en Omán) y otros

Vistas hacia la zona del Wadi Ghalilah, la costa, Jabal Hadaba (en Omán) y otros

Views towards the Wadi Ghalilah area, the coast, Jabal Hadaba (in Oman) and others

|
Show original
PictographPanorama Altitude 4,956 ft
Photo ofHelipuerto y otra plataforma de parapente. Al fondo asoma tímidamente el Jebel Jais. Vistas hacia Wadi Jib Photo ofHelipuerto y otra plataforma de parapente. Al fondo asoma tímidamente el Jebel Jais. Vistas hacia Wadi Jib Photo ofHelipuerto y otra plataforma de parapente. Al fondo asoma tímidamente el Jebel Jais. Vistas hacia Wadi Jib

Helipuerto y otra plataforma de parapente. Al fondo asoma tímidamente el Jebel Jais. Vistas hacia Wadi Jib

Heliport and another paragliding platform. In the background the Jebel Jais timidly looms. Views towards Wadi Jib

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,968 ft
Photo ofPista de bajada. No se ve indicador alguno de prohibición Photo ofPista de bajada. No se ve indicador alguno de prohibición Photo ofPista de bajada. No se ve indicador alguno de prohibición

Pista de bajada. No se ve indicador alguno de prohibición

Pista de bajada. No se ve indicador alguno de prohibición

PictographPhoto Altitude 4,710 ft
Photo ofValla de tela metálica, en la zona media de la pista de bajada. Se puede pasar por uno de los extremos

Valla de tela metálica, en la zona media de la pista de bajada. Se puede pasar por uno de los extremos

Wire mesh fence, in the middle area of the downhill track. You can go through one of the ends

|
Show original
PictographPhoto Altitude 4,037 ft
Photo ofPortón de salida de la pista

Portón de salida de la pista

Portón de salida de la pista

PictographPanorama Altitude 4,028 ft
Photo ofVistas hacia la costa, Halhal , Wadi Halhal y Wadi Ghalilah, desde uno de los miradores del Collado Photo ofVistas hacia la costa, Halhal , Wadi Halhal y Wadi Ghalilah, desde uno de los miradores del Collado Photo ofVistas hacia la costa, Halhal , Wadi Halhal y Wadi Ghalilah, desde uno de los miradores del Collado

Vistas hacia la costa, Halhal , Wadi Halhal y Wadi Ghalilah, desde uno de los miradores del Collado

Views towards the coast, Halhal, Wadi Halhal and Wadi Ghalilah, from one of the viewpoints on the Collado

|
Show original

Comments  (3)

You can or this trail