- The Grand Loop, a 80 km flagship mountain journey
- Five-day Via Ferrata to span up to 20 km across four sections of varying difficulty, development in progress
- Trail and climbing development underway across the Hidden Oasis Loop and Wadi Khammed, alongside new climbing routes, safety and wayfinding
- Biodiversity research is informing trail planning and helping protect Jebel Jais’ natural environment as access is improved
United Arab Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah (14 September, 2026) – Marjan Lifestyle is advancing Jebel Jais’ trail and climbing network, with route development, trail rehabilitation and new multi-day journeys underway on the UAE’s highest peak.
At the centre of the programme is The Grand Loop, a 80 km flagship multi-day mountain journey. Drawing on Jebel Jais’ interconnected trail system, the route will link existing trails with new connections across the mountain, creating a multi-day journey for hiking, climbing, camping, cycling and exploration.
A second major development is a five-day Via Ferrata across the cliffs of northern Ras Al Khaimah. Inspired by the Via Delle Bocchette in the Brenta Dolomites, the route will span up to 20 km across four sections of varying difficulty and be supported by a network of mountain shelters reached only on foot.
Work is also underway to develop new climbing routes and establish standards and a development framework for a more consistently managed climbing network. More information for hiking can be found here: https://visitjebeljais.com/
Trail rehabilitation is also underway at Wadi Khammed - Hidden Oasis, including improvements to existing sections and new interlinking trails. Professional trail-building techniques and wayfinding signage are being introduced to improve the trail network, with dedicated trail builders enhancing elements including trail width, grade mitigation and rock crossings. Mountain rescue support will also be provided across the trail network, complementing the role of the relevant emergency authorities.
Building access while protecting the mountain
The trail programme is informed by a detailed biodiversity assessment by AJAZ Environment Consultants, which recorded 45 plant species, 29 bird species and eight mammal species across the Jebel Jais survey area. The survey also documented species including the Arabian Red Fox, Afro-Asiatic Wildcat, Brandt’s Hedgehog and Arabian Spiny Mouse.
These findings help inform trail planning, habitat protection and ongoing environmental monitoring, ensuring the development of improved access is balanced with protecting the natural environment of Jebel Jais. The assessment will also serve as a baseline for future surveys and ongoing environmental monitoring.
Donald Bremner, CEO of Marjan Lifestyle, said: “The opportunity on Jebel Jais is to make the mountain itself the destination. The Grand Loop and Via Ferrata give people the ability to experience it over a longer journey, but getting the fundamentals right is just as important. This starts with how the trails are built, how people navigate them, how climbing is managed and how we protect the environment around them. We want to create a network that people can enjoy for years to come without losing the character that makes Jebel Jais unique.”
At a Glance – Jebel Jais Trail Development
- The Grand Loop | 80 km flagship multi-day journey
- Five-Day Via Ferrata | Up to 20 km across four sections
- New climbing routes | Development and fieldwork underway
- Mountain shelters | Supporting the multi-day Via Ferrata
- Wadi Khammed–Hidden Oasis | Trail rehabilitation and new connections
- Wayfinding | Temporary signage ahead of season opening
- Trail & climbing improvements | Ongoing through the 2026/27 season
- Biodiversity assessment | 2025–26 assessment by AJAZ Environment Consultants
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