Marjan Lifestyle is developing an expanded hiking and climbing network on Jebel Jais, including an 80-km multi-day trail and a five-day Via Ferrata spanning up to 20 km across four sections.
The projects form part of a broader programme to develop trails, climbing routes and mountain infrastructure on Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest peak, while improving access and protecting the area's natural environment.
At the centre of the programme is the Grand Loop, an 80-km route that will connect existing trails with new sections across the mountain. The multi-day journey is being designed for hiking, climbing, camping, cycling and other outdoor activities.
A second major project is a five-day Via Ferrata across the cliffs of northern Ras Al Khaimah. Inspired by the Via Delle Bocchette route in Italy's Brenta Dolomites, the planned Via Ferrata will extend up to 20 km across four sections with varying levels of difficulty.
The route will also be supported by a network of mountain shelters accessible only on foot, Marjan Lifestyle said.
Development work is also under way on new climbing routes, alongside the creation of standards and a framework for managing the wider climbing network.
Trail rehabilitation is taking place at Wadi Khammed, also known as Hidden Oasis, including improvements to existing sections and the construction of new connecting trails.
Professional trail-building techniques are being used to improve trail width, reduce steep gradients and strengthen rock crossings, while new wayfinding signage is being introduced across the network.
Mountain rescue support will also be provided across the trail network, alongside the responsibilities of the relevant emergency authorities.
Biodiversity assessment guides trail planning
The development programme is being informed by a biodiversity assessment conducted 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.
Marjan Lifestyle said the findings would be used to guide trail planning, habitat protection and environmental monitoring as access to the mountain is expanded.
The assessment will also provide a baseline for future biodiversity surveys and ongoing environmental monitoring.
Donald Bremner, CEO of Marjan Lifestyle, said the development was aimed at making Jebel Jais a destination for longer mountain journeys while maintaining the area's character.
“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,” Bremner said.
“This starts with how the trails are built, how people navigate them, how climbing is managed and how we protect the environment around them,” he added.
