Jebel Hafeet

The most well-known mountain in the United Arab Emirates has many names: Jabal Hafit, Dschabal Hafit or even also Jebel Hafeet. But the meaning is always the same: empty mountain. A system of caves runs through the Jebel Hafeet attracting many tourists and offering a home to numerous animal species. On the mountain itself, a well built road runs for 11.7 kilometres (7.3 miles) around 21 hairpin bends.The region immediately around the mountain is also called the "Empty Quarter". And in fact the 1,350 m (4429 ft.) high Jebel Hafeet is the only serious elevation in this region. It can thus be seen from a great distance and offers an incomparable view over the Emirates and the neighbouring sultanate of Oman.That the Arabian peninsula has more to offer goes without saying. From the spectacular architecture of Dubai, through the constantly changing hues of the majestic deserts to the traditional Arabian villages. One of these, Masafi, nestles at the foot of the Hajar Mountains in an oasis. Here, the water bubbles from countless springs just like the joie de vivre of the locals.For fans of winding roads, the route to Jebel Hafeet is like a tale from the "1001 Nights".