The United Arab Emirates holds secret, hidden places worth discovering for all tourists. Beyond the record-breaking buildings, the mountainous landscapes of the UAE are part of its beautiful natural and cultural heritage. Among this vast range of regions, there is one that appears to be an exact replica of the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States, making it a favorite for adventure lovers.
It is the Al Hajar Mountains, located in northeastern Oman and eastern UAE, forming the highest mountain range in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Within this mountain range lies Wadi Ghul, known as the Arabian Canyon, which plunges more than a thousand meters deep.
A journey into Al Hajar, the most impressive geological secret of the Emirates
The UAE conceals one of the most stunning geological paradises, often compared to the famous Grand Canyon in the United States. As mentioned earlier, this is Wadi Ghul, located in the Hajar Mountains, where the country’s highest peak, Jbel Shams, stands at over 3,000 meters.
Trekkers recognize this site for its resemblance to the renowned geological feature in Arizona, though they describe it as a canyon with an irregular profile, featuring a succession of smaller cliffs and side valleys that create a highly complex and spectacular morphology.
The landscapes of the most mysterious canyon in the Emirates
For mountain sports enthusiasts, exploring Al Hajar can be an extraordinary adventure. In the Wadi Ghul area, there are several viewpoints for adrenaline seekers, who can navigate the dirt track that runs along the canyon’s upper edge, creating the sensation of walking along the edge of an abyss.
Experts in this type of adventure recommend bringing sun protection and a good hat since there is no vegetation to provide shade. The heat is not excessive due to the altitude, with temperatures reaching 20°C in summer and dropping to 0°C in winter, an unusual contrast for those accustomed to the extreme heat of places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Al Hajar, another paradise to explore the Emirates in depth
Al Hajar also features some villages and oases nestled within the rocky mountain range, ideal for those who enjoy this type of experience in the UAE. One of the villages found here is Misfat Al Albreyeen, with houses teetering on the edge of cliffs, adding to the region’s charm. In this village, there are a few guesthouses where visitors on mountain excursions can stay overnight.
This site is a must-visit for hikers, who are warmly welcomed by locals offering their traditional dishes while also teaching them about Oman’s oasis irrigation system, known as Falaj. This technique consists of a network of channels that carry water from springs located in the upper parts of the mountains. The system includes a series of dams that allow water flow to be controlled as needed.
