Hajar mountains and wadis: floods, rockfall and marked trails

The Hajar mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Hatta are beautiful and very different from the coast: steep, rocky and cut by dry valleys (wadis) that can fill with water in minutes. Respecting a few rules keeps them that way.

Flash floods: the wadi rule

• Wadis are natural water channels. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence advises staying away from valleys, natural water channels and low-lying land in heavy rain, and never trying to cross a flooded valley.
• The UAE Ministry of Interior has warned residents not to sit in or cross valleys and streams during unstable weather and to keep children away from pools and ponds.
• Never swim in floodwater: Abu Dhabi Civil Defence specifically warns against it.
• The NCM has warned people in low-lying and hilly areas to stay alert to flash floods and landslides during heavy rain.

Rain you cannot see

• A flash flood can arrive where it is not raining at all. Arizona Highways describes a deadly flood that hit a swimming hole from a thunderstorm miles upstream.
• A long valley can collect water from a huge area, so a storm far away can send water your way, while a short valley usually floods only if the storm is overhead.
• You cannot outrun a flash flood. If water starts rising, climb to higher ground out of the wadi bed and stay there until the water goes down.
• In practice: if storms are forecast anywhere in the mountains, choose a different day for any wadi walk, and note places on your route where you could climb out quickly.

Rockfall and loose ground

• Heavy rain loosens rock. In October 2025, Gulf News reported rocks and debris falling onto mountain roads in Masafi, Fujairah, during heavy rain.
• Do not rest, picnic or camp at the base of cliffs: Gulf News camping guidance says a camp site should not be in low areas such as stream valleys, or next to a cliff.
• Wear proper hiking boots for rocky ground, as the RAK Police safety video advises, and consider a hiking pole for balance.
• Do not knock or throw stones: there may be walkers below you on zigzag paths.

Stick to marked trails

• Visit Jebel Jais asks hikers to stay on marked trails to protect themselves and the environment, and notes new trail signage is being installed.
• RAKTDA hiking rules also say to stay on official trails, keep away from clearly marked private land and farms, and keep a distance from wildlife.
• RAKTDA lists littering, alcohol, loud music and drone use as prohibited on its hiking trails.
• Many rescues begin with a 'shortcut'. If the path disappears, go back to the last marker rather than pushing on.

Rules and penalties around wadis

• Gulf News reports that under the federal traffic law, driving into valleys or flood zones during rain can bring a Dh2,000 fine, 23 traffic points and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.
• Gathering near valleys, flood channels or dams during storms is reported to bring a Dh1,000 fine and six traffic points.
• The reason for these rules is simple: people who go to watch flowing wadis often become the ones who need rescuing.
• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence advises following instructions from official channels, including Ministry of Interior accounts, during unstable weather.

If something goes wrong

• Call 999 for police (Ras Al Khaimah Police is the emergency contact given by Visit Jebel Jais), 998 for an ambulance, or 995 for search and rescue.
• Give your location as precisely as you can: a shared location pin, the trail name, the nearest marker or landmark.
• Stay together, stay visible (bright clothing helps) and use a whistle to save your voice.
• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence advises not using radios or mobile phones in open areas during lightning, so shelter first and call when it is safer.