Is prior hiking experience required?

Yes, this expedition is for advanced hikers with prior multi-day trekking experience.

Are camping gear and meals provided?

Tents, sleeping bags, pads, and meals are included; participants carry only personal gear.

How many people are in each group?

Groups are limited to 15 hikers to reduce environmental impact and provide personalized safety.

Is there cellular coverage on the trail?

Cell coverage is limited; guides carry communication devices for emergency contact.

What is the best time of year for this trek?

Winter and spring offer cooler temperatures making the trek more comfortable.

Can the expedition be booked individually?

The expedition is reserved for Challenger Expedition Pass members or by invitation only.

Mebrah Overnight Expedition: Night Camping and Summit Trek in the Western Hajar Mountains UAE | Hiking

Venture into the rugged heart of the Western Hajar Mountains on ECC Adventures' Mebrah Overnight Expedition, a demanding two-day hiking experience that challenges even the most seasoned trekkers. Situated between the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, this route traverses some of the UAE’s most dramatic and least explored terrain. The expedition centers around ascending Jebel Mebrah, the UAE's fourth-highest peak at 1,505 meters, offering unparalleled views of a landscape shaped by ancient geology and human history.

Starting in the starkly beautiful Baqal area of Wadi Naqab, hikers follow narrow trails flanked by abandoned terraced farms, remnants of a bygone era when mountain agriculture thrived in this arid land. The route dips and climbs through wadis and rocky passes, leading to Tala Village where the group sets up camp beneath a vast star-studded sky—an unforgettable camping experience away from city lights.

Day two begins with a summit push to Jebel Mebrah’s rugged peak. The final ascent is challenging but rewards with sweeping panoramas of the jagged mountain ridges and the Gulf beyond. Descending southward, the trek culminates at the Sheria caves in Fujairah, mysterious caverns carved into the mountain’s limestone face and steeped in local lore.

What sets this expedition apart is its combination of high-altitude trekking, cultural discovery, and off-the-grid camping, all supported by ECC Adventures’ expert, WFR-certified guide team. Every aspect of the journey—from safety and communications to meals and camping logistics—is meticulously managed to allow hikers to focus fully on the experience.

The Western Hajar Mountains themselves form a unique natural border between the UAE and Oman, distinguished by rugged peaks, deep wadis, and a surprisingly rich diversity of desert flora and wildlife. The area’s stone terraces, now abandoned, tell silent stories of mountain communities who lived off the land centuries ago. This expedition offers insight into that history while immersing hikers in a remote landscape rarely accessible to casual visitors.

ECC Adventures limits group size to maintain a low environmental impact and preserve the trail’s pristine condition. This trip is not for the faint-hearted; it demands advanced fitness and prior hiking experience, making it a standout challenge for adventure travelers looking to push their limits in one of the UAE’s last wild frontiers.

For travelers seeking a rugged, immersive wilderness experience topped by camping under desert stars and summiting one of the country’s highest peaks, the Mebrah Overnight Expedition is a rare and unforgettable journey into the Western Hajar Mountains’ wild heart.

About ECC Adventure

ECC Adventure is an outdoor activity provider that organizes guided hikes, multi‑day expeditions, canyoning and snorkeling trips across Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Socotra (Yemen) and Tanzania. The company’s public itinerary list includes multi‑day adventures such as Wadi Hawer Canyonying and Daymaniyat Islands Escapade — a 3‑day program featuring an off‑road journey to Salmah Plateau, an overnight under the stars, canyoning at Wadi Hawer and snorkeling around Daymanyiat Islands — plus Aseer 3‑Days in Saudi Arabia with hikes up Mount Soudah, museum visits and sunset picnics.

ECC Adventure also offers a Socotra winter itinerary described as a UNESCO World Heritage site trip with personalized itineraries, all‑inclusive meals and expert guidance. The operator lists a Mount Kilimanjaro • 7 Days climb and several UAE hikes and expeditions, including Jebel Jais to Sheria (6‑Day), Skytrail - Jebel Jais, Hatta Trail, Wadi Shawka and numerous single‑day hikes like Sal Expedition and Jebel Al Ghunah Expedition.

Many shorter trail offerings provide real‑time itinerary confirmations and WhatsApp updates to keep participants informed. The public program covers family‑friendly walks such as Heart Beach (Suwaifa Trail), challenging ascents like Mount Riham and multi‑day challenger expeditions including Mebrah Overnight. ECC Adventure also lists community and cultural experiences, including Sherri Village hikes and an Architectural Series, plus a free Sheikh Sultan Award interest meeting. The listing communicates trip variety, durations and logistical details for potential participants. Pricing, availability and specific safety information are provided per trip on booking pages and in pre-departure materials upon request from operators.