The November mountain challenge introduces shorter and steeper routes across the Hajar Mountains for regional outdoor enthusiasts.
The HIGHLANDER Summit Series is coming to the United Arab Emirates for the first time on 21 and 22 November 2026. The Ras Al Khaimah event will start and end at the Bear Grylls Adventure Camp and feature steeper ascents through the wadis, historic villages and trails of the higher areas of Jebel Yabana and the surrounding area of Jebel Jais in the Hajar Mountains.
The global hiking platform HIGHLANDER was founded in Croatia in 2017 and is now organizing more than 30 events in over 20 countries. After several years of organizing long distance cross mountain hikes in the region, HIGHLANDER Summit Series is coming to the region with shorter hikes with high amount of vertical ascent. It is a self-guided hiking challenge, which focuses on endurance, mental strength and connection with nature in local mountains. The HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah event is open to participants aged 18 years and above. There are two different route formats on offer, suitable for hikers of different fitness levels and experience.
The 1DAY format takes place on Sunday 22 November 2026. A 7km loop starts at Wadi Khammed and follows a white walled canyon, sculpted rock ledges and a steep zigzag climb. The highest point of the route is 600m above sea level with 400m of ascent and descent on a balcony trail to the finish line. The 2DAY format is held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026. The 15km trail with 845m of ascent and 812m of descent starts on the first day by ascending ancient stone steps through the terraced village of Derat Takem to reach the HIGHLANDER overnight camp at Derat Halak (1,050m above sea level). Hikers can choose to climb the viewpoint below Jebel Yabana (1,190m above sea level) if they arrive within the specified time. The second day descends through rocky ridges, a wadi gully and narrow goat paths to join the panoramic balcony trail.
Participants on the two day HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah challenge will be required to carry their own camping gear, food and water for the duration of the challenge. Participants are asked to adhere to the Leave No Trace philosophy on the mountain trails, and ensure that no waste is left on the trails. Along the marked trails there will be checkpoints manned by marshals and first aid teams to ensure participants are within their time windows and are safe on the mountain.
HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah is celebrating its fifth year of hosting the adventure event in the northern emirate. The event continues to support the regional tourism industry with individual and team entries available for the 1DAY and 2DAY HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah challenges. Entry fees for the single day challenge start at AED 250 and for the overnight challenge at AED 550.
Participants can register for the event on the official HIGHLANDER Summit Series website and find out more about the event on the HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah page on www.highlanderadventure.com/en-us/ras-al-khaimah and watch the HIGHLANDER video promo.