Ras Al Khaimah: The highest mountain in the UAE is recording temperatures that are 10 degrees Celsius cooler on average than other popular landmarks across the country.
As temperatures continue to soar across the UAE, the country’s northernmost emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, is celebrating its cooler climate by inviting holidaymakers and residents for a staycation this summer to experience its mountains, where temperatures are 10 degrees cooler than anywhere else in the UAE.
Ras Al Khaimah’s 1,934 metre tall Jebel Jais is a good spot to escape the heat in other parts of the UAE.
During the third week of July, temperatures at all the major landmarks across the emirates reached between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. At the Jebel Jais summit, temperatures reached a moderate 31 degrees during the daytime and 27 degrees during the late afternoon.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA), said: “While visitors and residents are looking to escape the heat with indoor activities across other areas of the UAE, Jebel Jais offers the opportunity for travellers and residents looking for outdoor adventures and diverse scenery at significantly cooler temperatures than at sea level, and incredible views of the stunning Ras Al Khaimah landscape.”
Part of the Hajar mountain range, Jebel Jais offers a mountain experience with winding roads from sea level up to the peak. The route provides a challenging and beautiful backdrop for hikers, mountain bikers and those looking for a pleasant picnic spot or scenic driving route.
The sweeping mountain range also offers a number of secluded camping spots for those eager to spend a night under the stars.
Throughout the year Jebel Jais plays host to a number of events, including the GCC Hiking Challenge and the Ras Al Khaimah Mountain Festival, which made its debut in 2015.
Holidaymakers looking to experience Ras Al Khaimah’s mountains can also take advantage of several summer hotel packages encompassing outdoor adventure excursions during this period.
Forecast
Meanwhile, according to the latest predictions by forecasters, the country will see a ‘rising sandstorm’ over the next three days, caused by the effects of low pressure acceleration and southerly winds
Dust and sand will linger in the air this summer as long as the country remains under the effects of low pressure, warned the weather office on Wednesday.
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) has also advised residents to take extra precautions while driving as dusty conditions are expected to lower visibility down to 1,500 metres.
“Over the next three days, the country will see a rising sandstorm. This is caused due to the effects of low pressure acceleration and the southerly winds,” said Dr Ahmad Habib, a meteorologist at NCMS.
He explained that a large amount of dust will be found in the air, which will be concentrated mostly in the interior parts of the UAE.
“There will also be active south and southeasterly winds, which will cause the dust and sand to rise and lower visibility levels,” he said.
The strong gusts of sand and dust are expected to hit in the mornings, says Dr Habib, which will affect open areas in particular.
Residents with respiratory ailments are advised to stay indoors or take precautions when outdoors.
However, good news is in store for residents living in Al Ain and the southern parts of Al Ain, as the weather forecaster predicts a chance of rain across the area on Saturday or Sunday.
Humidity levels are also expected to reach a high of 85 per cent around the coastal areas, with a maximum temperature of 49 degrees in internal areas of the country.
In a statement, the NCMS said the weather will be hazy in general, along with partly cloudy over the eastern and the southern areas, with a chance of some convective clouds formation by afternoon.
“The sea will be rough in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea.”
