The Middle East’s leading long-distance hiking experience is back from 6 to 8 February 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah continues to build on its reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Emirate set to host the return of HIGHLANDER Adventure this February.
The Middle East’s premier long-distance hiking event, HIGHLANDER, is heading back to Ras Al Khaimah for its fifth anniversary edition from 6 to 8 February 2026. Set on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak, the experience invites adventurers to step into Ras Al Khaimah’s rugged mountain beauty and take on some of the country’s most dramatic trails, with culture and community built into every kilometre.
Organised by HIGHLANDER Adventure, the world’s largest international hiking series, and supported by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the 2026 edition blends endurance, nature, and heritage across the emirate’s most extensively developed hiking network. Expect a route that taps into the Hajar Mountains’ wild landscapes, with access to a 94-kilometre trail system.
Along the way, hikers will pass through mountain settlements that echo the region’s history, traditions, and the daily life of tribes who once thrived in these challenging terrains. It is a rare chance to see living traces of the mountains’ cultural fabric, where resilience and resourcefulness have shaped local identity for generations.
Off the trail, HIGHLANDER’s signature camp programmes turn the finish line into a festival. Live cooking stations will spotlight local cuisine and offer direct interaction with mountain communities, while wildlife sessions led by renowned wildlife photographer Bachar Bouka introduce the species that call the Hajar Mountains home.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition of the HIGHLANDER Adventure features three signature formats, HIGHLANDER Pegasus, HIGHLANDER Orion and HIGHLANDER Lyra. Pegasus will feature a 37-kilometre three-day backpacking challenge, journeying under the stars. Orion will cover a 25-kilometre trek over two days, blending adventure and scenic beauty. Lastly, Lyra, a new addition this year, will cover 13 kilometres in a single day, perfect for those who want to venture into hiking. All three challenges will be held under the supervision of experienced organisers, and participants who complete the trail will receive a HIGHLANDER Adventure finisher badge, certificate, ID, bib number, map, and access to an exclusive finish point celebration.
Sustainability remains central, with “Leave No Trace” principles promoted through activations and participant communication to help protect Ras Al Khaimah’s natural environment and cultural heritage.
Registrations for HIGHLANDER Adventure are now open, with early bird discounts available for all formats. So lace up your hiking boots and join in on the fun. Jebel Jais awaits your arrival.
GO: Visit www.highlanderadventure.com for more information.