Jebel Shams Summit Expedition | Highest Peak of GCC

Join AFT Adventures for an unforgettable journey to Oman’s majestic Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in the GCC.

Step into a world of rugged cliffs, sweeping canyons, and dramatic landscapes. This challenging hike takes you along demanding trails where every turn reveals a new panorama. Designed for hikers above average fitness and those who wish to attempt to reach the Highest Peak of GCC, it tests your endurance, rewards your effort, and delivers an unforgettable sense of achievement.

After the summit day, the group collectively decides which of the two activities to pursue on Sunday morning. Both options include a guided hike and swimming (Wadi Al Nakhr Canyon/Wadi Damm pools).

Highlights:
Jebel Shams Summit: Reach the summit of Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the GCC, standing at approximately 3,000 meters. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Grand Canyon of Arabia and savor the achievement of conquering one of the region’s most iconic peaks.
Wadi Al Nakhr Canyon: Wadi Al Nakhr is the deepest canyon on the Arabian Peninsula, often called the “Grand Canyon of Arabia”. Enjoy dramatic cliffside views, fresh mountain air, and scenic short hiking trail through remote mountain villages.
Wadi Damm Pools: Explore this picturesque wadi, which channels water from Jebel Kawr and Jebel Shams. Enjoy a swim in the freshwater pools, discover ancient petroglyphs and enjoy the serene natural beauty.

Activities:
Hiking: Participate in a guided hike to the summit of Jebel Shams, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sunday Morning hike with swimming (group chooses on the day).
Wild Camping: Spend 2 (two) nights camping at the base of Jebel Shams, your home before and after the big ascent. Set up camp, enjoy a BBQ dinner and bonfire, and fall asleep under one of the clearest mountain skies in the GCC.

Focus: Mountaineering endurance, summit training, high-altitude navigation, wild camping, team-based trekking.

What this adventure builds in you: This is a perfect preparation for a high altitude expedition such as Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp, Elbrus or any peaks above 4,000 meters.

By climbing with lead guide and mountaineering coach Faisi Shalmani you will:
– Gain hands-on experience in high-altitude navigation and multi-hour endurance hiking
– Build physical and mental resilience pushing through one of the GCC’s most demanding ascents
– Develop confidence in rugged mountain terrain – loose rock, steep slopes, sustained elevation gain
– Strengthen teamwork and group decision-making in a remote environment
– Learn to manage hydration, energy, and pacing over a full summit day
– Experience wild camping at the base of Jebel Shams – nights under an open mountain sky, far from city lights
– Experience self-sufficiency through backpacking your own gear to the summit and back
– Return with a benchmark achievement – summiting the highest peak in the GCC

Day 1 – Friday, 19 June. Depart from Dubai in the afternoon and make your way through Oman’s dramatic Al Hajar mountain landscape. Stop in Ibri for dinner before continuing the drive up to the base of Jebel Shams. Set up your personal tents and settle in for the night under a sky full of mountain stars.

We will be travelling together as a convoy – one team, one pace. Exceptions may be considered for those with different schedule constraints, provided you arrive at the campsite in time for the group briefing and get adequate rest before the summit day. A good night’s sleep is not optional – it directly affects your performance and the group’s experience on the mountain.

Day 2 – Saturday, 20 June. Wake up early and begin your ascent to the summit of Jebel Shams – the highest peak in the GCC. After 6-7 hours of steady, challenging hiking you’ll reach the top. Take in the panoramic views over the Grand Canyon of Arabia and enjoy your lunch at the summit. Begin the descent and return to base camp as the sun sets over the mountains. Gather around the campfire for a well-earned BBQ dinner and a second night under the stars.

Day 3 – Sunday, 21 June. Rise with the sunrise and drive down for breakfast in Al Hamra. On the way back to the UAE, the group chooses one of two adventures – a hike through Wadi Al Nakhr, Oman’s Grand Canyon, or a trail through the lush pools of Wadi Damm. Both include a refreshing swim in natural pools. After the hike, continue the drive back and conclude the trip.

This adventure is open to hikers with above-average fitness and prior hiking experience in the GCC. Previous experience hiking with AFT at a 5/10 level or higher is a strong advantage.

We are not setting a rigid difficulty threshold for this expedition. Instead, every registered participant will go through a short interview with our team (within 1–2 days of registration) to make sure the group is at a comparable level. This keeps the team cohesive, safe, and moving at one pace on summit day.

Jebel Shams is a challenging and physically demanding hike. While the route includes no technical terrain or exposed climbing sections, you must be able to carry a backpack of up to 10 kg for a 12–14 hour round-trip hike.

Group pace & summit conditions – please read carefully:
The group moves together at a pace planned for the full summit day – approximately 12 hours to reach the top and return to base camp. By registering, you agree to the following condition: if at any point you are unable to sustain the group pace, you will stop at a designated checkpoint – a beautiful canyon viewpoint at ~2,750 m – and wait there for the team to rejoin you on the way back from the summit. In this case you will not reach the summit. This is not a setback; it’s how we keep the whole group safe and on schedule.

Conditions for participation:
– Above-average fitness level
– Prior hiking experience (experience hiking with AFT at a 5/10 level or higher is a strong advantage)
– Mandatory personal gear is a must – participants without the required gear will not be permitted to join the hike (a full equipment list will be shared after registration; rental options are available)
– Ability to sustain the group pace – if you cannot, you will rest at the designated viewpoint and will not continue to the summit
– Completion of a short pre-trip interview with the AFT team
– Agreement to respect group pace and the checkpoint rule described above

Please note: Following the interview, AFT Adventures reserves the right to decline participation if our team has any doubt about your readiness or suitability for this expedition. In such a case, you will receive a full 100% refund.

! This expedition is not suitable for beginners, novice hikers, or those without prior hiking experience.

Level: Intermediate & Intermediate Plus
Difficulty: 5-6 & 7/10
(estimated route difficulty – 5-6/10 for participants reaching the designated viewpoint checkpoint, 7/10 for summiters who reach the top within the set time window)
DISTANCE: +/-11 km ascent & +/-11 km descent
DURATION: +/- 6 hours each way
ELEVATION GAIN : +/- 1 400 m
HIGHEST POINT ELEVATION : +/- 2 997 m
TERRAIN: Steep mountain slopes, donkey trail and plenty of loose rocks.

1. Сhoose the option that fits your journey best:
1.1. 4×4/SUV Riders: 600 AED You must offer 2 (two) seats for passengers and bear the fuel cost to avail this rate.
1.2. Ride Seekers: 1,050 AED (including transportation & fuel cost) For participants who need a ride from UAE to Oman and back.
1.3. Own Vehicle – Group: 850 AED (per person). Travelling in your own car with your own group of 3-4 (min 3 people per car). No obligation to take additional passengers. Fuel split within your group.

2. If you would like to rent camping gear, we offer the following options:
– Tent + Sleep Kit (sleeping bag + sleeping mat): +80 AED
– Tent only: +40 AED
– Sleep Kit only (sleeping bag + sleeping mat): +40 AED (Price remains the same whether you need the sleeping bag only, the mat only, or both.). All rates include guided support and logistics coordination.

Gear rental can be added to your order during booking.

Payment deadline: June 14, 2026
Important: Registration closes at the stated deadline, but spots are limited, so available places may run out before the closing date. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your place.

🧭 Professional Team Support
– Guided hike to Jebel Shams summit and back
– Guided visits to other natural locations included in the tour itinerary
– UAE-certified mountain leader with 10+ years guiding in Oman (Faisi Shulmani)
– Certified advanced wilderness first aiders
🚙 Transportation
– UAE ↔ Oman transportation (for ride seekers)
– Guided support, logistics coordination
🏕️ Camping Equipment
– Tents and sleeping kits (if needed – rental available as add-on)*
– Full campsite setup including BBQ & bonfire experience (for Saturday evening)
🍽️ Meals
– Friday dinner (roadside Omani stop, Ibri area)
– Saturday Campsite Breakfast (Tea/Coffee, Ma’amool, Peanut Butter Rolls, Fresh Fruits)
– Saturday campsite dinner (BBQ after summit & descent)
– Sunday breakfast (Al Hamra area, before return)
🥾 Expert Preparation & Safety
– Carefully planned routes and logistics
– Gear guidance & hiking preparation tips
– Insight into local trails, culture, flora & fauna
✨ And of course…
An experience you’ll never forget 🌿

Please note that the following items are NOT covered in the participation fee:
🛡️ Personal & Vehicle Insurance
Participants are responsible for their own travel and car insurance
🎒 Personal Gear
Hiking shoes, clothing, backpacks, headlamps, etc.
✈️ Flights
Airfare to/from Oman (if flying instead of driving).
⛽ Fuel Costs & transportation expenses
Fuel costs to be covered by the driver. Passengers are welcome to contribute at their own discretion.
🛂 Any visa-related costs
If applicable, based on your nationality.
🥪 Meals other than what’s mentioned above
🥗 Vegetarian / dietary-specific meals
📌 Other Exclusions
Anything not specifically mentioned in the “COST INCLUDES” section.

Standard hiking and camping gear applies for this trip – including hiking boots, trekking poles, headlamp, sleeping bag, tent, and layers for cool mountain nights.

A full detailed packing list will be shared with all registered participants via the WhatsApp group well in advance of the trip.

Participants must carry all required valid identification documents for the full duration of the trip, as well as any documents necessary for border crossing (Emirates ID, passport – if required, visa – if applicable, etc.).

If you are joining as a driver, you are also responsible for ensuring you have valid vehicle documents, including a valid driver’s license and insurance covering travel in Oman.

Locations will be shared through WhatsApp group, few days before the event.

The hike start point can be reached by any car, but 4×4 vehicles or SUVs are strongly recommended for the mountain roads. To keep the group moving together as one team, we are planning to coordinate all transport in 4×4s/SUVs. If you are joining as a driver, please indicate your vehicle type at the time of booking. Ride seekers will be allocated to available 4×4/SUV vehicles within the group.

To keep the journey more economical and social, we encourage carpooling for this event – ideally 3-4 people per car.

A full refund is offered if the event is canceled or rescheduled by the organizers. No refund if a participant cancels or fails to join for any reason.

AFT Mountain Adventures LLC is a RAKTDA licensed organization with experienced mountaineers leading the hikes. Venturing outdoors and in the mountains involves inherent risks including but not limited to wildlife encounters, injuries from uneven terrain, weather-related conditions, and other unforeseen factors. By signing up, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your participation and agree to hold AFT Mountain Adventures and its team free from any liability.