Jebel Shams Summit Сhallenge | Highest Peak of GCC
Event Date
November 20, 2026
Event Time
1:30 pm
Event Description
Take on Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the GCC, on a demanding two-night mountain expedition. Expect rugged terrain, sustained elevation, wild camping and a full summit day.
Designed for hikers training for multiday expeditions such as Kilimanjaro, Everest Base camp, or other Himalayan adventures. This challenge will help you test your endurance, develop mountaineering skills and gain experience for bigger high-altitude objectives.
Take on Jebel Shams, the highest peak in the GCC, on a demanding two-night mountain expedition through rugged Omani terrain. Designed for hikers looking to challenge their endurance, develop mountaineering skills and gain hands-on experience for future high-altitude objectives.
The expedition combines a guided summit attempt, two nights of wild camping and a full day of mountain endurance. Expect loose rock, steep sections, sustained elevation gain, thin air (lower oxygen levels) and panoramic views across the Grand Canyon of Arabia.
At the base of Jebel Shams, camp under the mountain sky, enjoy a BBQ and bonfire, and prepare for the summit day ahead.
WHAT THIS ADVENTURE BUILDS
– Full day hiking and mountain navigation
– Confidence on loose rock, steep slopes and sustained elevation
– Pacing, hydration and energy management
– Use of ideal clothing and layering system varying weather.
– Teamwork and decision-making in a remote environment
– Wild camping and carrying your own gear.
BUILT FOR BIGGER MOUNTAINS
Jebel Shams is a valuable step towards future high-altitude objectives such as Kilimanjaro, Ararat, EBC, Elbrus and other peaks above 4,000 metres.
Return with new mountain experience – and the achievement of summiting the highest peak in the GCC.
Day 1 – Friday, 20 November. 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, 21 November. 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 packed 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, 22 November. Rise with the sunrise and pack up camp. We then begin our journey back to the UAE, stopping for breakfast along the way, and an optional short hike to some natural wadi pools before we conclude the trip.
Jebel Shams, Oman
Round-trip group departure from the UAE.
This adventure is open to hikers with above-average fitness and prior hiking experience in the GCC. Previous experience hiking with AFT at a 6/10 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 assessment 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 10+ kg backpack for a 12 to 14 hour round-trip hike.
Following the assessment, we’ll confirm your place. If we determine that the expedition is not a suitable fit, 100% of your payment will be refunded.
To learn more about AFT’s hiking difficulty levels and find the level most suitable for your fitness and experience, please follow the link.
| LEVEL: | Intermediate & Intermediate Plus |
| DIFFICULTY: | 6 & 7/10 (estimated route difficulty – 6/10 for participants reaching the designated canyon viewpoint, 7/10 for summiters who reach the top within the set time window) |
| DISTANCE: | ±11 km ascent & ±11 km descent |
| DURATION: | ± 7 hours escent, ± 5 hours descent |
| ELEVATION GAIN: | ± 1,400 m |
| HIGHEST POINT ELEVATION | 2,997 m |
| TERRAIN: | Steep mountain slopes, donkey trail and plenty of loose rocks. |
| NOTE: | The route profile reflects the planned route. Actual distance, elevation gain and duration may vary depending on trail conditions, weather and the group’s pace and ability. The hike leader may adjust the route during the hike when necessary. |
🧭 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 15+ 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 & cookies, Fresh Fruits)
– Saturday Snack-Pack (for lunch)
– 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.
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.
Carpooling will be coordinated among confirmed participants through a dedicated WhatsApp group before the expedition.
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.
1. Сhoose the option that fits your journey best:
– 4×4/SUV Riders: 600 AED. You must offer 2 (two) seats for passengers and bear the fuel cost to avail this rate.
– Ride Seekers: 1,150 AED (including transportation & fuel cost). For participants who need a ride from UAE to Oman and back.
– Private Vehicle / Own Group: Group: 950 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.
🎟️ AFT Pass holders (season 2026-2027) and AFT International Expedition participants: enjoy 10% off any option above.
2. If you would like to rent camping gear, we offer the following options:
– Tent + Sleep Kit (sleeping bag +
– 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 (add-0n).
Bookings are accepted exclusively through the AFT website: www.aftadventures.com.
Signing up or expressing interest through social media, messaging apps or any other platform does not guarantee your spot. Your place is confirmed only after completing the booking and payment through the AFT website.
Registration usually closes few days before the expedition starts. However, as spaces are limited, registration may close earlier once the hike reaches full capacity. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your place.