- Jebel Hafeet
Jebel Hafeet ( _ar. جبل حفيت) (variously translated Jabal, Jabel and Jebal) is a
mountain primarily in theUnited Arab Emirates on the outskirts ofAl Ain . The mountain actually straddles part of the border withOman . The mountain rises 1240 meters and offers an impressive view over the city, with what has been described as "the greatest driving road in the world" [cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=109278#2|title= Taming the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road in a Mini Cooper S Convertible|work=Edmunds.com |accessmonthday=May 18 |accessyear=2006] extending to the summit. Jebel Hafeet was a well-known landmark throughout the area's history and is a contemporary tourist attraction. An extensive natural cave system winds through Jebel Hafeet.At the foothills of Jabal Hafeet lies the
Green Mubazarrah , a well developed tourist attraction. At the Green Mubazarrah, hot-water springs gush forth in little streams and form alake . Swimming pools and jacuzzis are scattered all over the Green Mubazarrah. Jebel Hafeet is also home to a wide range of animals including bats, foxes, snakes, etc.It is often incorrectly labelled U.A.E's highest mountain (as it is certainly the most well-known); this honor actually belongs to
Jabal Yibir .Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road extends for 7.3 mi (11.7 km) up the mountain, rising 4000 ft (1219 m). With 21 corners and three lanes (two climbing and one descending), the immaculate road was called the greatest driving road in the world by
Edmunds.com . The road scales the mountain and ends at a parking lot with only a hotel and a palace belonging to the country's rulers.
Built by Strabag International Cologne,Germany
Jebel Hafeet Road is the challenge for cyclists who frequently come over to train. The Jebel Hafeet Mercure Challenge is a yearly road cycling competition taking place somewhere in January. National & international riders take part in climbing the 8% average ascent of the mighty mountain.References
External links
* [http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=158785 A natural history of the mountain published in 2005]
* [http://www.flixya.com/post/fordac/15444/Mountain_Road_in_UAE Seven Pictures of Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road]
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