16 October 2007
Al Ain: Jebel Hafeet, one of the UAE's highest points, has been disappointing visitors as it has nothing but a flat ground at the top.
Visitors have expressed disappointment, saying that the authorities must develop a park and other attractions to make full use of this natural attraction in the middle of the desert.
After a 15km drive up the hill the mountaintop offers only a restaurant, some temporary toilets and benches.
"The only attraction is the mountain drive and cool weather," said Najam Hussain, a visitor who had come from Sharjah to spend his Eid holidays in Al Ain.
He said Jebel Hafeet could be a top tourist spot if it had more facilities.
It is currently just a huge parking lot, he said, adding that planners had overlooked many aspects of making the mountain an attraction.
Mahmoud Ali, an Indian expatriate from Dubai, said a public garden, with a children's play area, should be developed.
"It could also generate hefty revenue as many private companies would be interested in operating a recreational park there," he said.
David Smith, a South African expatriate, said the mountain had a beautiful environment and in some places it had a unique feel.
"I felt like I was sitting on Mars as there was a reddish environment and I was surrounded by dry crags," he said.
Smith said the authorities must consider setting up a small garden and a natural history museum at the top of the mountain.
"It would make Jebel Hafeet a year-round tourist attraction," he said.
Jebel Hafeet is the most westerly outlying portion of the Hajar Mountain range and is located to the south of Al Ain city. The peak was developed to provide a viewpoint, at a height of some 1,240 metres above sea level.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority officials were unavailable for comment.
By Aftab Kazmi
Gulf News 2007. All rights reserved.
