The Five Highest Peaks of the Arabian Peninsula
The Arabian Peninsula contains many high mountains. For example, the Hijaz mountain range, which is part of the larger Red Sea mountain chain, runs along the western side of the peninsula, although it is the peninsula's only continuous range. The Republic of Yemen also contains one of the peninsula's highest peaks, Mount Nabi Shu'ayb. In this article we discuss in some detail the five highest peaks in the Arabian Peninsula.
Show key points
- Mount Nabi Shuaib in Yemen is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula, exceeding 3,000 meters and holds significant historical and religious importance.
- Located in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, Mount Souda surpasses 3,000 meters and is the tallest mountain in the country, drawing tourists with its cable car and nearby park.
- Mount Farou, also in the Asir range, rivals Mount Souda in height and offers adventure tourism like hiking and mountain climbing.
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- Jebel Shams in Oman is the country's tallest mountain and is famous for witnessing the first sunrise in the Sultanate, as well as its rich natural vegetation.
- Positioned in Ras Al Khaimah, Mount Gypsum is the highest point in the United Arab Emirates and is known for its cooler climate, snowfall, and tourism facilities.
- The mountains discussed span across multiple countries in the Arabian Peninsula, showcasing diverse geography and attracting both religious and adventure tourism.
- Several of these peaks, including Mount Nabi Shuaib and Mount Gypsum, have cultural and environmental significance, featuring ancient monuments and varied flora.
Mount Nabi Shu'ayb (Mount of the Prophet Shu'ayb)
Mount Nabi Shu'ayb is the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula and in the Levant, rising above 3,000 meters. It is part of a volcanic chain known locally as the "triangular chain" in the Republic of Yemen. The mountain's name relates to remains found there that are attributed to the Prophet Shu'ayb, who was sent to Mikhlaf presence — the region or province of "presence" according to the Yemeni name Qiddiya — but they rejected and killed him and their authority was soon ended by the famous Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II.
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It is believed that the Prophet Shu'ayb was a contemporary of Moses (peace be upon him) and married one of his daughters.
The mountain contains monuments associated with the Prophet Shu'ayb, including his mausoleum and a mosque. Despite the difficult terrain, the area is inhabited; according to the 2004 census it had more than four thousand people.
Jabal Soudah
Jabal Soudah is located in the Asir region in southwestern Saudi Arabia and is part of the Asir mountain range. Its height also exceeds 3,000 meters, making it the highest mountain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Its importance is not only as the country's highest peak but also as a major tourist attraction. Many visitors come from inside and outside the kingdom to ride the mountain's cable car, which connects it to the city of Abha.
There are several tourist villages in the area that together form Soudah Park. Authorities have also carried out service and development projects to link the Jabal Soudah area with the Tihama plains, an important coastal region that includes major Saudi cities such as Mecca, Jeddah, Al-Qunfudhah and Yanbu.
Mount Branches
Mount Branches is one of the highest peaks in the kingdom and on the peninsula. It is also part of the Asir range and rises above 3,000 meters. Located south of Abha, there is some dispute over whether it or Jabal Soudah is the kingdom's highest peak. The difference is believed to be only a few centimeters, so arguing over which is higher does not change the fact that their elevations are nearly identical.
Mount Branches also offers tourist activities that differ from those at Jabal Soudah: here visitors go climbing and experience nature up close rather than viewing it from a cable car.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is in the Sultanate of Oman, in the wilayat of Al Hamra in the Al Dakhiliyah governorate. It is the highest peak in Oman, and its name—"Mountain of the Sun"—reflects that the sun is the first to rise on it and the last to set from it. The mountain is home to many trees, some growing naturally, such as bots, alalan and olive trees, and others planted by local residents, including peach and apple trees.
Jebel Jais
Located in the north of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais is approximately 25 km from the city and is the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates, rising to more than 1,900 meters. It is part of the Hajar mountain range.
The slopes of Jebel Jais host farms and trees that benefit from periodic rainfall, and the mountain sometimes sees snowfall. This makes it a tourist attraction, especially since the UAE has developed the area and added services and recreational facilities such as cable cars.