Six-lane Jebel Jais plan a road too far?

Not everyone is happy about an upgrade in facilities designed to bring comfort and more crowds to a favourite getaway.

Residents have mixed feelings about the improvements being made to access for Jebel Jais. Victor Besa for The National

RAS AL KHAIMAH // Residents have mixed opinions about plans to widen a road to the summit of the UAE’s highest peak and improve facilities along the way.

A 36-kilometre, three-lane road access for Jebel Jais is due to be completed in April and will include street lighting and 13 rest areas, with toilets and cafes.

“The road and rest areas will be lit by solar energy to provide a safe and family atmosphere at night for visitors and tourists,” said Ahmed Al Hammadi, general director of RAK Public Works and Services.

Mr Al Hammadi said the department was working on a 400-metre retaining wall to protect the road’s bends from falling stones.

Fahad Al Radhi, 34, an Emirati banker, said that he stopped visiting the mountain a year ago after the building work began.

“Before providing the services the place was very beautiful, natural and quiet, and I used to go there a lot for camping and driving,” Mr Al Radhi said.

“But after adding the facilities it has become organised but more crowded, and has a city atmosphere.”

He said the toilets were necessary but there was “no need for other facilities”.

Amr Al Masri, 31, a media manager from Jordan, has climbed Jebal Jais three times.

“I am against having facilities there because we go there to get away from the city lifestyle and it is a natural area so everything there should be natural as well,” Mr Al Masri said.

“I understand they want to commercialise it, but not by making it like the city.”

Salem Al Nuaimi, 37, an Emirati military officer, thought the development was a good idea.

“There were lack of services before, such as toilets and cafeterias, which visitors need during their visit to the area,” he said. “Providing them along the road will make the people’s visits much easier.”

He said the area that climbers used should remain free from any development.

Abdulrahman Bayazed, 26, an Emirati senior software engineer, said: “I agree on having bathrooms and cafeterias but not selling the goods at double the prices.

Another major development project is nearing completion in RAK, with Al Maareedh open beach’s new walkway, parking spaces and fencing due to be finished in March.

Mr Al Hammadi, said the 750-metre walkway would “improve the cultural and aesthetic appearance of the emirate”.

He said the car park and fencing would prevent vehicles from driving on to the beach.

Hamdan Al Ahmad, an Emirati government employee, hoped the development of the beach would attract more families.

“It is a beautiful place where families can enjoy their leisure time and kids can play,” said Mr Al Ahmad, 33.