Three Peaks challenges in United Arab Emirates

The landscapes of United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates changes from low coastal plains through rolling desert dunes to mountains in the east. This eastern Hajar landscape supplies the country's most pronounced relief, contrasting with the much flatter ground beside the Persian Gulf and the broad sandy interior farther west.

The climate is predominantly desert, although the eastern mountains are generally cooler than the lower plains. Their geographical setting is therefore quite distinct from the coastal cities and dune country. The transition between mountain, foothill and desert provides the context for exploring the UAE's higher ground.