A serpent in the desert

The Jebel Hafeet mountain road in the United Arab Emirates is considered by many enthusiasts to be the eighth world wonder. Overstatements aside, this great work of engeneering winds the 1 200-metre-high Jebel, the second largest mountain in the country, with a total of 60 curves, an asphalt pavement better than any race track's and three lanes (two climbing and one descending), with all sorts of unbelievable lighting. It's not only exquisitely lit, but its surrounding rock walls are also carved, ensuring a night scenery worthy of any movie or videogame.

There has been a lot of speculation about the road's construction, especially about its estimated, but not confirmed, cost of 100 million dollars, but, what seems more likely is that the reason for this road lies on top of the Jebel Hafeet mountain where the palace of the former president of the United Arab Emirates (until his death in 2004), Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stands. As Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was listed as one of the richest people in the world by Forbes magazine, it would be no wonder if he wanted to build a spectacular path leading up to his house. But, speculations aside, just before the palace lies the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain, a beautiful hotel with over 124 bedrooms. An excellent and unique opportunity to travel along this amazing road and stay at a true oasis right in the middle of nowhere.

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