19.9K

Who says you need to spend a lot to have an amazing day out? If you’re looking to explore attractions in Khor Fakkan without breaking the bank, you’re in for a treat! From stunning beaches to hiking in the Al Rabi mountains, the coastal town offers plenty of experiences that won’t cost you a Dirham.

Having spent numerous days exploring Khor Fakkan, we’ve discovered some incredible spots. Trust us, we know where to go and what to do to make the most of your visit.

Khor Fakkan, located in the emirate of Sharjah is an ideal weekend getaway from the bustling nearby cities of Dubai and Sharjah. This port town on the east coast of UAE offers a perfect setting to unwind and relax.

So, let’s dive into the top 10 absolutely must-visit places in Khor Fakkan!

10 FREE Places to Visit in Khor Fakkan

1. Shees Park

The Shees Park is a great picnic place for families. It is home to a man-made waterfall, a kids’ play area, a theatre, a seating area, and several BBQ stations that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. At the height of 506m, an observatory is located offering a view of nearby mountains and a bird’s eye view of the park.

The observatory can be reached via the stone stairs with a rest area located halfway. The Shees park being one of the primary tourist attractions in Khorfakkan attracts several tourists and locals. The place also houses a restaurant where you can buy a bakery, cold drinks, and snacks.

Shees Park is a part of Wadi Shees Nature Trail, which is a short 30-45 min leisure walk in the park with clear directions marked for navigation. Alternatively, you can take a short walk to the Al Quaoy Water Pond which is just a stone’s throw away from the Shees Park entrance.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Prayer room: Available
• Parking: Available, crowded on weekends
• Restroom: Available

2. Al Rafisah Dam

Al Rafisah Dam is a popular spot for boating and kayaking. With beautiful views of mountains and pristine blue waters throughout the year, this is a must-visit place in Khor Fakkan. Kayak on the calm waters and spot ducks. Deers can also be seen around.

The place also features a cafe, a restaurant, a tiny man-made waterfall, a mosque, a supermarket, and a play area for the kids.

The Al Rafisah hike from the dam to the nearby observation deck is our favorite and we highly recommend it. It is one of the best things to do in Khor Fakkan. From the top, enjoy the aerial views of the surrounding mountains and the stunning Al Rafisah Dam.

• Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Boating charges:
  • AED 40 – Single kayak for unlimited time (1 adult)
  • AED 80 – Double kayak for unlimited time (2 adults and 1 kid)
  • AED 100 – Pedal boat for 1 hour (2 adults and 2 kids)
  • AED 150 – Brown pedal boat for 1 hour (3 adults and 1 kid)
  • AED 250 – Donut boat for 1 hour (4 adults and 2 kids)
• Prayer room: Available
• Parking: Available
• Restroom: Available
• Camping: Strictly not allowed

Note: Infants below 2 years are not allowed on any boat rides. Children (2-7 Yrs) must ride with at least 1 adult.

📌 Book a full-day private tour to Khor Fakkan (with FREE pickup)

3. Al Suhub Rest Area

Al Suhub Rest Area is the motorable viewpoint in Khor Fakkan. The seven hairpin bends will lead you to the top. Treat your senses with the stunning 360° panoramic views of the city, including the harbor, shores, and brown mountains, from the hilltop viewpoint.

Al Suhub Rest Area is a must-visit place in Khor Fakkan. The locals go there often to enjoy the short hill ride, panoramic views, and good weather, up the hilltop. There is a lovely kids’ play area close to the restaurant.

The Fen Cafe is a luxury restaurant situated 600 m above sea level. If you enter the restaurant only to see the views and do not have a meal, you will be charged upon exit.

The best way is to buy a nominal food item from the restaurant and get free parking for 2 hours which can be waived by showing the bill at the counter.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Parking: Available, AED 30 per hour for each vehicle, collected in the foothills during the descend. The time is calculated once you enter the barrier gate at the foothills and are charged upon exit.
• Restroom: Available

4. Khor Fakkan Beach

Being a coastal town, Khor Fakkan is dotted by numerous beaches. Popular among all is the Khor Fakkan beach. With beach activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and boating, the place attracts huge crowds on weekends. You can also swim or snorkel along the shores of the beach.

With numerous food trucks, restaurants, play areas, and a promenade with the beachfront, you can happily spend an evening here with the views of blue water to the front against the backdrop of the stoic Hajar Mountains.

If you want to escape the crowd, head to the following beaches. These beaches are truly hidden and you get to see the rich marine life even if you snorkel along the shore.

• Al Aquah Beach
• Khor Fakkan Heart Beach
• Sai Beach
• AlQalqali Beach

Khor Fakkan Beach’s Details are as follows.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Parking: Available
• Restroom: Available
• Changing rooms & shower: Available
• Activities costs: The price varies depending on the season and demand and is negotiable
  • Parasailing – AED 75 per person
  • Jet skiing – AED 100 per person
  • Boat ride – AED 10-20

5. Shark Island

A quick 10-minute speed boat ride from the Khor Fakkan beach is Shark Island. With the most inviting shades of blue, crystal clear water, and white sandy shores, Shark Island is truly a slice of paradise.

The island boasts snorkeling and scuba diving activities. Big turtles, cuttlefishes, sea horses, honeycomb moray eels, and blacktip reef sharks (not harmful) are likely to be seen. The colorful corals add to the beauty.

We recommend Shark Island tours with Coral Creek Diving and Goblin Diving Center as they are the best. They offer diving courses as well.

If you have snorkeling gear, you can snorkel for free. The best places to snorkel are,

• Shark Island
• Snoopy Island and the surrounding areas
• Outside the Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa Hotel
• Khor Fakkan Heart Beach
• AlQalqali Beach
• Sharm Rocks

6. Khor Fakkan Sea Port and Fish Market

Khor Fakkan port is the only natural deep seaport and is one of the three important ports for containers in the UAE. Opened in 1979, it is certainly the best in the Sharjah emirate. Take a stroll in the jetty area and observe the fishing and container ships.

Explore the nearby Fish Market, where you’ll find a variety of sea creatures such as crabs, fish, and shrimp at relatively low prices. Select your fresh catch of choice, and the adjacent restaurants will clean and cook it for you. This is quite a unique experience for many and one of the best things to do in Khor Fakkan.

Despite being called a fish market, there are also numerous vegetable and fruit stalls.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Fish Market Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9:30 PM
• Parking: Available

7. Al Adwani Tower

The defensive tower of Al Adwani was demolished and ruined. His Highness the ruler of Sharjah restored the historical monument and inaugurated it in 2019.

Today, it serves as a 360° viewpoint for visitors. Guided steps and pathways will lead to the top of the Al Adwani Tower. The short hike is fairly easy, making it ideal for kids and the elderly.

The aerial view of Khor Fakkan seaport, surrounding mountains, and the sea can be seen. Go during the late evening hours for the best views.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Parking: Available
• Restroom: Available at the base

8. Khor Fakkan Waterfalls, Square, and Amphitheatre

These places are found beside the road, and they serve as quick car stops while exploring the city of Khor Fakkan. With four entrances and fountains, the Khor Fakkan Square is a round-about park surrounded by fountains. The Khor Fakkan Park is perfect for a picnic with kids and an evening stroll.

Khor Fakkan is a man-made waterfall overlooking the Khor Fakkan corniche. It is an unmissable place that is located on a natural cliff at the height of 43 m (141 feet) and glows during the night.

Located in proximity to the beach and the Waterfall, the Khor Fakkan Amphitheater has 295 tall columns and 234 arches that transport you instantly to the Roman Colosseum. It is a place of great prominence, and it is featured on the 10 Dirham currency note.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free for all the three tourist spots
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Parking: Available near the beach
• Restroom: Not available

9. Al Rabi Hiking

Strap your most comfortable shoes and go on a 6 km hike on a mountain trail to the highest peak of the eastern mountains of Khor Fakkan with an elevation of 1290 Ft (395 m).

Al Rabi Tower serves as the starting point of the hike. From there, you can climb up the steps and start your hike. The trial is very easy to follow as there are clear signboards all along the hike.

The view from the summit is simply too stunning to pass up, so ensure you take your time and feast your senses on the view overlooking Khor Fakkan City and its shores.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Parking: Available
• Restroom: Available

Note: Wear good shoes and carry enough water, food, and energy boosters before starting the hike.

10. Wadi Al Wurayah

The Wadi Wuraiya National Park has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The hiking journey of Wadi Al Wurayah that leads you to the fresh, natural pool situated amidst a starkly contrasting landscape is an experience in itself.

Any hiking or adventure lover would love to peek at protected places such as this. It is a heaven for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.

There is a checkpoint before entering the national park. Unfortunately, people say that this place is closed to visitors. While this place continues to remain on our bucket list, we encourage you to definitely check it out and fill us in on the details.

• Entry Ticket Price: Free
• Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
• Parking: Available

Best Khor Fakkan Tours

Several companies offer day trips to Khor Fakkan from Dubai and Sharjah. This coastal town is one of the local’s favorite picnic places. We recommend ONLY THE BEST tours for you.

📌 Book the best Khor Fakkan tour for the lowest price from here

7 Places to Visit in Khor Fakkan in a Day

If you’re short on time and want to see the top sights in a single day, we suggest visiting seven sightseeing places for the best day trip in Khor Fakkan.

• Shees Park
• Al Rafisah Dam
• Al Suhub Rest Area
• Khor Fakkan Waterfalls
• Khor Fakkan Beach
• Khor Fakkan seaport and fish market
• Shark Island

How to Reach Khor Fakkan by Bus?

From Sharjah

The bus 116 starts from the Al Jubail bus terminal at Sharjah and ends at Al Zubara municipality labor camp via Fujairah. Get down at this bus station or UAE exchange bus station to explore around.

The frequency of buses between Khor Fakkan and Sharjah is available every hour from 6 AM to 10 PM. The bus journey costs 30 AED for 2.5-3 hours covering about 150 Km.

From Dubai

No direct bus services are available between Dubai and Khor Fakkan. Catch a bus at Dubai to reach Sharjah Al Jubail bus station first, then board bus number 116 to reach Khor Fakkan.

After arriving in Khor Fakkan, rent a two-wheeler to explore both popular tourist attractions and hidden gems. We strongly recommend this option, as public transportation connecting these places is nonexistent.

Best Time To Visit

During the winter months of November to April, the temperature cools down making it the best time to visit Khor Fakkan. During these months, the days are warmer with less humidity, ideal for exploration. From May to September, the humidity is high, and the temperature soars as high as 40℃.

Note: People frequently misspell Khor Fakkan as Korfakkan or Khorfakkan, but these names all refer to the same place.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you found this guide useful and informative. Please comment below and share this with your travel buddies. For more travel tips and hidden gems, subscribe to our newsletter.