The United Arab Emirates is a scenically beautiful country. Besides the spectacular modern-day architectural splendors of Dubai & Abu Dhabi, the country is also blessed with natural beauties like pristine beaches by the sparkling blue sea, glistening deserts, majestic mountains, and serene waterfalls.
Yes, the waterfalls. The UAE is dotted with various waterfalls of varying sizes. Not all of them, though, catch the fancy of the tourists. But among those who do, one of the most popular & frequently-visited ones is the Khorfakkan Waterfall.
Khorfakkan is a port city, located in the emirate of Sharjah. Facing the beautiful Gulf of Oman, Khorfakkan is an important port and is also rich in archaeological sites that date back to ancient times. Khorfakkan offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy the cool sea breeze and enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Hajar Mountains & the stunning rock formations. And, to top it all, here lies the awesome Khorfakkan Waterfall.
Read on to know everything about the Khorfakkan Waterfall.
Things to See at Khorfakkan Waterfall
1. Khorfakkan Film
This epic movie was screened for the first time on the day the waterfall was inaugurated. The first screening was attended by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah. The Sharjah Broadcasting Corporation has produced this film. This film encapsulates the exemplary bravery shown by the people of Khorfakkan against the Portuguese invasion in the early 16th century.
2. Khorfakkan Amphitheatre
The newly-opened Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is heavily inspired by the Roman amphitheaters. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi opened it to the public in December 2020. Covering over 1,700 square meters, the grand & imposing amphitheater can accommodate over 3,500 spectators. The lobby of the amphitheater covers a huge space of 75,000 square feet & is equipped with 6 elevators to facilitate easy entry & exit of spectators. The amphitheater is semi-circular in structure with various arches & columns creating a spectacular sight. And yes, the state-of-the-art cooling system of the theatre ensures respite from heat during the punishing summer months.
3. Restaurant
Go right to the top of the waterfall at a height of over 100 feet. Here, you would find a cave carved into a rock. And in this cave is located a wonderful restaurant. Pamper your taste buds here while you get magnificent views of the azure bay and the waters of the waterfall cascading down the rocks. The delicious food & the spectacular sights would create a mesmeric ambiance for you.
Things to See Nearby Khorfakkan Waterfall
1. Khorfakkan Beach
The 3-km-long Khorfakkan Beach is the perfect place for spending some relaxing time. Lie down on the beach & enjoy the magnificent views of the sparkling waters. You might also go for a swim to feel energized. The myriad rock formations in the crescent-shaped beach would also catch your fancy.
2. Boat Ride
Hop onto a boat & visit the nearby Snoopy Island & Shark Island. Off the island, there are ample opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. Enjoy the spectacular views of the underwater rock formations as you are accompanied by local submarine fauna like moray eels, Arabian angelfish, and sting rays,
3. Hiking Activities
The Al Rabi Tower invites you to a basic level of hiking. Once you hike up to the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Gulf of Oman on one side & Khorfakkan town on the other. And with the beautiful beach & rugged mountains forming the perfect backdrop, the views from atop the tower are nothing but spectacular.
4. Kayaking Opportunities
Visit the beautiful Al Rafisah Dam off the Khorfakkan Highway. This dam, built over 4 decades ago, has been refurbished & now sports a shining new look. The crystal clear waters of the lake here provide the perfect opportunity for some kayaking activity. The majestic Hajar Mountains loom large in the backdrop, while the greenery all around is a sight to soothe sore eyes.
Best Time to Visit Khorfakkan Waterfall
The ideal season to visit the dam would be from October to February. The weather is quite temperate during these months & you can enjoy this outdoor activity without any discomfort. The summer months are best avoided for visiting Khorfakkan Waterfall as the temperatures can be quite punishing.
How to Reach
The most suitable option is to drive down to Khorfakkan. The distance from Sharjah is 110 km & from Dubai it is 135 km. You can also hop onto the Big Bus from Sharjah that will stop here.
Is there any Entry Fee
There are no entry fees to be paid for visiting Khorfakkan Waterfall.
