Eid Al Adha 2026 in UAE: Escape the heat with these hidden Khorfakkan gems

Source: OFFICIAL UAE NEWS · Emirates 24/7

Dubai: Not sure what to do during the extended Eid Al Adha break? Whether you are planning to spend time with family, friends or on your own, a road trip to Khorfakkan can be the perfect Eid getaway.

While temperatures in the internal parts of the UAE are expected to climb as high as 48°C this week, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the mountain areas along the east coast are forecast to remain noticeably cooler, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 35°C.

What to keep in mind in terms of the weather

Before you begin your trip, though, it is important to remember that the NCM has advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during daytime hours, especially during the afternoon. So, make sure you plan your drive accordingly, keeping the outdoor activities in the early morning or evening time.

How to get to Khorfakkan

The drive to Khorfakkan takes around 1.5 hours from Dubai or Sharjah, and approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi, depending on traffic.

No matter where you are travelling from, the main route into Khorfakkan is via the S142 highway, better known as Khorfakkan Road, which you can get on directly from Emirates Road (E611).

If you are driving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, continue along E611 towards Sharjah and take the exit for S142 shortly after passing Tilal City.

If you are coming from Sharjah city, head towards Sharjah International Airport. Right after crossing the airport, you will see an exit for S142 to your right.

From there, the road leads directly through the mountains towards Khorfakkan and Sharjah’s east coast.

1. Shees Park and Shees Rest Area — a green mountain retreat

The Shees Rest area is on S142 - Khorfakkan Road - on your way to Khorfakkan City. Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

If you have lived long enough in the UAE, chances are you have heard residents nostalgically talk about the famous Friday Market on the Fujairah road.

For decades, it has been a popular roadside stop where residents pause for fresh coconut water, local fruits and warm boxes of luqaimat or fried dough balls soakedin date syrup, while shopping for traditional carpets and pottery.

In 2023, the area was renovated, with the opening of the Shees Rest Area along S142, making it the perfect place to stop at first on your road trip. With many restaurants and cafés now a part of the market, this can be a great spot for an early breakfast.

Shees rest area. Photo credit: Visit Sharjah Shees Rest area Photo credit Visit Sharjah

The park nearby also has waterfalls, shaded walking trails, terraced seating and play areas for children.

Shees Park Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

2. Al Rafisah Dam

Al Rafisah Dam Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

Drive down a little further and you will soon see signs for the Al Rafisah Dam, one of the most peaceful hidden gems you will find on your trip, and a great spot to take pictures.

Tucked between the rocky cliffs, the area around the dam has been developed to offer visitors different experiences from kayaks and pedal boats to shaded pathways and artificial waterfalls.

Al Rafisah Dam Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

3. Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village

Najd Al Maqsar Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

If you are looking to soak in some of the UAE’s culture and history, Najd Al Maqsar offers one of the most unique experiences in Khorfakkan. The restored heritage village, which is a five minute drive from the Al Rafisah dam, features stone houses, mountain pathways and old watchtowers overlooking the valley below.

4. Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and waterfalls

Khorfakkan waterfalls Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

After Najd Al Maqsar, you will see the highway taking you directly to the heart of Khorfakkan city, along the coastline. Once there, you can stop over at the many restaurants and cafés for lunch, or drive down further to Fujairah Mall, if you would like to make your afternoon break a bit longer.

In the city, the most prominent landmarks are the Khorfakkan waterfalls and amphitheatre, which are once again a very Instagrammable spot.

Khorfakkan Amphitheatre Photo credit: Visit Sharjah

The waterfalls are carved directly into the rocky Al Sayed mountain, overlooking the Khorfakkan Corniche and the Gulf of Oman, while the amphitheatre which was inaugurated along with the waterfalls in 2020, was built inspired by Roman architecture.

Khorfakkan Waterfalls Photo credit: Visit Sharjah 2

5. Al Suhub Rest House

And to wrap up your trip, how about ending it in Khorfakkan’s very own ‘cloud lounge’? At a height of around 600 metres above sea level, Al Suhub Rest House offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city. It was inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in 2021 and has since become one of the most popular spots for UAE residents.

The winding drive up the mountain and the panoramic view of Khorfakkan in the evening can be the perfect way to end your trip, before heading back home.