Travel UAE

  • Jubail Mangrove Park

    Jubail Mangrove Park

    Mangrove Park is a park set in a mangrove forest. Mangroves grow in tropical shallow waters, and in this area of the UAE, they resemble shrubs up to 3 meters tall. Wooden walkways have been built right through the mangroves, offering a circular walking route that takes about 40 minutes. Entry is paid, and there’s a café and restrooms available.

    However, I highly recommend skipping the walk and renting a kayak instead. For an easier option, a motorized Dragon Boat holds about 10 people. But with a kayak, you’ll paddle through waters barely 10 cm deep, navigate narrow channels, and even pass directly through the mangroves in search of large crabs and other wildlife.

    In my case, the kayaking session lasted 2 hours (even though they initially mentioned 1). Groups depart every hour, and free exploration is not allowed. During the trip, you’ll get to paddle beyond the mangrove forest and even land on a small island. The guide speaks English and is very enthusiastic about engaging in conversation.

    GPS: 24.545016, 54.485513
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3

  • Jebel Ali beach

    Jebel Ali beach

    Jebel Ali Beach is located at the base of the second, unfinished Palm Island, which has been vacant for over 10 years. I’m including this spot in the list because it’s my favorite kiteboarding spot, where I often go, and there’s something to say about the beach.

    The beach is divided into several sections. A small part is designated for kite surfers, as it’s a very popular kiteboarding location. The second section is a public beach, and further along is the JA The Resort hotel area.

    The location is in the middle of an industrial zone, far from Dubai’s residential areas. As a result, the horizon features views of port cranes and other industrial structures. However, if you’re tired of the crowded city beaches of Dubai, this spot offers a quiet escape.
    In the public area, you’ll find scenic swings, benches, and a decorative “heart” near Maddy Café. The beach itself is wide with soft, pleasant sand. The water has a gradual entry, and there are very few waves because the unfinished Palm Island is a natural barrier, which is a significant advantage on windy days.

    GPS: 24.985554, 55.017039
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Jebel Jais

    Jebel Jais

    Jebel Jais is a mountain range and a proper place of power. It’s also probably the most popular destination in the UAE outside the cities. Rising to an altitude of 1,500 meters, it’s accessible almost entirely by car via a serpentine highway.

    You’ll find a few attractions at the summit besides observation decks and stunning views. Sladder is a ride on “sleds” along rails on the mountainside, similar to the alpine coasters in Russia and Europe. Website. Entry is free during operating hours, and the ride is reasonably priced. Children under 3 years old and shorter than 120 cm are not allowed.

    Another highlight is the world’s longest zipline, stretching nearly 3 km and reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h. You need to book this in advance through their website. Access to the zipline and the nearby restaurant 1484 By Puro is restricted — there’s a barrier and only those with a zipline or restaurant booking (or occasionally those with a charming smile 😉) are allowed through.

    The area also features several fascinating observation decks and scenic pull-offs along the drive, where you can enjoy views of both the mountains and the sea.

    On weekends, the place gets very crowded. Families flock here for picnics, filling up all the parking spots and even the surrounding areas.

    GPS: 25.943202, 56.141646
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    In the area, there’s a hiking trail, which is mentioned on billboards at the summit. I didn’t explore it, but an infographic about it is higher up. The GPS coordinates for the starting point of the trail are 25.938487, 56.128629.

    Along the way, you’ll also come across several camping spots. If you dig around on the internet, I’m sure these mountains hide many more interesting and beautiful places, some of which may be a bit harder to reach.

  • Shees Park

    Shees Park

    Shees Park is a small recreational park nestled in the mountains, located just a 5-minute drive from Al Rafisah Dam and 10 minutes from Khorfakkan. The park is built on a mountain slope and features walking paths, benches, shaded areas, and barbecue spots. It’s lush with greenery, has a waterfall, and is generally a picturesque spot, perfect for photoshoots.
    A large children’s playground, parking, a café, and restrooms exist. While there isn’t much to see or do beyond enjoying the serene environment, it’s a great place to stop by for about half an hour unless you plan to relax and read a book under the open sky.
    On weekends, it can get quite crowded. Entry has recently become paid, and visitor attire is monitored—women in short dresses, for example, may not be allowed in.

    GPS: 25.293477, 56.235241
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Al Rafisah Dam

    Al Rafisah Dam

    The Al Rafisah Dam, with its lake, is just a 5-minute drive from the Khorfakkan above. It’s similar to the more popular Hatta Dam but slightly smaller and with a more urbanized vibe: power lines stretch across the mountains, and a highway runs along the dam, which detracts from the secluded, natural atmosphere of the place.
    At the lake, you can grab a bite to eat and rent various boats for a ride. A children’s playground, a café, and restrooms are also available.

    GPS: 25.346740, 56.307709
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

    The highlight of the place was The Walk (Wadi Shi Raafisah Dam to Observation Deck) — a hiking trail that winds uphill from the lake. It’s hard to miss, as the initial section is well-maintained, with benches and steps made of stone in some areas.

    If you continue along the trail, it turns into a 1.5–2-hour journey (one way) to the mountaintop overlooking Khorfakkan and the coastline, leading to a spot called the Al Suhub Rest Area (GPS: 25.361240, 56.323829). At the top, you’ll find an observation deck, a restaurant, and parking. During my visit, everything was closed for renovations, but at other times, it was accessible by car. The altitude is about 600 meters above sea level.

    The hiking trail to this spot becomes quite challenging in the final third, as it traverses a steep slope with loose soil and cliffs. However, the views are stunning, and the hike is generally manageable. It’s suitable for older children, but only under close supervision.

    GPS: 25.349397, 56.311164
    Google Maps

  • Al Suhub Rest Area

    Al Suhub Rest Area

    At the peak of one of the mountains towering over the city of Khorfakkan, a leisure area called Al Suhub has been created. It features a restaurant, observation decks, a children’s play area, and, of course, parking. The location is accessible via a winding serpentine road that takes 5–10 minutes to drive. The peak sits approximately 500 meters above sea level, with the sea at the base, seemingly within arm’s reach.

    From there, breathtaking views of Khorfakkan, its bay, the surrounding mountains, the Gulf of Oman, and about 100 cargo ships anchored far off the shore unfold before you. With its large panoramic windows (or the terrace encircling it), the restaurant offers a spot to grab a bite. If you dine at the restaurant, your parking fee is waived for the first two hours (after that, standard rates apply).

    A little before reaching the peak, there’s another rest area with parking. Here, you’ll find food trucks (one of them is called Rajab Cafeteria), numerous tables for picnics and gatherings, and a playground. You can grab a very affordable meal at the food trucks, which is perfect for those who don’t want to spend much at the restaurant. The views here are also quite decent, though slightly less stunning than those from the top.

    GPS: 25.360842, 56.323809
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Khorfakkan

    Khorfakkan

    Khorfakkan is a small town on the shore of the Gulf of Oman, about an hour and a half drive from Dubai (located on the Persian Gulf). The drive there takes you through the mountains via a high-speed highway, with sections passing through tunnels—a surprising sight in the UAE.


    The town is in a large bay with a long, wide beach. Part of the beach has been developed into a promenade with snack bars, showers, and restrooms. The other half of the beach is still under construction, but this doesn’t prevent visitors from strolling along the coast and swimming in the shallow waters during low tide and calm weather.


    Near the center of the bay, you’ll find tourist boats along the shore. These boats can take you to Shark Island (photos, Google Maps), just around the corner. The island features shallow waters, coral reefs, colorful fish, and spots for snorkeling, diving, and picnicking. The round trip, including about 10 minutes on the island, is a 30-minute adventure.

    GPS: 25.360658, 56.349235
    Google Maps

    Points of interest in the city (all within walking distance along the promenade):

    • Khorfakkan Amphitheatre – a large amphitheater located right by the seaside.
      GPS: 25.368385, 56.347658
      Google Maps
      Photos
    • Khorfakkan Waterfalls – a waterfall that appears to cascade down from the mountains.
      GPS: 25.366756, 56.348216
      Google Maps
      Photos
    • Historical Village of Khor Fakkan (heritage vllage) – an authentic site replicating an old settlement. It features bustling market stalls with numerous shops and cafés and narrow streets lined with tiny, lifeless houses. Nearby, you can also find archaeological excavations of an ancient military fort.
      GPS: 25.348378, 56.358621
      Google Maps
      Photos
    • Seafront Promenade – a scenic promenade stretching along the entire city, perfect for leisurely walks by the sea.
      Google Maps
      Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Kitesurfing

    Kitesurfing

    The Emirates is not a mecca for kitesurfing. However, there’s the sea, beaches, and occasional winds, so there are many riders. During the winter months, the wind blows for a couple of consecutive days once every 2–3 weeks. From July to October, there’s nothing to catch at all. Autumn and spring are hit or miss, but you can ride pretty often if you have a large kite. In winter, you can ride with a 9-meter kite, but on average, 12, 15, and 17-meter kites are more common for twin tips—or foil boards. The wind is predominantly northwesterly, usually onshore or cross-onshore at the spots. If the wind is offshore (I’ve never ridden in such conditions), it’s said to be very gusty. Moreover, in such cases, the air is filled with dust blown from the desert.

    Within Dubai, there are spots like Kite Beach and NessNass Beach. A bit farther away is Jebel Ali Beach. Near Abu Dhabi, there’s a spot on Yas Island. You can find Al Quwain Beach opposite Dubai. Less popular but more interesting in terms of wind are spots closer to Qatar, such as Ruwais, because that area falls within the “wind window” of the Persian Gulf. When there’s no wind in Dubai, there’s usually wind in Ruwais. However, it’s 350 km from Dubai. Most beaches are sandy, so you don’t need shoes. On Yas, there may be shells, rocks, and the like. You might not hurt your feet walking barefoot, but you should be cautious with your gear. There are no kite stations. Recently, the authorities officially opened a kite beach on Yas and claimed that there were even “green mats” on the beach. I haven’t been there yet to see these updates for myself.

    Photos: 1, 2, 3

  • Top sights in the United Arab Emirates

    Top sights in the United Arab Emirates

    A selection of interesting places to visit in the UAE.

    Short stories of my weekend travels (supplemented as new material appears). You can find more on Instagram & Telegram.

    Each location has a link to Google Maps, GPS coordinates and links to photos/videos in my Instagram.

    Link to map

animals architecture auto cafe city desert heritage hiking kids lake mountains nature park sea sport unusual zoo