Voyagerista

Release your inner nomad in the UAE and beyond

Rafisah Dam and Suhub Rest House Hike

We were pretty excited to start our hike since we had wanted to do this trail for a long time. Our adventure kicked off at Rafisah Dam, where the water sparkled like an emerald under the blazing sun. The scenery was mind-blowing, and the more we ascended, the more beautiful it looked!

The first peak offered a stunning view of the Rafisah Dam and the Gulf of Oman on the other side. Definitely a “wow” moment in every sense. There’s something about being up here that really makes you feel connected to the world.

The view of Rafisah Dam, Khorfakkan, Sharjah.
The mesmerizing view of Rafisah Dam will take your breath away

We continued our steady ascent towards the Suhub Rest House. The low-hanging rain clouds added a magical touch, and the gentle raindrops enhanced the mystical vibe. The climbing poles really helped us, giving us the stability needed to navigate this rugged terrain and narrow trail.

We took a breather at the Rest House, soaking in the amazing views. The clouds were literally hugging the mountain and the scenery from this spot was simply spectacular. It was Saturday afternoon, so the rest house area was packed with people. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s better to choose some other time! The trail itself was quiet since most people just drive to the top.

Gulf of Oman viewed from Al Suhub Rest House, Khorfakkan, Sharjah.
Suhub Rest Area has a nice restaurant with these incredible views

The descent was even more incredible and the views just seemed to be getting better on the way down. An amazing feeling of achievement hit us when we finally made it back to Rafisah Dam and our car. The sunset was just magical, with the light bouncing off the dam. Thankfully we reached before complete darkness. We did have lights with us, but I don’t recommend this trail for night hiking as it is quite narrow and steep.

This hiking trail was a truly unforgettable experience. If you want to challenge yourself and enjoy the breathtaking views as a reward, this is the perfect trail for you!

Distance: 8km, Elevation gain: 574m, Difficulty: Medium, Max elevation: 595m

More information on this trail on my Wikiloc account.

Want to know more?

Rafisah Dam, located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, dams the Wadi Shie, a seasonal waterway in the Hajar Mountains that runs down to the city of Khor Fakkan on the east coast of Sharjah. The Al Suhub Rest House, located on top of mountains overlooking Khor Fakkan, offers panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of Oman. Khor Fakkan itself is a city and an exclave of the Emirate of Sharjah, situated on the east coast of the UAE, facing the Gulf of Oman. Khor Fakkan means the “Creek of Two Jaws.” It is known for its laid back atmosphere, white sand beaches and coral reefs.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia pages for Khor Fakkan, Rafisah Dam, Wadi Shie, Hajar Mountains and Suhub Rest House.

Ekaterina Kajakina-Lappalainen Avatar

About the author

Welcome to my travel world! I’m a passionate traveler with a deep love for uncovering the hidden gems of our planet. Traveling for me is more than hitting up new locations; it’s about immersing in different cultures, uncovering history, and getting amazed by new discoveries and nature’s wonders.

The UAE holds a special spot in my heart. Being a licensed tour guide in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, I’ve had the privilege to show people the rich mix of history, archaeology, and culture here. This country is a mix of deep rooted heritage and modern wonders, and it never ceases to amaze me.

When I’m not on tour, you’ll probably catch me trekking the UAE’s wild landscapes, taking in all its stunning views. Come along with me as I share tales, tips, and thoughts that might just spark your own love for adventure. For me, travel is life, and I’m super excited to bring you along on this journey.