The Al Rabi Tower Hike in Khorfakkan holds a special place in my heart. It was on this trail that my hiking hobby truly began, and ever since that first climb, I’ve found myself returning again and again, drawn by the breathtaking combination of views over the town, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. There’s something magical about this trail that makes it a must-visit, not just for first-timers, but also for seasoned hikers like myself.
My First Steps on the Al Rabi Trail
I still remember the first time I put on my hiking shoes and set off on the Al Rabi trail. Starting from the historic watchtower, I didn’t know what to expect, but with every step up the rocky path, the unfolding views blew me away. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman stretching below, the cute town of Khorfakkan, and the rugged Hajar Mountains all around—it’s a rare spot where you can take in so much beauty at once.
The hike itself is a great balance between being challenging and accessible. It’s about 5- 6 km round trip with uphills and downhills, and the incredible scenery motivates you to keep going. Plus, there are plenty of rest points to catch your breath, hear the sound of crashing waves and just gaze at the surroundings.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Over time, the Al Rabi Tower Hike has become a place I can’t resist. No matter how many times I hike it, the views from the trail never fail to amaze me. Whether I’m gazing down at the town of Khorfakkan or scanning the horizon where the sea meets the sky, it’s a perspective that has put a spell on me to keep coming back.
One of my favorite moments on this hike happens when I reach the summit. Standing there, with the world below me, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of calm and accomplishment. The view is like a painting come to life—the mountains, the town, and the vast sea, all coming together in a mesmerizing way.
Why You Should Time Your Hike for Sunset
While any time of day is great for hiking Al Rabi, I can’t recommend enough that you plan your visit to coincide with the sunset. It’s something truly spectacular. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky explodes in hues of pink, orange, and gold. And if you time it just right, you’ll be able to see the sun setting on one side of the peak while the moon rises on the other. It’s a surreal experience that feels like you’re standing in two worlds at once. The added bonus is to hear the call of prayer from the mosques that is a truly memorable experience.
I remember the first time I caught that moment—it was pure magic. The sky turned peach color and the town and coastline were bathed in a golden glow, with the moon beginning to rise over the sea. If you’re a sunset lover like me, this is something you don’t want to miss.
After you come down the mountain back to Khorfakkan, why not try local restaurants such as the Emirates Sea,The View by Wave or Al Sayadeen Fish Cooking. Your tummy will thank you!
A Few Hiking Tips
1) Best Time to Visit: Early mornings are great, but the sunset hike is where the magic really happens. Aim to start your hike in the late afternoon to reach the summit just in time to catch the sun and moon together.
2) What to Bring: Good hiking shoes are a must, as the trail can be rocky in spots. Bring plenty of water, some snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views. Towel to wipe the sweat is also essential! And lastly I do recommend using hiking poles as they will come in handy on steep slopes, especially going down the mountain. Also be sure to take your head light with you as you will be returning to starting point after the sunset and it will get totally dark very fast.
3) Family-Friendly Fun: The trail is manageable for families too, though you’ll want to keep an eye on younger kids, especially in steeper areas.
Exploring Khorfakkan After the Hike
Once you’ve soaked in the views from the summit, there’s more to explore in Khorfakkan. The town itself is a gem, with a lovely corniche perfect for a post-hike stroll, pristine beaches, and nearby spots like Shees Park, which offer even more opportunities to enjoy nature. Read about it in my other post about the East Coast.
Al Rabi Tower will always be the place where my hiking journey started, and it continues to inspire me with every visit. Whether it’s your first time on the trail or you’re a seasoned adventurer, this hike promises incredible views and a peaceful connection to the natural beauty of Sharjah’s east coast. So, pack your gear and head to Khorfakkan for an unforgettable experience—who knows, you might find yourself coming back again and again, just like me!
Distance: 4,66 km, Elevation gain: 411 m, Difficulty: Easy/Medium, Max elevation: 410 m
More information on this trail on my Wikiloc account.
Want to know more?
Al Rabi Tower in Khorfakkan is a popular spot among domestic tourists due to its white sand beaches and coral reefs that attract many marine life enthusiasts. Khorfakkan is located on the east coast of the UAE, between the Shumayliyah Mountains and the Arabian Sea, with an altitude of 1,023 meters (3,356 ft) at al Hilqah Mountain (Jebel al Hilqah). The bay of Khorfakkan faces the northeast and is protected from prevailing winds by a jetty serving terminal for container ships. It is also the site of Khorfakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the UAE. Go to Wikipedia for more information.
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