Al Rabi Mountain Trail: A Local's Guide to Khorfakkan's Best Hike
The seaside city of Khorfakkan in Sharjah is one of those places in the UAE that most visitors never hear about, and that's exactly what makes it worth the drive. Along with chilled beach town vibes, a gorgeous waterfall and amphitheater, amazing local food, and the Al Rabi Mountain Trail, the city holds hundreds of years of history as a thriving port and one viciously attacked by the Portuguese once upon a time.
The drive from downtown Dubai to the Al Rabi Mountain Trail is approximately 1.5 hours on a scenic road surrounded by mountains. No 4x4s needed.
Here's a guide on how to navigate the hike and spend a few hours exploring the city.
What to Bring
- Cash or change for the roadside fruit vendors (trust me on this one)
- Hiking or sports shoes only. No flip flops, no sandals, no exceptions
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Bottled water and snacks
- A towel or beach mat for rest stops
- A small first aid kit with bandaids in case of any falls
The Drive to Khorfakkan
I love a fresh fruit stand on the road and guess what the highway to Khorfakkan has plenty of? Those mini bananas are delicious. They're practically one bite.
Starting Point: Al Rabi Tower
The Al Rabi Mountain Trail begins at the Al Rabi Tower, one of the first of a series of watchtowers in the city used to look out for any trespassers. It dates back to 1915 A.D. If you arrive early enough, you may be able to find a parking spot just by the tower, which will save you from an uphill walk from the larger parking lot. But if you don't find a spot, think of the walk as a warm-up. P.S If you're planning the hike with children, I'd advise dropping them off by the tower, before looking for parking.
The Trail
The trail is super easy to follow and is signposted everywhere. It would be hard to get lost. The highest peak has an elevation of 1290 ft / 395 m. For reference, that would make it higher than the Eiffel Tower which is 1063 ft / 324 m. On the way up, there's a message from today's Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan Al Qassimi which reads: 'God cherished nature. We are wary of man's tampering with nature. If you love Sultan, appreciate what he has done for nature'. So please, leave nothing but footprints!
First Peak: 1.5 Hours Up
The trail can get quite busy on weekends, particularly on Fridays. So a Saturday hike is your best bet. The hike to the first peak takes 1.5 hours where you'll find the 1st UAE flag, and panoramic views of the city. Here I usually sit down for a break and a bite, mesmerized by the views of the turquoise waters below. Afterwards, I continue the trail which goes downhill to a rest area before going back uphill again.
The Prayer Point
This rest area has a prayer mat with the qibla direction pointed towards Mecca for anyone who wants to pray mid-hike!
The Summit: 1290 ft
Another 30 min hike from the rest area will have you reaching the summit at 1290 ft / 395 m. The views from up here are something else. Time for another short break and almost compulsory 'I made it' photo by the flag. Then you can start your descent down. The trail down will eventually converge to the same one going up, and should take 1.5 hours to make it back to your car!
Where to Eat After the Hike
This hike usually works up my appetite and I love eating where the locals go. So I would recommend visiting Hosn Khorfakkan Restaurant (مطعم حصن خورفكان). This place on a few occasions had a loooong line of people waiting so I would definitely suggest calling ahead to make a reservation (if they'll take one), or arrive not-so-hangry as you'll likely be waiting. Alternatively, here are a few other recommendations suggested by an Emirati friend who lives in Khorfakkan:
Hekayat Bait Cafe / مطعم حكاية بيت
Ahel Al Daar Pastry Bakery / مطعم اهل الدار
Ramadan note: If you're visiting during Ramadan, expect most restaurants and coffee shops to be closed during the day. They'll open for iftar, so plan your hike timing accordingly.
Khorfakkan is known for its seafood so I order the machboos rubyan. That's shrimp with seasoned rice. The secret is to add a lot of lemon and veggies. Heavenly!
Also worth noting: the old town area near the Hisn restaurant has a few new coffee shops alongside some small shops. It's a nice short walk and wander after your meal.
What Else to See in Khorfakkan
After a delicious lunch, I would suggest a trip to the Khorfakkan Corniche. There, you'll see the new man-made waterfall as well as the Khorfakkan amphitheater which is inspired by Roman designs. My advice would be to park on an alternative road to avoid the inevitable traffic around both attractions. After, you can head to the Khorfakkan Corniche and Beach area which are also lovely to walk by, or set up a picnic in.
To anyone who wants to step off the well-worn path, here's a reminder of the incredible city of Khorfakkan with its lush palm groves, gorgeous mountains, wild beaches, and small villages out there to explore.
