The enchanting country of the UAE is brimmed with stunning mountains, scintillating skyscrapers, majestic deserts, serene beaches, and mesmerizing waterfalls. The Middle East is an attraction for travelers and adventure seekers. It is a dream destination for many tourists visiting the land to see the jaw-dropping marvels like the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, Dubai Palm Island, Ferrari World, Heritage Village, Desert Safari, Dhow Cruise Dubai, and many more.
Khorfakkan, a port town situated in Sharjah emirate, on the east coast of Musandam Peninsula, facing the Gulf of Oman in the United Arab Emirates, centers on the Khorfakkan bay, the Khorfakkan Beach, and the seaport. Khorfakkan is rich in archaeological sites like the ancient graves and ruined Portuguese forts. Khorfakkan translates as “The Creek of Two Jaws”, the name given so because of its setting in a crescent-shaped bay, which is flanked by two headlands. It is an important port for ships to trade with India and Africa.
The villages consist of different tribes, bio-diverse mountain areas, waterfalls, and natural pools. One can enjoy the climate of the area of cooling winds from the pristine Khorfakkan Beach and admire the captivating scenery of the rugged terrains of the Hajar mountains and beautiful rock formations. Offering a blend of manmade technology and natural beauty is the Khorfakkan Waterfall.
About Khorfakkan Waterfall
Overlooking the Khorfakkan Corniche is the Khorfakkan waterfall. Do you know how tall is the Khorfakkan Waterfall? It is 45 meters long and 11 meters wide waterfall located at a height of 43 meters above sea level. This waterfall, equipped with the latest technologies, is linked to the Amphitheater by elevators and walkways, providing visitors with an opportunity to see the city from a glorious vantage point. The waterfall is one of the most prominent tourist attractions added to enhance tourism in Sharjah, highlighting the Infrastructure Development and the Authority of Initiatives Implementation.
Enjoy a blissful day out with family and friends amidst the serene surroundings. The clear aquamarine waters, rugged mountain cliffs, and ribbon-like cascading waterfall are sure to leave your senses mesmerized. The waterfall when illuminated at night creates a magical atmosphere and makes for a spectacular watch for visitors.
Want to do more in Sharjah? We recommend a wonderful trip to Ajman and Sharjah.
Points of Interest at Khorfakkan Waterfall
1) The Khorfakkan Amphitheater
The newly built Khorfakkan Amphitheater, inspired by Roman architecture, opened to the public on 14th December 2020. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah. On 21st April, the Amphitheatre featured in the 10 dirham note (a UAE currency note). The impressive and grand architecture of the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre has become a landmark of the area, attracting many tourists. It covers an area of 1700 square meters, accommodating 3500 spectators. The Amphitheater lobby covering 75,000 square feet is equipped with six elevators, with three elevators for each of the two entrances to facilitate the movement of visitors to the Amphitheater. The stage faces the main street. The theatre has a state-of-the-art cooling system, making it an ideal venue for events so that the heat is of no concern to the visitors. The semi-circular structure of the Amphitheater has an imposing stone facade with 234 arches and 295 columns.
2) Khorfakkan Film
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi attended the first screening of the cinematic epic “Khorfakkan” on the same day the waterfall was inaugurated. This film is produced by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), showcasing the heroic events of the Khorfakkan city people, adapted from the book titled “Khorfakkan’s Resistance against the Portuguese Invasion of September 1507” by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council. This film, directed by Irish Maurice Sweeney and British Ben Mole, revolves around a series of historic events of the people in the city of Khorfakkan against the Portuguese invasion.
3) Restaurant and Cafe
At the top of the waterfall, within a cave carved into the rock, is a restaurant. Visitors to the Amphitheatre can sample delicious dishes at the restaurant and cafe with viewing windows to get a spectacular view of the shimmering bay and a close view of the waters of the waterfall cascading down from the top of the cave. The restaurant can accommodate more than eighty visitors, and the outdoor site can accommodate 30 visitors. Companies can also book the center to host their meetings.
Interesting Facts about Khorfakkan Waterfall
At the highest point of the waterfall, 35 meters high, is installed the main manifold, with a total of 60 underwater outlets to feed the waterfall. From this channel, water falls into a second channel, which is located 30 meters high, and from there the main cascade falls down the rocky slope. A group of eight pumps, with a total power of 600 HP, is installed to push the water up to the higher channel.
There is a Unique Water Intelligent Management System, allowing multi-visual water effects to automatically adjust its power usage and performance.
The waterfall is illuminated in white color, by a total of 198 GHESA projectors, equipped with a generation of LED lights that maximize the brightness while reducing power consumption. The installation works in a closed circuit and is managed by a sophisticated generation wind speed controller that automatically adjusts the waterfall operating modes according to the wind speed and direction. The water treatment system guarantees the quality of water complying with microbiological and chemical safety requirements.
Things to Do Near Khorfakkan Waterfall
1) Go Kayaking in Al Rafisah Dam
On the Khorfakkan highway, you can take a view of the beautiful Al Rafisah Dam. Built in the 1980s, the dam got refurbished with a new visitor center attracting many tourists. You can enjoy the natural surrounding beauty of the large, clear lake having boating facilities, and the magnificent Hajar Mountains. This stunning landscape of sandstone mountain range and tranquil green landscape is perfect for people who love to be close to nature and outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy kayaking on pedal boats or rowing boats as well as have snacks overlooking the dam.
2) Take a Boat Tide to Shark Island and Snoopy Island
From Khorfakkan Beach, you can see a small island, which is an underwater marvel for people who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Divers can find stunning rock formations swarming with Arabian angelfish, moray eels, and sting rays.
3) Hike up to the Al Rabi Tower
Hike to the top of Al Rabi Tower to have amazing views of the coastal town. You can see Khorfakkan on one side and the Gulf of Oman on the other. Take a panoramic view of the whole area with a rugged mountainscape and curved beach. Graded as a beginner’s level hike, this trail is a favorite among adventure and nature enthusiasts of various age groups.
4) Relax at the Khorfakkan Beach
Khorfakkan Beach is a 3 km long crescent-shaped beach and a perfect place for a picnic. You can enjoy the Sharjah weather while relaxing on the beach. Enjoy water sports activities or go swimming. The uniqueness of the beach is that it is curved, and you can view the dramatic rock formations. Both the waterfall and the Amphitheater face the shimmering bay.
Khorfakkan Location Map
This is the Khorfakkan Waterfalls location on a map to help you understand its position and distance in regard to other cities.
How to Get to Khorfakkan?
It is best to drive your vehicle to visit Khorfakkan. There is an immense parking available for cars. The Big Bus Sharjah stops here too. You can also hire a taxi to reach the place.
- Distance from Dubai to Khorfakkan: 135 km or 1.5 hour’s drive.
- Distance from Sharjah to Khorfakkan: 110 km or one hour’s drive.
- Distance from Abu Dhabi to Khorfakkan: 264 km or a three-hour drive.
Khorfakkan Waterfall Timing
Visitors can visit the Khorfakkan waterfall any time of the day or night. It is open twenty-four hours.
Khorfakkan Waterfall Entry Fee
The Khorfakkan waterfall is located on the side street. It can also be viewed from the Khorfakkan Corniche. There are no tickets or entry fees charged for visiting or to view the waterfall.
Khorfakkan Weather: Best Time to Visit Khorfakkan Waterfall
September, March, and April are shoulder seasons to visit the Khorfakkan waterfall. One can enjoy this place during the early mornings and afternoons. May to August is hot, with a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. The nights during these months are warm and humid. However, the best time to visit the Khorfakkan waterfall is during the winter months, from October to February. The weather during these months is cool and pleasant. Due to the rocky mountains, afternoons are hot. The temperature here goes low, up to 18 degrees Celsius, during the winter months.
Conclusion
A tour of the Khorfakkan waterfall will allow you to experience calmness and tranquility, while avoiding all the hustle and bustle of the city’s mayhem and mundane routine, making for an ideal escape to rejuvenate with your loved ones. Whether you are a tourist or a UAE resident, remember to add a visit to the Khorfakkan Waterfalls to your bucket list for a soul-soothing delight. This is one of the reasons to visit UAE, you can find plenty of other things to do near Khorfakkan Waterfalls.
Credit for Khorfakkan Waterfall Photos: www.visitsharjah.com