Nestled in the Hajar Mountains just outside Khor Fakkan, Al Rafisah Dam is a serene freshwater reservoir surrounded by dramatic peaks, where families kayak on calm waters, children explore a modern playground, and hikers tackle scenic trails overlooking the lake. Entry to the dam is free, boat rentals start from around AED 50, and the drive from Dubai takes roughly 90 minutes.
Al Rafisah Dam at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, UAE |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Boating hours | Typically 8:00 AM to sunset (varies seasonally) |
| Boat rental cost | From AED 50 per 30 minutes |
| Hiking trails | Two main trails: ~1 km (easy, family-friendly) and ~3.5 km (moderate mountain trail) |
| Facilities | Café, restrooms, prayer rooms, shaded seating, children’s playground |
| Parking | Free, ample on-site |
| Best visiting months | October through April |
Where is Al Rafisah Dam located and how do you get there?
Al Rafisah Dam is located in Khor Fakkan, an enclave of the emirate of Sharjah on the UAE’s east coast, roughly 130 kilometers from central Dubai. Reaching the dam from Dubai takes about 90 minutes by car, following the E611 (Emirates Road) or the E44 toward Sharjah and then continuing through the mountain tunnels toward Khor Fakkan.
For anyone who would rather not deal with highway traffic, mountain curves, or parking, booking an hourly driver service turns the journey into part of the relaxation.
What activities can you enjoy at Al Rafisah Dam?
You can enjoy kayaking, pedal boating, hiking, picnicking, and playground time at Al Rafisah Dam, all set against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Visitors rent kayaks and pedal boats right at the water’s edge. A well-designed children’s playground keeps younger visitors entertained, while shaded seating areas and grassy patches invite families to spread out a picnic.
What is the Al Rafisah hike like?
The Al Rafisah hike splits into two distinct trails: a 1 km paved path perfect for families with strollers, and a more demanding 3.5 km mountain trail that climbs above the reservoir. The longer trail heads uphill into the rocky slopes of the Hajar range, rewarding hikers with a sweeping panoramic view of the lake and the coastline of Khor Fakkan.
How does boating at Al Rafisah Dam work?
Boating at Al Rafisah Dam is a walk-up affair: you arrive, rent a kayak or pedal boat at the water’s edge, and start paddling without any advance booking needed. Rental prices typically start at around AED 50 for a 30-minute session, with both single and double kayaks available. Boating generally operates from around 8:00 AM until sunset.
Why hiring a driver makes your Al Rafisah Dam trip stress-free
The 90-minute drive from Dubai to Khor Fakkan is scenic, but it is also a chunk of your day spent focused on the road instead of on your family or friends. Our hourly driver service starts from AED 40 per hour with a minimum of three hours, and our daily driver package covers 10 hours at AED 300. For a full-day excursion like Al Rafisah Dam, the daily rate often makes the most sense.
What facilities and amenities are available at the dam?
Al Rafisah Dam offers a café, clean restrooms, prayer rooms, shaded seating areas, a children’s playground, and free parking, making it a well-equipped destination for a half-day or full-day visit.
What other attractions are near Al Rafisah Dam?
Al Rafisah Dam sits within a cluster of east-coast destinations: Khor Fakkan beach, the Al Suhub Rest House perched on a mountain peak, and the ancient village of Najd Al Maqsar are all within a short drive. With a full-day chauffeur at the wheel, you can move from the dam to the beach to the mountains without anyone worrying about directions, parking, or fatigue.
If you are hosting visitors who want to see the east coast, it is worth arranging the driving before they land: an airport transfer to collect them in your own car, and a driver booked for the day of the trip itself.