Top 6 Places to Visit in Kalba & Khorfakkan This Long Weekend
<p><strong>Escape the City: 6 Must-Visit Spots in Kalba and Khorfakkan for the UAE Long Weekend</strong></p><p><strong>Dubai:</strong> With the UAE observing a public holiday on <strong>Friday, September 5, 2025</strong>, for the birthday of <strong>Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)</strong>, residents are gearing up for a long weekend. For those skipping luxury staycations or overseas trips, the <strong>east coast gems of Kalba and Khorfakkan</strong> offer a refreshing escape. While much of the UAE experiences high temperatures, the mountain regions here remain cooler at <strong>30°C–36°C</strong>, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.</p><p><strong>Top Attractions to Explore:</strong></p><p><strong>Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre</strong></p><p>Home to the UAE’s oldest mangrove forest, sheltering rare birds, fish, crabs, and green turtles.</p><p><strong>Tickets:</strong> Dh15 adults, free for children under 12</p><p><strong>Timings:</strong> Sun–Thu 9am–6:30pm, Sat 11am–6:30pm (closed Mondays)</p><p><strong>Khorfakkan Waterfalls</strong></p><p>A 45-metre-high man-made waterfall set against the <strong>Hajar Mountains</strong>, beautifully lit at night, adjacent to the iconic <strong>Khorfakkan Amphitheatre</strong>.</p><p><strong>Entry:</strong> Free, open 24 hours</p><p><strong>Hanging Gardens of Kalba</strong></p><p>Spread over 1.6 million sq. ft., featuring 100,000+ trees, flowerbeds, an artificial waterfall, and a lake — perfect for families.</p><p><strong>Parking:</strong> Dh10 per hour</p><p><strong>Shees Rest Area & Shees Park</strong></p><p><strong>Shees Rest Area:</strong> Shop for fresh produce, enjoy traditional snacks like <strong>lugaimat</strong> and <strong>regag</strong>, with outdoor play zones for kids.</p><p><strong>Shees Park:</strong> Minutes away, offering barbecue pits, play zones, and a <strong>25-metre waterfall</strong> for family picnics and relaxation.</p><p><strong>Al Rafisah Dam</strong></p><p>Built in the 1980s and recently renovated, ideal for <strong>kayaking, wildlife viewing</strong>, and family outings, with scenic cafés and shops overlooking the water.</p><p><strong>Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village</strong></p><p>Perched on the Hajar Mountains, featuring monuments dating back to <strong>2000 BC</strong>, restored heritage houses, and trails with breathtaking views. The <strong>300-year-old Al Maqsar Fortress</strong> adds cultural charm.</p><p>Whether you’re seeking <strong>heritage, nature, or family fun</strong>, Kalba and Khorfakkan promise <strong>memorable experiences</strong> for the UAE’s long weekend.</p>