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