Craggy mountains provide a scenic backdrop to Sharjah’s east coast, which is home to seaside towns like Khorfakkan and mangrove forests like Khor Kalba. If you’re looking for water sports among popular Sharjah tourist places, Khorfakkan offers plenty of opportunities to go scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling and more. You can even take a guided boat onto the water to go dolphin spotting. For more nature, Kalba is a wildlife conservation area that is thriving with desert animals. Rare species thrive among the mangroves amid the desert habitat. The pleasant weather in Kalba also makes it one of the popular places to visit in Sharjah.
Meanwhile, towns on the east coast reflect rich local customs. You can find fresh produce and one-of-a-kind souveniers in the seaside villages while enjoying the view of clear beaches. The east coast is less than a two hour drive from Sharjah city.
Destination by area
Dibba Al Hisn
With a picturesque marina, this town gets its name from the landmark hisn or “fort” in English. The cape is dotted with green palm trees along shimmering blue waters, with a wealth of summer activities, including water sports like snorkeling. For deep sea fishing, you can charter a fishing boat and maybe sight some dolphins along the way. Your boat’s captain is likely to take you to secret scuba diving and snorkeling spots.
For a more relaxing experience, soak up some sun along the water and watch fishermen hauling in the day’s catch. If you’re with children, consider going on a dhow cruise for an enriching family experience. On the shore, the town itself has plenty to explore with several serene mosques, produce markets and an iconic souk.
Khorfakkan
Experience the best Sharjah weather has to offer with cooling winds from the pristine Khorfakkan beach, nestled by photogenic rock formations and the rugged Hajar mountains. All in one day, you can travel to Sharjah, take a leisurely walk along the Khorfakkan corniche, get adventurous with water sports and indulge in spa offerings. Get closer to the shimmering waters by sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, or hopping on a dhow cruise. Set off into the water with boat rentals and make a big catch at one of the fishing spots, or take advantage of jet ski rentals for an exhilarating ride. For a more exclusive experience, pamper yourself at the Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa.
Kalba
Kalba is the most popular destination for ecotourism in the UAE, with opportunities to go wildlife spotting while trekking, kayaking, as well as scuba diving. Many come here to see the Arabian oryx, the national animal of the UAE, before heading to a Sharjah beach nearby. With plenty of scenic spots and glittering waters, the reserve is also a popular spot for picnics. There are several historical sites to visit in Kalba, with the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamed Al Qassimi museum, a restored hisn (fort) and a sleepy seaside promenade. The museum was built in 1901 and used to serve as a royal residence, making it one of the most prominent places to visit in the country. With a wealth of activities to choose from in the setting of a nature reserve, Kalba is one of the must-visit Sharjah tourist places for wildlife and heritage lovers alike.
Nahwa Enclave
A rare geographical phenomenon, Nahwa is a second-order enclave. Though the region belongs to Sharjah, it is surrounded by the Madha enclave, which is Omani territory. Madha is in turn surrounded by the UAE.
The original village here was abandoned in 1999 for New Nahwa, which was built on a bend in Wadi Shis. For a special family experience, take your children trekking here among the lush date palm plantations, rocky peaks and the freshwater pools. Pitch a tent in the area for an experience camping in UAE, which is also one of the popular things to do with kids. On your drive to Nehwa, keep an eye out for the many trails to go off road driving for even more adventure.
