Khor Fakkan, Sharjah east-coast exclave · Sharjah

Khor Fakkan

Sharjah's east-coast exclave on the Gulf of Oman, and the best beach town in the country: a clean crescent of sand with a corniche behind it, a 150-metre artificial waterfall cut into the mountain above, an amphitheatre carved into the hillside, and snorkelling off Shark Island. All of it free.

Steep rocky headlands dropping into clear blue water

Why go

Free, lifeguarded crescent beach on the Gulf of Oman
Snorkelling off Shark Island, a few hundred metres out
150 m artificial waterfall, lit after dark, free
Hillside amphitheatre and mountain viewpoints above the bay

The beach and the corniche

The bay curves between two headlands with the Hajar mountains rising straight behind it, which is why the water is clearer and cooler than anything on the Dubai side. The beach is free, lifeguarded, and backed by a landscaped corniche with playgrounds, showers and shaded seating. Shark Island sits a few hundred metres offshore and is a genuine snorkelling site — no sharks, despite the name.

The town has been heavily redeveloped in the last few years and it shows: the promenade, the lighting and the facilities are better than most paid beaches elsewhere.

The waterfall and the amphitheatre

Above the town, an artificial waterfall drops around 150 metres down the mountain face, lit after dark and free to visit, with a café terrace facing it. Beside it, the Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre is cut into the hillside in a deliberate echo of a Roman theatre and seats several thousand for concerts and events.

Al Rabi tower and the Al Suhub rest house higher up the mountain give the view back down over the whole bay, and are worth the short drive.

Khor Fakkan, answered

Is Khor Fakkan in Sharjah or Fujairah?

Sharjah. It is one of three Sharjah exclaves on the east coast, which means it is dry — no alcohol is sold or served there, unlike in neighbouring Fujairah.

Can you snorkel at Khor Fakkan?

Yes, off Shark Island a few hundred metres from the beach. There is coral and reef fish, and the visibility is far better than on the Arabian Gulf side. Bring your own gear — hire is limited.

Is the Khor Fakkan waterfall real?

It is artificial, built as part of the town's redevelopment, and it is 150 metres high and lit at night. Free to visit, with a café terrace facing it.