Towering skyscrapers and sprawling deserts are the images that most often come to mind when you picture the UAE, but what about jagged mountain peaks and trickling streams?
Wadi Shees, a natural oasis located in the UAE’s emirate of Sharjah, is a stark contrast to the sights most often associated with the country. And yet, this pocket of lush green farmland and towering date palms is a short drive away from the UAE’s major cities – 45 minutes from Sharjah and 90 minutes from Dubai to be exact. For those in need of a city break, look no further.
Most of all, Wadi Shees is an excellent place to experience a new side of the UAE – one of stunning natural beauty, centuries of history, and just maybe an invitation to evening gahwa. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to plan your own visit to Wadi Shees.
The Best Time to Visit Wadi Shees
Nestled within the peaks of the Hajar mountains, Wadi Shees is home to its own microclimate. So what does this mean exactly? Basically, Wadi Shees is cooler year-round.
Yes, that means even when the temperatures in Dubai are breaking the 40s (or 50s!) you’ll find the temperatures in Wadi Shees never rise above 32 degrees Celsius. As a result, there’s really no wrong time of year to visit, as regardless of the season you’ll find mild temperatures and lush environments.
However, you should not visit Wadi Shees in the chance of rain. Wadis are extremely prone to flash floods, so you could find yourself at risk if you choose to visit on a rainy day. Rain is rare in the UAE, but maybe rethink your plans if you’ve planned your visit on the one rainy day of the year!
How to Get to Wadi Shees
To visit Wadi Shees, I highly recommend driving your own car. There are no public buses to Wadi Shees and a taxi will run you a little over 350 AED ($95 USD) one-way. This is not recommended, as you’ll also need a car to get around the area.
Driving Directions to Wadi Shees from Dubai
Coming from Dubai or Sharjah on route E611 (Emirates Road), turn east onto S142 Road (Khorfakkan Road) This road takes you all the way to Wadi Shees, cutting through the stunning peaks of the Hajar Mountains in the process. The road is a bit windy but completely manageable with both 2WD and 4WD.
Right before you reach Wadi Shees, you’ll have to pass through the Al Raugh Tunnel. This 1.3 kilometer tunnel is one of the longest in the Middle East. Make sure you turn on your headlights when passing through.
Once you’ve passed through the tunnel, you’ll almost immediately see the exit for Wadi Shees on your right. After taking the exit, you’ll first come across Shees Park. There is plenty of parking here for visitors to the park.
To access the Wadi Shees nature trail, you must continue down the road another 5 minutes into the village. The road does turn to gravel, but is still perfectly passable with 2WD. If you don’t want to take your car into the village, you can leave it at Shees Park and walk down the road around 20 minutes to access the trailhead.
NOTE: There are no gas stations along Khorfakkan Road, so make sure you have enough gas in your tank BEFORE setting out to Wadi Shees.
What to Bring to Wadi Shees
One thing to be aware of when visiting Wadi Shees is that the area is still home to active farms and a small village. You are likely to encounter a few locals while exploring the area.
It’s important to be respectful to local customs and dress modestly when exploring the area. Both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders, but women are not expected to cover their heads. Avoid clothing like tank tops, dresses, mini skirts, or shorts if possible.
Since you’ll be exploring, good shoes are also recommended. Hiking boots are not necessary – a good pair of sneakers will be enough for wandering the nature trail and exploring the area.
For those planning to spend the day, Shees Park is the perfect place to stop for a picnic. There are a few food trucks that arrive in the evening, but I recommend packing snacks, lunch, and of course water!
As always when doing outdoor activities in the UAE, proper sun protection is a must. Don’t forget your sunscreen and consider a hat or scarf to keep the sun off your neck.
Things to do in Wadi Shees
Whether you want to picnic in the park, take a dip in a waterfall, or wander through the date palms, there’s plenty to do and see in this beautiful region of the UAE. Here are a few of my favorite things in (or near!) Wadi Shees.
1. Hike the Wadi Shees Nature Trail
This 1.8km trail is always my first recommendation when people ask for an outdoor adventure in the UAE. The relative ease of the path, combined with the towering date palms and ancient falaj system, make this the perfect spot for the novice hiker and outdoor enthusiast alike.
The trail begins right beside the parking area outside the village of Shees. You’ll see a large sign detailing the history of the region – from the settlement of the Naqbi Tribe in Wadi Shees centuries ago to the preservation efforts put forth by the Emirate of Sharjah, the nature trail being one of them.
Behind the sign, the trail begins with a series of steps up to the Old Village. This village is still occupied by a number of farmers who work in Wadi Shees, so be mindful of locals while exploring and stick to the main path. You might even spot some non-human visitors along the way!
As you trek along the nature trail, you’ll notice a water channel running along the path, occasionally dispersing into larger pools. This is called a falaj – an ancient irrigation system used to transport freshwater year-round.
For centuries, the falaj system was vital in the arid climates of the Gulf – after all, the UAE regularly receives less than 200mm of rainfall a year! The falaj utilizes this fresh rainfall by using gravity to transport water from underground wells for the purposes of farming, cooking, and drinking.
The falaj system at Wadi Shees is one of the oldest in the country – nearly 3,000 years old to be exact. It is also one of the most well-preserved, with serious restoration efforts made in 2019 to rebuild the falaj for both the purposes of history and practical usage.
As you explore the nature trail, you’ll be able to see the falaj in action and note how it provides freshwater to the terraced farms in Wadi Shees. Please do not swim in the channels or pools, after all, this is a vital water source.
NOTE: Despite its short distance, the ground on the nature walk can be uneven. I don’t recommend hiking this trail flip flops, or if you have any issue with stairs.
2. Take a hike to the Oman border
Wadi Shees sits right on the border of Madha, colloquially known as the “Oman donut.” You heard that right – within the UAE lies a small enclave of Oman (Madha), within which lies a small enclave of the UAE (Nahwa). The result? An Oman donut.
Despite being another country, visitors do not need a visa to enter Madha from the UAE, meaning after only a short walk from Wadi Shees you can have your feet in two countries at once.
To get to the border, follow the wide gravel road out of the village of Shees until you reach the border. You might see occasional cars making their way along the road, but it is wide enough to provide plenty of space for both vehicles and hikers.
After about 1 kilometer, you’ll see a small white border sign to your left located on a large rock. You’ll need to do a short rock scramble to reach the sign, but once you’re there you’ll be able to say you’ve stood in two countries at once. Plus, the views of the Hajar Mountains are pretty extraordinary.
This road eventually takes visitors further into the enclave of Nahwa (UAE) and then into the town proper of Madha (Oman). Those with 4WD can access the enclaves from this side (West to East) but for those with 2WD, I recommend entering the enclave from the other direction (East to West)
So why is there an Oman donut in the UAE? The very simplified story goes that in the 1930s, the ruling clans of Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Oman asked the Madhanis who they would like to align themselves with. While all neighboring towns chose alliances that would later become part of the UAE, the Madhanis chose Oman out of a belief that their government wouldn’t come for their freshwater supply. In the 1970s, when the emirates combined to become the UAE, Madha remained loyal to Oman, and thus the donut was born.
Here’s a great article with more history on Madha and Nahwa.
3. Admire the Waterfall in Shees Park
Up the hill from the village of Shees is Shees Park, the perfect spot to stop on your trip to Wadi Shees. The park is home to a playground, viewing terraces, and its highlight – a 25 meter high waterfall cascading over the edge of the mountain.
As compared to the brown and orange landscapes of the desert, Shees Park is a lush landscape of green grass and trickling streams. Climb up to the viewpoint above the park and you’ll have a great view of the Hajar Mountains and the fertile valley of Wadi Shees.
Shees Park is the perfect spot to start or end your adventure in the area. Home to a number of permanent grills, it’s a great spot to come out for a Friday night barbecue. For those who’d rather not cook, there’s a small cafe on-site, and a number of food trucks park themselves outside the gates on weekend evenings.
Shees Park can get quite busy on Friday evenings, so if you do plan to have a barbecue here, I recommend arriving early to secure your spot. Note that camping is not allowed at Shees Park, so have a transportation plan for after your visit. Shisha, dogs, horseback riding, and hunting are also not allowed in Shees Park.
4. Take a dip in the Masafi Rain Waterfalls
This hidden waterfall and secret swimming hole has to be one of my favorite off-the-beaten track adventures in the UAE. It’s a natural falaj – rainwater flowing through the wadi and collecting in small pools and waterfalls perfect for swimming.
The best part – It’s conveniently located right off the road to Wadi Shees, meaning it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick dip on your way to Shees!
To access the waterfalls, you must be coming eastbound on S142 (Khorfakkan Road). Right after you pass the ramp to E89 (don’t take this exit!) you’ll notice a gravel lot with a number of food vendors to your right. Pull into this lot, and you’ll see a gravel road down the side of the wadi to the far right of the lot.
Take the road down about 500 meters and you’ll soon reach a small parking area at the base of the wadi. The road is unpaved, but well compacted and navigable with 2WD. However, if you prefer not to take your car down, you can leave it in the lot above and walk down the road to the wadi.
The walk to the pools is about a 10-minute walk through the wadi to the left of the parking area. It’s relatively flat, but the ground is rocky and can be uneven. There are also a few shallow stream crossings right before you reach the pools, so I recommend walking in shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
Before long, you’ll reach the first pool, hidden underneath a low hanging rock. Note that the depth of this pool varies greatly depending on the rain (they are the Masafi Rain Waterfalls after all!) so if you’re visiting after a heavy rain you may have to swim into the cave.
The inside of this cave is nothing short of magical – lights filters off of the water projecting patterns on the rock walls, and a small waterfall trickles down the rocks in the right corner. If the water is deep enough, it’s also the perfect place to practice your cannonballs!
Back outside the cave, walk to the left (you may have to climb over a few rocks) and walk further into the wadi, where you’ll soon find a second pool, complete with a waterfall.
NOTE: Wadis are extremely prone to flash floods, and the Masafi Rain Waterfalls are a high risk area during rain. Only visit when the conditions are clear.
5. Go Kayaking or Hiking at Al Rafisah Dam
Only a short drive from Shees is the Al Rafisah Dam, a beautiful reservoir nestled within the peaks of the Hajar Mountains. Those looking for a relaxing afternoon can rent a colorful kayak to explore the lake, or those looking for an active adventure can trek to view the dam from above via the Al Rafisah Trail.
The dam was built in the 1980s, and has recently been upgraded by the tourism board of Sharjah to promote nature tourism within the Emirate. Visitors to Al Rafisah Dam can now enjoy a children’s play area, a paved walking path, a small supermarket, and a restaurant serving local Emirati dishes.
There are plenty of ways to explore the lake, from kayaks to pedal boats. You can check updated prices and timings for boat rentals here. There’s certainly no wrong time of day to explore the lake by boat, but I recommend an evening paddle – when the light reflects off the turquoise waters (and the air is significantly cooler!)
To the right of the dam, the Al Rafisah Trail heads up the side of the mountain. You’ll first have to cross over the dam via a walking bridge, where the trail then diverges into two paths. The trail to the right is a short walk of about 500 meters, taking you along the edge of the dam and ending in a parking area. It’s a great walk for newbie hikers.
The second trail to the left is a tougher trek, winding up the side of the mountain with epic views of the landscape the entire way. You’ll definitely need sneakers or boots for this hike as the trail is steep and unpaved. The distance to the peak of the mountain is about 1 kilometer, but the trail actually continues further into the Hajar to the Al Suhub Rest House.
You can choose to turn back after admiring the views from the peak, or continue on the longer hike. If you do plan to trek the longer trail, here’s a great guide to everything you need to know.
6. Explore the city of Khorfakkan
Nearby Wadi Shees is my favorite city in the UAE – and turns out I’m not alone! Khorfakkan actually won the award for Best Arab Tourist City 2023 from the Arab Union for Tourist Media. So it’s only about 15 minutes from Wadi Shees, you might as well go see what all the hype is about.
Khorfakkan is the perfect mix of everything to love about the UAE – turquoise beaches, sandstone mountains, sandy deserts – you really can have it all! As compared to the skyscraper-laden cities of the UAE’s Western Coast, Khorfakkan has yet to see rapid urbanization, resulting in a more laid-back, walkable vibe that gives insight into what life in the UAE was like before the oil boom.
Khorfakkan is also home to centuries of history. Beside Khorfakkan Beach lies the Portuguese Fort, a former seaport now restored as a living history museum. Visitors are invited to explore the fort and accompanying heritage village to learn more about Emirati life and the legacy of the city.
Adventure lovers will also find plenty to do on the winding coastline of Khorfakkan. Located on the Gulf of Oman, the water is blue and crystal clear, making it the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A number of marine species call these waters home, from loggerhead turtles to black tipped reef sharks.
Whether you plan to stopover in Khorfakkan on your trip to Wadi Shees or spend a night or two on the coast, here are even more recommendations to make the most of your time in the Best Arab Tourist City.
Recommended Reading: Visit Shark Island, UAE – Khorfakkan’s Best Snorkeling Spot
My Essential Gear for Traveling in the UAE
The desert is an unforgiving place so having the right gear is essential! Here are some of my tried-and-tested products that I recommend to any traveler in the UAE.
- Sturdy Sandals – Sandals are the best shoes for exploring the desert. I practically live in my mid-form Tevas, but Keens are a great closed-toed option.
- Well-made boots: If you plan to hike, well-made boots are a must. I’ve hiked plenty of peaks in my Blundstone Boots, but Colombia offers some good budget-friendly options.
- A Purifying Water Bottle – Water is scarce in the desert, so it’s important to have access any chance you get! I’ve filled up my Water-To-Go bottle from plenty of wadi streams with no issues. I even recommend this bottle to travelers who are sticking to the cities to help eliminate the salinated taste and harsh minerals.
- Lightweight Scarves – Whether hiking or city walking, I always keep a lightweight scarf in my bag in case I need to cover my head or protect me from the harsh desert sun.
- A Sun Hat – Essential for outdoor activities in the UAE, a wide-brimmed sun hat helps protect you from the harsh desert rays.
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
When I visit the UAE, I’ll will sure put Wadi Shees on my visit list. It looks beautiful, I love hiking and waterfalls.
I have been to Dubai, Oman and Abu Dhabi but never Sharjah and what a difference this place is from the shiny buildings in the other places. This a great post to highlight a destination not often written about. I think if I were staying in the UAE for a while, I would like to pay a visit to Wadi Shees.
What a lovely area! It’s not what I usually picture when I think of the UAE, and it would certainly be a highlight of any future trip I make to the country. All that desert heat would certainly inspire a dip at Masafi Rain Waterfalls or kayak at Rafisah Dam.
I hadn’t heard of Wadi Shees before reading your post. Looks like a place I’d love since I enjoy hiking and beautiful views.
I have never heard of Wadi Shees before but it looks absolutely beautiful and such an interesting place to visit! Will definitely be adding it to my list for the next time I visit the UAE