TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
Sharjah – a leading driver of sustainable travel in the Middle East – offers a plethora of eco-conscious discoveries dotted along its breathtaking eastern coast. From Kalba’s Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake to Shees Rest Area in Khorfakkan, the emirate of Sharjah has been unveiling new attractions that offer travellers and residents more eco-friendly ways to explore and enjoy the emirate.
TT Bureau
As travellers worldwide become increasingly conscious about their ecological footprint, Sharjah – a leading driver of sustainable travel in the Middle East – offers a plethora of eco-conscious discoveries dotted along its breathtaking east coast. With several natural escapes, leisure destinations, rest houses, and more, including new offerings, namely the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake in the quaint town of Kalba and the Shees Rest Area in coastal Khorfakkan, Sharjah’s East Coast offers distinctive natural havens suited to families, adventure lovers, nature and history buffs alike. The developments champion top sustainability ethos and are a reinforcement of Sharjah’s commitment to preserving nature while offering authentic and immersive tourism experiences to the world travellers.
Kalba’s protected gems
Kalba is one of the most popular destinations for ecotourism in the UAE, with opportunities to go wildlife spotting while trekking, kayaking, as well as scuba diving. It also houses numerous protection areas.
The Hanging Gardens: A green oasis in the mountains
Tucked away amid the rugged terrain of Kalba lies a lush green marvel: Kalba’s Hanging Gardens. This brand new development is spread across more than 1.6 million square feet and perched 281 metres above the sea level. The lush sanctuary is home to over 100,000 trees, creating a green tableau that captivates the senses. Traverse mountain climbing trails, meander through agricultural terraces, or test your skills on the 24,000 square feet skating rink.
Al Hefaiyah: A tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the mountains
Named Al Hefaiyah, the water body is located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road and covers an expanse of 132,000 square metres. It also features a 3.17-kilometre dual-lane road surrounding the lake, allowing tourists to stroll and enjoy the picturesque view.
Al Qurm Protected Area, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and Wadi Al Helo
Kalba is not only a destination for thrill-seekers but also a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, as it offers an in-depth exploration of protected areas where rare bird species and nesting turtles find refuge amid the pristine wilderness. For instance, with over 500 hectares of protected mangroves – or qurm in Arabic – the Al Qurm Protected Area houses rare bird species, sea turtles and mammals. Here, one may also spot the endangered Arabian-collared kingfishers flying over the mangroves, or hawksbill and green turtles nesting on the nearby beach. Spread over 12 sq.km. in the Khor Kalba area, Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre is home to 30 native mountain and desert species. It is also one of the only parks in Sharjah with indoor exhibits, featuring snakes, lizards, hedgehogs and scorpions. Larger landscaped enclosures are dedicated to the Arabian leopard, wolf, tahr and caracal or desert lynx.
Next, nestled between the Hajar mountains is the breathtaking Wadi Al Helo – a protected area for endangered birds, reptiles, rodents and freshwater fish. The wadi’s landscape also makes it one of the most scenic hikes in the UAE. One is very likely to encounter wildlife like the Arabian Oryx, the UAE’s national animal, and find desert flowers blooming along the way.
Khorfakkan’s elegant coast lined by rugged mountains
Nature’s playground in Khorfakkan
In the serene embrace of Khorfakkan’s mountains lies Shees Rest Area, a sparkling new addition to Sharjah’s tourism landscape. Designed with utmost respect for its natural surroundings, this oasis of tranquillity boasts more than 58 diverse shops, ensuring a unique tourism and leisure experience for all.
A panoramic vista of the east coast
Perched 600 metres above the sea level, Al Suhub Rest House offers panoramic views of Sharjah’s east coast, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. There is a 3-km mountain path that connects Al Suhub Rest Area with the Al Rafisah Dam. The path provides a unique experience for adventure lovers to enjoy their favourite activities and provides a spectacular view of the Khorfakkan mountains. The dam, originally built in the 1980s, has had an upgrade with a new visitor centre and rest area.
A grandeur-filled destination
Inspired by Roman architecture, the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre serves as a local landmark, featuring advanced lighting and acoustics within its 190,000 square feet area. With a capacity for 3,600 individuals and a year-round cooling system, it offers a unique venue for events. The 45-metre-long waterfall, constructed from the city’s rocky landscape, overlooks the Khorfakkan Corniche, enhancing tourism in the region with its panoramic views and entertainment offerings.
Preserving nature, embracing heritage
Whether you are seeking adventure in the mountains or tranquillity by the sea, Sharjah offers destinations like no other. As travellers venture through the east coast of Sharjah, they are not only immersed in nature’s splendour but also get to closely experience local customs and heritage, and the unique Emirati way of life. What is more, each destination offers all the modern amenities desired by 21st-century travellers, while also having a keen focus on furthering Sharjah’s decades-long successes in promoting sustainability and authentic travel experiences.
