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Khorfakkan is located in the Sharjah Emirate, about 137 kilometres east of Sharjah City. Positioned on the east coast at 20 metres above sea level, it overlooks the Gulf of Oman midway between Dibba and Fujairah.
In the past, reaching Khorfakkan City was difficult and time-consuming due to the rough and arduous roads leading to it. However, this changed in 2019 when His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Khorfakkan-Sharjah Road, linking Khorfakkan to other UAE cities.
Moreover, the construction of the 87-kilometre road at a cost of 6 billion dirhams, has made Khorfakkan much more accessible. This development has significantly contributed to the city's growth across various sectors, including tourism, the economy, and social infrastructure.
Khorfakkan's strategic position on the east coast of the Sharjah Emirate offers numerous advantages, including its stunning natural scenery and diverse terrain. The town boasts mountains, the sea, lush landscapes, and fertile farms.
Additionally, this coastal city has one of the world’s leading container ports, which significantly enriches the economy of the Sharjah Emirate. Its strategic location on the Indian Ocean, outside the Strait of Hormuz, plays a pivotal role in this economic contribution.
Containers are shipped to many destinations through Port Khorfakkan, including north of the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Subcontinent, the Red Sea, and East African regions.
Moreover, Khorfakkan is an ideal family destination for both extended vacations and thanks to its stunning natural beauty, prime location overlooking the Gulf, and high mountains. These attributes underscore the city's significance as a tourist hotspot.
It is worth mentioning that interest in Khorfakkan’s strategic site is not new; it goes way back in history. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a human settlement in the city dating back to the second millennium BC.
This settlement was established on the mountains near the sea, suggesting that the area's early inhabitants recognized the life-sustaining qualities of Khorfakkan, making it an ideal place to settle.
Khorfakkan is full of important landmarks and destinations that attract tourists and visitors, including but not limited to:
The Resistance Monument, designed in the shape of a helmet, commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of the people of Khorfakkan during their resistance against the Portuguese invasion in 1507. Located on a mountaintop near Khorfakkan Square, this monument provides visitors with a breathtaking view of the city. It also features film screenings and exhibits showcasing the tools and artifacts used by the people of Khorfakkan during the 14th century to defend their city.
At the heart of Khorfakkan Square stands the impressive 75-metre-high UAE flagpole, inaugurated in 2014 during the UAE’s 43rd National Day celebrations. The square offers visitors a delightful atmosphere for leisurely walks along the coastline, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, gardens, and fountains. Additionally, Khorfakkan Square is adorned with a monumental incense burner, symbolizing Arabic hospitality.
The dam situated on the road linking Khorfakkan and Sharjah City serves as a popular eco-tourism destination, offering a serene escape from urban life. It features a lake, an artificial waterfall, walking trails, and children's playgrounds, among other amenities.
Moreover, Al Rafisah Dam offers its visitors various activities, including observing wildlife around the lake, kayaking, exploring the nearby fortress, and hiking along Al Rafisah Hiking Trail.
The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, at the foot of Al Sayed Mountain overlooking Khorfakkan Beach, boasts a unique design that blends Islamic and Roman architectural styles.
The amphitheatre spans about 1700 square metres, accommodating up to 3,500 spectators. Adjacent to it, there's a 45-metre-high artificial waterfall carved from natural rock, adorned with glowing lights that enhance the scenic beauty of the area.
This village is located in the historical city of Khorfakkan. It is one of the most important ancient human settlements in Wadi Shie, with 13 historical houses built of silt and stones dating back a century.
Furthermore, excavations found inscriptions for camels and horses dating back to 2000 BC in Najd Al Maqsar village. Near the village, a 300-year-old defence fort was used for protection purposes.
Within a short distance from the city, behind Khorfakkan Port, lies Sira Khorfakkan Island. This rocky island, accessible by boat, features a sandy beach suitable for walks and is dotted with diving gear rental huts for divers who come to the island to watch fish and sea creatures such as moray eels, whiptail stingrays, Arabian angelfish, and sea turtles.
There are many other attractions and destinations in the city of Khorfakkan in the Sharjah Emirate, including Hisn Khorfakkan, which features ancient artefacts, displays, and images that introduce visitors to the city’s and the emirate’s east coast history.
Also noteworthy is Al Suhub Rest House, located 600 metres above sea level, offering visitors a panoramic view across Khorfakkan.
Other attractions include Al Luluyah and Khorfakkan beaches, both popular with families for leisure walks and various water sports.
Moreover, Wadi Shees stands out as one of the most picturesque natural attractions in Khorfakkan. It is situated amidst the Hajar Mountains, where visitors can enjoy long hikes. Shees Park, in contrast, is a family picnic destination, with its artificial waterfall that reaches a height of more than 25 metres.
Also, Salem Al Mutawa Mosque, characterised by its arch-like minaret, is a historical landmark established two centuries ago on the eastern coast of Khorfakkan City.
Another notable landmark in Khorfakkan is Al Adwani Tower, which was an old beacon for the city’s port in the past. What sets the tower apart from other Gulf region towers is the absence of timber in its construction.
There is also Al Rabi Tower, a former defensive structure, which offers visitors a great view at 395 metres. On the other hand, there is Souk Sharq with its old vibes that go back to before the oil era in Khorfakkan. Here, visitors can enjoy many activities other than shopping, namely walking around the market alleys and dining at nearby restaurants and cafes.
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