The city of Khorfakkan: facts and information

Khorfakkan’s location and other geographical features

Khorfakkan is the centre of the eastern area of Sharjah Emirate. It enjoys a strategic location 137 km east of Sharjah city, on the eastern coast of the emirate, overlooking the Gulf of Oman.

Khorfakkan is located on the border of the Fujairah Emirate, precisely midway between Dibba and Fujairah. It is one of the most famous coastal cities in the United Arab Emirates, with tourism potential and natural beauty.

According to the results of Sharjah Census 2022, Khorfakkan is home to about 53,000 residents, making it the second-largest city in the emirate in terms of population density after the capital, Sharjah city.

Khorfakkan experiences a moderate climate, distinguishing it from other areas in the emirate. This is attributed to its location overlooking the Arabian Sea, which opens towards the Indian Ocean.

Moreover, Khorfakkan is located approximately 20 meters above sea level. It stands out as the principal city on the east coast, blessed with stunning natural landscapes. Surrounding it are mountains on three sides, ranging from low-rise (10-50 meters) to medium-rise (50-200 meters) and high-rise mountains (200 meters and above).

Furthermore, Al Qadisiyah Mountain stands as the tallest peak in Khorfakkan. Another notable feature of the city is its beaches, enveloped by forests of marakh, sidr, ghaf, and Haloxylon trees. Additionally, the area hosts farms cultivating a variety of crops, including citrus fruits, bananas, oranges, and mangoes.

Flashes of Khorfakkan’s history: naming and key events

The naming of Khorfakkan is due to its location along a bay roughly 4 kilometres wide, forming a creek with two internal headlands extending into the sea at both its beginning and end, which look like two jaws. Hence, the city was named Khorfakkan, which translates to “a creek with two jaws”.

In this regard, it is worth mentioning that Ibn Battuta is the one who gave Khorfakkan its name. He visited the city around 1350 AD and mentioned it in his well-known book, The Travels of Ibn Battuta.

Additionally, Khorfakkan is one of the UAE’s cities whose history dates back to pre-Christian times. This was verified by the archaeological excavations in 1995 that resulted in the discovery of an ancient settlement dating back to the second millennium BC, established on mountain peaks near the sea.

These settlements featured rectangular houses constructed by settlers using local stones. The archeological excavations in Khorfakkan have also unveiled tools found in the settlers’ houses that were used in daily life, like clay pots, soft soapstone pots, metal tools, fishing tools, and other grinding tools.

Other archaeological excavations revealed information about Khorfakkan’s status in the Islamic era. One excavation unveiled fortress ruins, residences, a water basin, and a mosque in one of the city’s mountains.

In addition, another excavation near the entrance of Port Khorfakkan revealed residences, manufacturing workshops, and buildings that contained potteries dating back to the 14th-16th centuries AD imported from Iran, China, Burma, and Thailand. There were also glazed yellow potteries from the 13th century imported from Yemen, alongside other metallic and glass tools such as utensils and bracelets, indicating the commercial status Khorfakkan had in the medieval Islamic eras.

In 1507, Khorfakkan was invaded by the Portuguese. Renowned for its strategic commercial position along sea routes, ships frequently docked at its port. The people of Khorfakkan resisted that invasion,  sacrificing their lives to protect their city. In recognition of their courage and resilience, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, ordered the construction of the Resistance Monument. Today, this monument stands as a profound symbol of the city's history and a tribute to its people's steadfastness.

Khorfakkan City titles: merited and deserved

Khorfakkan is often referred to as "the Bride of the Eastern Coast" due to its stunning natural beauty in the Sharjah Emirate. Its renowned white, soft sandy beaches gently meet the azure and emerald waters. Surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, including valleys, towering mountains, expansive coastlines, and diverse landscapes, Khorfakkan captivates with its breathtaking vistas from every angle.

Khorfakkan solidified its claim to the title "the Bride of the Eastern Coast" by being named the Best Arab Tourist City for 2023. This prestigious award was conferred after competing with several prominent Arab tourist cities at the Berlin International Tourism Exchange Fair in Germany, organized by the Arab Union for Tourist Media. This recognition underscores Khorfakkan's exceptional local, regional, and international standing on the tourism map.

Khorfakkan City landmarks

Khorfakkan City boasts a diverse array of attractions, encompassing archaeological sites, cultural landmarks, recreational spots, and more. Among its notable features is Khorfakkan Square, dominated by a UAE flagpole soaring over 75 meters high. Nestled amid the Hajar Mountains, Shees Valley offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility.

For panoramic views, Al Suhub Rest House stands tall at 600 meters above sea level, providing breathtaking vistas of the city. Souk Sharq serves as a vital destination for those interested in glimpsing the city's historical past. Al Adwani Tower, originally a lighthouse guiding ships to Khorfakkan's port, stands out in the Gulf region for its unique construction devoid of wood.

Meanwhile, Najd Al Maqsar village preserves houses dating back almost a century. alongside monumental inscriptions dating back to 2000 BC. On the other hand, Hisn Khorfakkan houses numerous archaeological antiques found in the area.

Carved into the base of Al Sayed Mountain, the Khorfakkan Amphitheater accommodates over 3,500 people and hosts cultural events. Families frequent Al Rafisah Dam, ideal for kayaking and leisure activities. Salem Al Mutawa Mosque, with its distinctive arch-like minaret, stands as a testament to its construction two centuries ago, adding to the city's rich cultural tapestry.

References

[1] visitsharjah.com, Khorfakkan
[2] visitsharjah.com, Geography & Environment
[3] Book: Emirate Of Sharjah 
[4] dhm.gov.ae, The Municipal Council of Al Dhaid Visits “Khorfakkan City
[5] mcy.gov.ae, Khorfakkan City 
[6] Atlas of geological tourism in the United Arab Emirates
[7] sharjahmuseums.ae, Resistance Monument
[8] sgmb.ae, Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi attends "Sharjah Census" announcement
2022