Wadi Al Helo: river's flow and nature's bliss await

With its comprehensive range of services and facilities, Wadi Al Helo ensures maximum comfort for its guests. Here, unforgettable moments unfold amidst stunning scenery, complemented by the warm hospitality and generosity of the local community.

Wadi Al Helo: seasonal watercourse amidst the mountains

Wadi Al Helo is strategically positioned in the eastern region of Sharjah emirate, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Kalba and directly across from the Sharjah-Kalba Road. It is distinguished by its seasonal watercourse, which cascades through the Hajar Mountains. This natural watercourse offers visitors a chance to experience the refreshing flow of water amidst breathtaking mountainous scenery.

The area's name, Wadi Al Helo, is derived from its features before climate change impacted the region. In the past, Wadi Al Helo, which is translated as “sweet valley” in English, was renowned for its fresh water and fertile soil.

Today, Wadi Al Helo continues to captivate with its natural beauty. Despite its rugged landscape, the area remains accessible, inviting visitors to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere and explore its remarkable features.

Wadi Al Helo: exceptional natural reserve

The breathtaking natural beauty of Wadi Al Helo in Sharjah often draws comparisons to the Grand Canyon, owing to their strikingly similar features.

Home to a diverse range of life, Wadi Al Helo boasts various bird species, rodents, reptiles, and approximately 200 plant species. Around 140 of these plants thrive in their natural environment, while others are cultivated in different agricultural settings. As a result, this area in the Hajar Mountains has been established as a nature reserve encompassing three square kilometres.

In this region, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities. They can admire the area ’s intricate rock formations and the valley's branches from panoramic mountain viewpoints, offering an extraordinary natural spectacle. Additionally, the area provides opportunities for camping, hiking along marked trails, and exploring historical sites such as the Bronze Age watchtower base from the Umm an-Nar period.

Wadi Al Helo: integrated services and facilities for everyone

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, every city and region in the emirate of Sharjah receives unwavering support and attention. Wadi Al Helo is no exception. This commitment is reflected in various advancements, such as the construction of mountaintop housing, an extensive network of paved roads, strategically placed tunnels, and the establishment of educational, healthcare, recreational, and security institutions.

Significant projects in Wadi Al Helo highlight this support, including new residential units for local inhabitants, a road linking the area to Kalba, scenic parks, and numerous recreational rest areas.

Consequently, Wadi Al Helo has emerged as one of the UAE's unique natural urban areas, providing its residents with a tranquil lifestyle and offering visitors a comfortable and enriching experience.

References

[1] visitsharjah.com, Wadi Al Helo
[2] saa.shj.ae, Wadi al Hilo, UAE- Drone, Low_Poly – SAA - Sharjah
[3] mcy.gov.ae, Wadi Al Helo
[4] moccae.gov.ae, WADI AL HELO PROTECTED AREA