You don’t need to be a tourist to enjoy what the UAE has to offer. And this year especially, with the Covid-19 situation, many of us are choosing to spend the holidays with our feet firmly rooted in this country. My family included. Yes, this country has the malls, the beaches and sunsets over sanddunes, but there’s so much more to explore. So, I’ve compiled a short list of interesting (and cheap) places to go visit with the kids.
In a three part series, this post is divided into ‘The Great Outdoors’, ‘City Wonders’ and ‘Heritage Routes’
The Great Outdoors:
1. Qudra Lake, Dubai
Situated at the outskirts of Dubai, in the middle of the Saih Al Salam desert, these clusters of man made lakes are a perfect destination for family picnic and over night camping. Let the kids enjoy the sights of ducks swimming at the lakes, while you set up for your BBQ close by. There’s also a bird watch tower which overlooks a large lake from where you can spot lots of ducks, swans and other local birds.
You may also want to stop at Last Exit Al Qudra, just before you visit the lakes.
2. Love Lake Dubai
Located about 700 metres from Qudra Lakes, is the most instagram-ble Love Lakes. When seen from above, it’s two hearts interlocked together, but not much of that can be seen from ground. Worry not, there’s still lot of places for picture taking, having a picnic and dipping your feet in the clean running water. There’s lots of green foliage to surround your self in peace and tranquility, perfect for sun set watching and feeling a little romantic with your other half, even if the kids are in tow.
Read my detailed post here, should you wish to know more about the Love Lakes.
3. Ar Rafisah Dam, Khorfakkan
This is a new tourist hot spot, you will see a lot of on Instagram too, and almost always packed with people. Located on the new Sharjah – Khorfakkan highway heading towards Khorfakkan, this picturesque large lake surrounded by towering Hajar mountains and green foliage, is spectacular to look at. You and the kids can have a fun time boating and kayaking at the lake. There’s also free play areas for the kids, a few picnic benches, man-made waterfall and mini refreshment shops. Keep a look out for an old castle tower on one of the mountains, if you visit.
4. Khorfakkan: Wadi Shees, Khorfakkan Waterfall and Al Suhub Rest Area
Wadi Shees is a beautiful spot nestled between Hajar mountains. This place has a few picnic benches, a beautiful manmade waterfall, and also Shees Park for the kids to play. You can enjoy the views from this place even more by going on a little trek up the mountains, and discover the intricate falaj system for irrigation of the farms.
Take the corniche route once you enter the city and discover the rushing cascade of the Khorfakkan Waterfall. It’s a man-made waterfall on a natural cliff, overlooking the Khorfakkan beach. In walking distance just next to the Waterfall is the Amphitheatre, with some picture worthy architecture. Feel yourself getting slightly sprayed with this cool water on a hot summer’s day, or even enjoy the panoramic views of the beach from the top aperture.
A recently opened tourist attraction is the Al Suhub Rest area on top of one of the mountains at Khorfakkan, and 600 feet above sea level. It takes less than 10 minutes from ground to the top, with the most breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf dotted with various ships. Entering the top is charged per hour, but the views are definitely worthwhile. The restaurant serves international cuisine, hot and cold drinks and sweet delights. There’s even a play area that the children enjoyed.
5. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
If the journey is just as important as the destination, taking a trip to Jebel Jais should not be missed. This is UAE’s highest peak, and part of the Hajar moutain range. The road leading up to the mountain has lots of stop over points where you can set up your tents for overnight camping and BBQ. The views from each of these points is breathtaking, and even more so when you reach right at the top of this mountain, from where you can zip-line should you wish to. There’s food trucks for snacking, rest room facilities and even a ‘highest’ restaurant (needs reservation).
6. Green Mubazzarah, Al Ain
A popular spot located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet (which too is a destination in itself), this green park is a perfect spot for family picnics. While the kids will love the play area and other ride attractions, invite them to dip their feet in the hot springs, and they’ll not want to leave.
What’s more:
Some other outdoor attractions include :
Wadi Shawka, Hatta Wadi/ Dam, Al Madam “ghost” village, Abu Dhabi Mangroves, Musandam, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Snoopy Island
To get more ideas about where to head out and places to discover with the kids, check out my posts in this series: City Wonders and Heritage Routes.
It is advisable to check the website information of the above mentioned individual places to have up-to-date information.
FAQs:
Is Khorfakkan part of Sharjah? Yes, Khorfakkan remained part of Sharjah when Fujairah became recognised as a separate emirate in 1952 by Britain.
Is Al Ain worth visiting? Al Ain is the second city of AbuDhabi, and means ‘the spring’ in Arabic. The city is naturally more ‘green’ compared to others. There are a few attractions in the city, such as the Al Ain Zoo, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort, Hili Fun City and Jebel Hafit.
Disclaimer: All photos and views mentioned in this blog post are those of my own. Follow more of my journey on my Instagram page.
Have I missed any outdoor spots? Any hidden gems worth mentioning?