Al Rafisah Dam Sharjah: Location, Activities & Visitor Guide

Muhammad Hassan
Oct 6th '26

You want a weekend escape from the city, but the usual beaches and malls feel a bit predictable. Then you see photos of a turquoise lake tucked into the mountains and wonder whether it's really that easy to reach. It is, and this guide from UAE Living Guide shows you how to plan it.

1. Know Where Al Rafisah Dam Is

Al Rafisah Dam sits in the Hajar Mountains near Khor Fakkan, off the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan highway. So although many people search for it alongside Dubai, it's in Rafisah Dam Khor Fakkan, on Sharjah's east coast.

It holds the waters of Wadi Shie, a seasonal river running down through the mountains.
The dam was originally built in the 1980s and later gained a visitor rest area.
You can read the official overview on Visit Sharjah.

2. Plan the Drive From Dubai

The Al Rafisah Dam from Dubai trip is a proper day out, not a quick hop. Expect roughly two hours by car, depending on your starting point and traffic. From Sharjah City, reports say the journey takes around an hour on the newer highway.

Leave early to enjoy cooler air and quieter roads.
Save the pin as "Al Rafisah Dam" in your maps app.
Fill up on fuel and water before the mountain stretch.

Renting a car is the easiest option if you don't have one, since public transport isn't ideal for this trip.

3. Check Al Rafisah Dam Timings and Entry Fee

The Al Rafisah Dam entry fee is reported as free, which makes it a budget-friendly outing. Some activities, such as boating, cost extra. I couldn't confirm official Al Rafisah Dam timings, so check before you set off.

Confirm opening hours on Visit Sharjah or with the destination directly.
Bring cash for snacks and activities.
Avoid midday in summer, when it gets very hot.

4. Try Kayaking and Boat Rides

Al Rafisah Dam kayaking is the headline activity. The calm lake, framed by mountains, suits beginners as well as regular paddlers.

Options include kayaks, pedal boats and doughnut boats.
Gulf News listed AED 30 for a single kayak and AED 250 for a family, but prices may have changed.
The lake is reported to be home to birds, fish and turtles, so keep an eye out.

Wear a hat, use sunscreen and follow instructor guidance on the water.

5. Stroll the Lakeside Walkway and Waterfall

Not everyone wants to paddle, and that's fine. A palm-lined walkway runs beside the lake, with benches for a slow break. The man-made waterfall adds to the scenery.

Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light.
Bring a camera, as the mountain backdrop is a photographer's dream.
The dam also features in the Sharjah Light Festival, when lights transform the mountains.

6. Hike Up to Suhub Rest House

If you have energy to spare, a zig-zagging hiking trail leads up the mountainside towards Suhub Rest House. One visitor blog puts it at roughly 7.5 km there and back, with about 440 metres of elevation.

Wear proper shoes, as some sections are steep with loose rock.
Carry plenty of water and a hat.
Skip it in extreme heat or if you're travelling with very young children.

7. Use the Facilities and Pack Smart

The rest area makes this an easy trip for families. There's a lakeside restaurant, a mosque, play areas, a supermarket and parking. You can still pack a few essentials to keep the day smooth.

Water, snacks and a light picnic
Sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes
A small bag for rubbish so you leave the spot tidy

While you're in the area, you could add other Khor Fakkan attractions, such as Shees Park, to make it a fuller day. For general trip guidance across the emirate, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is a helpful reference.

Final Thoughts: Worth the Drive

Al Rafisah Dam Sharjah proves you don't need a long flight for a mountain-and-lake day out. Start early, check the latest hours and fees, and choose the activity that suits your mood, whether that's paddling, walking or hiking. Pack light, take your time and enjoy the calm.

FAQs

1. Where is Al Rafisah Dam located?
It's in the Hajar Mountains near Khor Fakkan in Sharjah, off the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan highway.

2. Is there an Al Rafisah Dam entry fee?
Entry is reported as free, but activities like kayaking and boating are charged separately. Confirm current prices before visiting.

3. How far is Al Rafisah Dam from Dubai?
Roughly two hours by car, depending on traffic and your starting point. From Sharjah City it's reported at around an hour.

4. What can you do at Al Rafisah Dam?
Kayak, take a pedal or doughnut boat, walk the lakeside path, enjoy the waterfall, hike towards Suhub Rest House and eat at the lakeside restaurant.