Al Rafisah Dam is a mountain lake and free public park in Khorfakkan, on the east coast of the UAE in the Emirate of Sharjah. Built in the 1980s on Wadi Shie in the Hajar Mountains and later turned into a visitor destination beside the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road, it is one of the most popular day trips from Dubai and Sharjah. The dam is known for its 55 metre man made waterfall, a 730 metre lakeside walkway, kayak and pedal boat rentals from AED 50, a lakeside restaurant, children’s play areas and hiking trails to Al Hosn castle and Al Suhub Rest Area. Entry is free, the park is open every day, boat rentals run from 7am to 9pm, and the best time to visit is from October to April.
Below you will find everything you need for your visit: what to see and do, current kayak prices, how to get there from Dubai and Sharjah, the best time to go and the site rules. If you would like us to arrange your transport or a full East Coast day trip, message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
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Table of Contents
Al Rafisah Dam at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah Khorfakkan Road, Al Rafisah, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, UAE |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Opening hours | Park open daily; boat rentals 7am to 9pm |
| Main activities | Kayaking, pedal boats, walking, hiking, birdwatching and photography |
| Waterfall | 55 metre man made waterfall flowing into the lake |
| Walkway | About 730 metres along the lake and mountain edge |
| Facilities | Restaurant, ice cream and coffee shop, mini mart, mosque, toilets, three play areas and parking |
| Drive time | Under an hour from Sharjah and about 1.5 to 2 hours from Dubai |
| Best season | October to April |
History of Al Rafisah Dam
The dam was built in the 1980s, at the same time as the Khor Fakkan Dam, to capture seasonal flood water from Wadi Shie (also spelled Wadi Shees) as it flows down from the Hajar Mountains towards Khorfakkan. It sits about 197 metres above sea level, surrounded by rocky peaks and palm trees.
The visitor area around the lake came decades later. As the Wikipedia entry on Al Rafisah Dam explains, the rest area and tourist facilities were built as part of the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road project, which opened in 2019 and brought the east coast much closer to Sharjah city. Visit Sharjah also notes that the Wadi Shie riverbed is valued by archaeologists for its historical finds. In very hot summers, when the water level drops, parts of old submerged ruins can sometimes be seen near the shore.
Things to do at Al Rafisah Dam
The main things to do at Al Rafisah Dam are kayaking and pedal boating on the lake, walking the lakeside promenade, seeing the waterfall, climbing to Al Hosn castle, hiking to Al Suhub Rest Area, birdwatching and enjoying a meal with a lake view. Here is what each one involves.
Kayaking and boating on the lake
Paddling across the calm green water is the top activity here. Boat rentals are run by Al Khor Kayak from a kiosk on the shore, every day from 7am to 9pm, and boats are also available for evening rides. These are the current prices, checked in October 2026:
| Boat | Price | Ride time | Who can ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single kayak | AED 50 | Unlimited | 1 adult aged 16 or over |
| Double kayak | AED 100 | Unlimited | 2 adults and 1 child aged 2 to 4 |
| Brown pedal boat | AED 180 | 1 hour | 3 adults and 1 child aged 2 to 10 |
| Donut boat | AED 300 | 1 hour | 4 adults and 2 children aged 2 to 10 |
Prices and timings may change and T&C apply. Tickets are given on a first come, first served basis, and groups of more than 50 people need a reservation, which our team can arrange for you. Infants are not allowed on any boat, children must ride with an adult, and you cannot get out of the boat during the ride.
Walk the lakeside promenade
A paved walkway of about 730 metres winds from the dam towards the mountain edge. It is lined with palm trees and benches, so it suits families, older visitors and anyone who wants an easy stroll with lovely views of the water.
See the Al Rafisah Dam waterfall
The man made waterfall drops about 55 metres into the lake and is framed by thick greenery. It is the most photographed spot at the dam, especially in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon.
Climb to the castle
A short climb up stone stairs on the side of the mountain takes you to Al Hosn, a small castle with panoramic views over the lake, the dam wall and the surrounding peaks. Allow about 30 minutes for the climb and photos.
Hike to Al Suhub Rest Area
Experienced walkers can follow the mountain trail from the dam up to Al Suhub Rest Area, a lookout and restaurant high above Khorfakkan. The hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, so start early, wear proper hiking shoes and carry plenty of water.
Spot birds and wildlife
The lake attracts herons, the Little Grebe and many migratory birds that rest here in winter. From a kayak you may also spot gazelles on the slopes around the lake, and you will see plenty of fish in the clear water.
Food and family facilities
A restaurant with a panoramic view of the lake serves meals and drinks, and there is an ice cream and coffee shop, a mini mart for water and snacks, a mosque, clean toilets and three outdoor play areas with swings and slides. Seating areas are spread around the park, so it is easy to spend a relaxed half day here with children.
Location and how to get to Al Rafisah Dam
Al Rafisah Dam is located in the Al Rafisah area of Khorfakkan, a coastal town that belongs to the Emirate of Sharjah but sits on the east coast of the UAE, facing the Gulf of Oman. The lake lies in a valley of the Hajar Mountains, about 197 metres above sea level, right beside the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road.
Its full address is Al Rafisah Dam, Sharjah Khorfakkan Road, Al Rafisah, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The dam is a short drive inland from Khorfakkan town and its beach, and it sits close to other mountain stops such as Wadi Shees and Al Suhub Rest Area, which makes it easy to visit several places in one day.
Getting to the dam is easy, and all the roads are paved. Here is what to expect from the main cities in the UAE:
- From Sharjah: follow the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road east. The drive takes under an hour.
- From Dubai: head to Sharjah and join the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.
- Car type: all roads to the dam are paved, so a normal sedan is fine.
- Parking: parking is available near the lake, but spaces fill quickly on weekends and public holidays.
- Public transport: there is no direct bus to the dam, so a private car or a transfer is the easiest option.
Do not want to drive? White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange comfortable transport from Dubai, Sharjah or anywhere in the UAE. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for a quote.
Best time to visit Al Rafisah Dam
The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cool enough to walk, hike and kayak in comfort. Weekday mornings are the quietest, while Friday afternoons, weekends and public holidays get busy. In summer, arrive in the late afternoon and stay for sunset, since boats run until 9pm and the evening air is much more pleasant. After sunset some areas are closed for safety.
Rules and safety tips
- Swimming in the lake is not allowed by law.
- Fishing, hunting, bonfires, picking honey and cutting plants are not allowed.
- Climbing around the dam wall is not allowed.
- Private kayaks, boards and other water sports equipment cannot be used on the lake.
- Children under 16 cannot use single kayaks, and infants are not allowed on boats.
- There are no lockers, so keep valuables locked in your car.
- Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes, and take all your litter with you.
Places to visit near Al Rafisah Dam
Make it a full day on the east coast by combining the dam with these nearby spots:
- Wadi Shees: a green mountain village with a small park and waterfall, a short drive from the dam.
- Khorfakkan Waterfalls: a man made waterfall beside the main road into town.
- Khorfakkan Amphitheatre: a striking open air venue that hosts concerts and events.
- Khorfakkan Beach: a long public beach with cafes, walking paths and calm water for swimming.
- Shark Island Khorfakkan: a small island reached by boat, popular for snorkeling.
- Hanging Garden Kalba: a family park on the mountainside in Kalba, further south along the coast.
Plan your trip with White Sky Travel
White Sky Travel and Tourism is a Dubai based travel agency that helps UAE residents and visitors plan easy day trips to the east coast. We can arrange your transport and suggest a route that covers Al Rafisah Dam and the best nearby attractions. You can pay with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE credit card in installments of up to 12 months. Chat with us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to start planning.
Related Articles
Planning more time on the east coast? These guides will help:
- Al Suhub Rest Area in Khor Fakkan: Views, Parking and Tips
- Wadi Shees in Khorfakkan: Shees Park, Waterfall and Travel Tips
- Khorfakkan Waterfalls in Sharjah
- Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in Sharjah: Events, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
- Khorfakkan Beach in Sharjah: Things to Do, Tips and How to Get There
- Shark Island Khorfakkan: Boat Trips, Snorkeling and Tips
- Hanging Garden Kalba in Sharjah: Tickets, Timings and Things to Do
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Rafisah Dam located?
Al Rafisah Dam is on the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road in Al Rafisah, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, UAE. It sits in the Hajar Mountains, just before the road drops down to the east coast town of Khorfakkan.
Is there an entry fee for Al Rafisah Dam?
No. Entry to Al Rafisah Dam and its walkways, waterfall and play areas is free. You only pay for extras such as kayak or boat rentals and food at the restaurant.
What are the Al Rafisah Dam timings?
The park is open every day. Kayak and boat rentals run daily from 7am to 9pm. Timings may change during public holidays and some areas close after sunset for safety.
How much does kayaking at Al Rafisah Dam cost?
A single kayak costs AED 50 and a double kayak costs AED 100, both with unlimited ride time. A brown pedal boat costs AED 180 per hour and a donut boat costs AED 300 per hour. Prices may change and T&C apply.
Can you swim in Al Rafisah Dam?
No. Swimming in the lake is not allowed by law. For swimming, head to Khorfakkan Beach, a short drive down the mountain.
How far is Al Rafisah Dam from Dubai?
The drive from Dubai to Al Rafisah Dam takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. From Sharjah city it takes under an hour via the Sharjah Khorfakkan Road.
Is Al Rafisah Dam good for kids?
Yes. It has three outdoor play areas, a flat lakeside walkway, a restaurant and an ice cream shop. Children aged 2 and over can join an adult on double kayaks and pedal boats, but infants are not allowed on boats.
What is the best time to visit Al Rafisah Dam?
The best months are October to April. Visit on a weekday morning for fewer crowds, or in the late afternoon in summer to enjoy sunset over the lake.
How long should I spend at Al Rafisah Dam?
Plan 3 to 4 hours for a relaxed visit with kayaking, a walk and a meal. Allow a full day if you also want to hike to Al Suhub Rest Area or visit Khorfakkan.
Can I book a trip to Al Rafisah Dam with installments?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your transport and East Coast day trip, and you can pay with Tabby, Tamara or a UAE credit card in installments of up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Al Rafisah Dam is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Dubai and Sharjah. Entry is free, the mountain scenery is beautiful, and there is something for everyone, from kayaking on the lake and walking past the waterfall to climbing to the castle or hiking to Al Suhub Rest Area. Go between October and April, arrive early, follow the site rules and pair your visit with Khorfakkan Beach or Wadi Shees for a full day out.
Ready to go? Let White Sky Travel and Tourism take care of the planning and transport, with easy payment through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments of up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will help you plan your perfect day at Al Rafisah Dam.
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