Wadi Wurayah is a protected mountain valley in the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah, about 42 km north of Fujairah city, near Khor Fakkan, and it is home to the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall. Declared the UAE’s first mountain protected area in 2009, listed as a Ramsar wetland in 2010 and named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2018, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026 as the country’s first World Heritage site recognised for its natural value.
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After years closed to tourists, the reserve reopened in January 2026 for small guided group hikes only, held on Saturdays during the hiking season. The official Explore Wadi Wurayah tour costs AED 300 per person and includes an English speaking guide, a breakfast box, a snack bag and water.
White Sky Travel and Tourism books your place and can arrange transport from Dubai, and you can pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months.
Key Takeaways
- Wadi Wurayah can only be visited on an organised guided group tour; independent entry is not allowed.
- The official tour price is AED 300 per person, with guide, breakfast box, snacks and water included.
- Tours run on Saturdays during the cooler hiking season and places are limited, so book early.
- The highlight is a waterfall about 13 metres high that flows all year, fed by more than 60 springs.
- Wear hiking shoes, bring sun protection and carry at least three litres of water per person.
- Book through White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards.
Wadi Wurayah at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Hajar Mountains, about 42 km north of Fujairah city, near Khor Fakkan |
| Size | About 192 square kilometres of mountain terrain |
| Known for | The UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall, springs, pools and rare wildlife |
| Protection status | Protected with Emirates Nature WWF, national park, Ramsar wetland, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| How to visit | Guided group tour only, on Saturdays during the hiking season |
| Visiting hours | 9 AM to 6 PM |
| Time needed | About 3 hours |
| Tour price | AED 300 per person |
| Drive from Dubai | Around two hours, depending on traffic |
| Best time to go | October to April, when temperatures are cooler |
What Makes Wadi Wurayah Special?
The star of the reserve is its waterfall. Researchers from the Fujairah Environment Authority say more than 60 springs feed a stream over 6 km long that drains into a waterfall about 13 metres high, and geologists believe it may have been flowing for at least 10,000 years.
The rocks here are ophiolite, ancient ocean crust pushed up onto land, and the way this rock reacts with fresh water helps create one of the few lasting surface water systems in the UAE.
Biodiversity is what earned the reserve its global recognition. Khaleej Times reports that 1,099 species have been recorded inside Wadi Wurayah, including:
- 216 plant species, including the wild orchid Epipactis veratrifolia, the only one of its kind in the UAE
- 114 bird species
- 20 mammal species, among them the endangered Arabian tahr, Blanford’s fox and the caracal
- 30 reptile and amphibian species
The pool at the foot of the waterfall is also home to the Garra fish, which has adapted to survive the flash floods that sometimes rush through the wadi. Even the name comes from nature: it is linked to a local plant called Wara’a, whose leaves were once used to build summer shelters.
How Much Does the Wadi Wurayah Tour Cost?
The official Explore Wadi Wurayah tour costs AED 300 per person. The only way into the reserve is the official guided tour run with the Fujairah Environment Authority. Here is what the package includes, based on the official tour listing.
| Tour Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Price | AED 300 per person |
| Tour days | Saturdays during the hiking season, with limited slots |
| Visiting hours | 9 AM to 6 PM, with about 3 hours for the visit |
| Guide | Professional guide, English language |
| Food and drinks | Breakfast box, snack bag and water |
| Group type | Small, controlled groups to protect the habitat |
| Transport from Dubai | Can be arranged by White Sky on request |
Prices and tour days may change. Terms and conditions apply, and the final price is confirmed during booking with White Sky.
Where Is Wadi Wurayah and How Do You Get There?
Wadi Wurayah sits on the east coast of the UAE in the Emirate of Fujairah, tucked into the mountains behind Khor Fakkan and close to the coastal village of Bidiyah. According to Fujairah Tourism, the wadi lies about 42 km north of Fujairah city, is open from 9 AM to 6 PM and needs about 3 hours to explore. The drive from Dubai or Sharjah takes around two hours.
Your exact meeting point is shared once your booking is confirmed.
Because the reserve is closed to private visits, you cannot simply drive in on your own. You have two easy options:
- Drive yourself to the meeting point and join the guided group for the hike.
- Let White Sky arrange a private transfer from Dubai or Sharjah so you can relax and enjoy the mountain views.
Make a full day of it on the east coast. You could visit the historic Al Badiyah Mosque, cool off at Al Aqah Beach, snorkel around Snoopy Island or stay the night at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.
Nature lovers can also add the Khorfakkan Waterfalls, kayaking at Al Rafisah Dam or the green trails of Wadi Shees. History fans can also stop at Fujairah Fort on the way back.
Can You Visit Wadi Wurayah Without a Guided Tour?
No. Since January 2026, entry is only possible on an organised guided group tour, so you cannot hike or drive into the reserve on your own.
Fujairah Tourism describes the wadi as a favourite among residents but also a very fragile ecosystem, and asks every visitor to leave it exactly as they found it. Wadi Wurayah was closed to tourists in 2013 after authorities studied its habitats and wildlife and decided the valley needed protection. Scientists, students and conservation volunteers kept working inside the reserve, and research showed the closure helped the ecosystem recover. Since January 2026, the Fujairah Environment Authority has welcomed the public again through controlled group tours, so visitors can enjoy the valley without putting it at risk.
Respect the reserve during your hike:
- Stay with your guide and keep to the marked route.
- Take all of your rubbish back out with you.
- Do not touch, feed or chase any animals.
- Do not swim or step into the pools unless your guide says it is allowed.
- Leave plants, rocks and stones exactly where you find them.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Wadi Wurayah?
The best time to visit Wadi Wurayah is from October to April. These cooler months are when the hiking season and the guided tours run. Mornings are pleasant for walking and photos, while summer days in the mountains are extremely hot. Heavy rain can cause flash floods in the wadi, so tours may be moved or cancelled for safety. White Sky will keep you updated if the weather changes your plans.
What Should You Bring for the Wadi Wurayah Hike?
The trail is rocky and the sun is strong, even in winter. Pack light but smart.
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Hiking shoes with ankle support | Rocky and uneven ground |
| Water, at least three litres | The climate is dry and there are no shops in the reserve |
| Hat and SPF 50 sunscreen | Little shade along parts of the trail |
| Light layers | Early mornings in the mountains can be cool |
| Small backpack and rubbish bag | Everything you bring in must go back out |
| Charged phone and power bank | Photos and staying in touch with your group |
Pay in Installments with Tabby, Tamara or UAE Credit Cards
We want your trip to be easy on your budget. When you book your Wadi Wurayah tour, transfers or an east coast stay with White Sky, you can pay with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE credit card and split the cost into installments for up to 12 months. It is a simple way to plan a weekend adventure in Fujairah without paying everything upfront.
How to Book Your Wadi Wurayah Tour with White Sky
Slots on each Saturday tour are limited, so it is best to book early. Message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 with your preferred date and group size. Our team will reserve your place, arrange transport from Dubai if you need it and set up your installment plan.
Booking takes just a few minutes:
- Message White Sky on WhatsApp with your preferred Saturday and the number of people in your group.
- We check availability for the Wadi Wurayah tour and confirm your price.
- Choose to pay in full or in installments with Tabby, Tamara or your UAE credit card.
- Add a private transfer from Dubai or Sharjah if you need one.
- Receive your booking confirmation and meeting point details on WhatsApp.
Related Articles
Planning more time on the east coast? These guides will help.
- Beaches in Fujairah: Best Public Beaches, Snorkelling Spots and Tips
- Snoopy Island in Fujairah: How to Visit, Snorkel and Spot Turtles
- Al Badiyah Mosque in Fujairah: History, Location and Visiting Tips
- Wadi Shees in Khorfakkan: Shees Park, Waterfall and Travel Tips
- Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan: Kayaking, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
- Fujairah Fort: Exploring the Oldest Fort in the UAE
Overview
Hike into Wadi Wurayah, the UNESCO World Heritage reserve in the Hajar Mountains of Fujairah and home to the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall. Since January 2026 the reserve is open only through small guided group tours on Saturdays during the hiking season. The official Explore Wadi Wurayah tour costs AED 300 per person and includes an English speaking guide, a breakfast box, a snack bag and water. Book with White Sky Travel and Tourism and pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months.
Trip Highlights
- Hike to the UAE's only permanent natural waterfall, about 13 metres high
- Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the UAE's first mountain protected area
- Spot rare wildlife among 1,099 recorded species, including the Arabian tahr
- Walk in a small group with a professional English speaking guide
- Breakfast box, snack bag and water included for AED 300 per person
- Book with White Sky and pay in installments with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards
