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 starts from AED 300 per person and includes an English speaking guide, a breakfast box, a snack bag and water.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Wadi Wurayah can only be visited on an organised guided group tour; independent entry is not allowed.
- The official tour starts from 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.
- 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.
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 | From 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 starts from 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 | From 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 |
Prices and tour days may change, and terms and conditions apply.
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.
The exact meeting point is shared by the tour organiser once your place on the tour is confirmed.
Because the reserve is closed to private visits, you cannot simply drive in on your own. Visitors make their way to the official meeting point and join the guided group for the hike.
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.
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 |
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Wadi Wurayah on my own?
No. Since the reserve reopened to the public in January 2026, Wadi Wurayah can only be visited on an organised guided group tour run with the Fujairah Environment Authority. Independent entry is not allowed, as the area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How much does the Wadi Wurayah tour cost?
The official Explore Wadi Wurayah tour starts from AED 300 per person and includes a professional English speaking guide, a breakfast box, a snack bag and water. Prices may change and T&C apply.
Where is Wadi Wurayah?
Wadi Wurayah is in the Hajar Mountains on the east coast of the UAE. Address: Wadi Wurayah National Park, near Khor Fakkan and Bidiyah, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Fujairah Tourism places it about 42 km north of Fujairah city, and it is around two hours by car from Dubai.
When do Wadi Wurayah tours run?
Guided tours run on Saturdays during the hiking season, which falls in the cooler months from around October to April. Each tour has limited slots to protect the reserve. Tours may be moved or cancelled after heavy rain because of the risk of flash floods.
Does Wadi Wurayah have a waterfall all year round?
Yes. Wadi Wurayah is home to the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall. It is about 13 metres high and is fed by more than 60 springs that flow into a stream over 6 km long. Geologists believe it may have been flowing for at least 10,000 years.
Why is Wadi Wurayah a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Wadi Wurayah was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2026 for its outstanding natural value, making it the first natural World Heritage Site in the UAE. The reserve has 1,099 recorded species, including the endangered Arabian tahr and Blanford’s fox, rare freshwater habitats and ophiolite rock formed from ancient ocean crust.
Is the Wadi Wurayah hike suitable for children?
The trail is rocky and uneven and involves a fair amount of walking, so it suits older children who are used to hiking. It is not stroller friendly or suitable for limited mobility. Check the age rules for your tour date before you go.
Are there shops or facilities inside Wadi Wurayah?
No. Wadi Wurayah is a protected nature reserve with no cafes or shops. The official tour includes a breakfast box, a snack bag and water, but it is a good idea to bring extra water, sun protection and a small bag to carry your rubbish back out.
Can I bring my pet to Wadi Wurayah?
Pets are not suitable on the tour. Wadi Wurayah protects endangered wildlife such as the Arabian tahr and Blanford’s fox, and domestic animals can disturb them, so please leave your pets at home.
Conclusion
Wadi Wurayah is one of the most special natural places in the UAE. With the country’s only permanent waterfall, rare wildlife and its new UNESCO World Heritage status, it is well worth a visit during the cooler months. Entry is only possible on an official guided group tour, so plan ahead, pack plenty of water and follow your guide to help protect this fragile reserve.
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