Al Khileban Dam (also spelled Kholaiban or Al Khulaiban Dam) is a small mountain dam in Wadi Al Khulaiban, in the Masfout area of Ajman, right next to Hatta and close to the Oman border. Built in 2002 to control flash floods and recharge groundwater, it is now a quiet spot for hiking, picnics and photos, about 90 minutes by car from Ajman city and a little over an hour from Dubai. There is no entry ticket, and the best months to visit are November to March.
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This guide explains where the dam is, how to reach it, what the Kholaiban Dam hike is like, when to go, and the best hotels, resorts and places to visit nearby in Masfout and Hatta.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Location: Wadi Al Khulaiban, Masfout, Ajman, in the Hajar Mountains beside Hatta.
- Entry: no ticket to visit the dam area or walk the wadi.
- Best time: November to March, early morning.
- Hike: the Kholaiban Dam to Masfout route is signposted, with rocky ground and little shade.
- Facilities: parking, shaded huts and a small play area near the dam, but no shops.
- Nearby: Masfout Castle, Masfout Gate, Bin Sultan Mosque, Hatta Dam and Hatta Heritage Village.
- Easy booking: White Sky arranges trips and hotels with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months.
Where Is Al Khileban Dam?
Al Khileban Dam sits at the southern edge of Masfout Ajman, an Ajman enclave surrounded by mountains about 110 km inland from the coast. Masfout shares a border with Hatta (Dubai) and Oman, which is why many people think the dam is in Hatta. It is actually on Ajman land.
Address: Wadi Al Khulaiban, Masfout, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| From | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|
| Ajman city | About 90 minutes |
| Dubai (Downtown) | About 75 to 90 minutes |
| Sharjah | About 90 minutes |
| Hatta town | About 10 to 15 minutes |
Drive times depend on traffic and the route you take.
About Al Khileban Dam
The dam was built in 2002 across Wadi Al Khulaiban, a short seasonal valley that runs about 2.5 km from the slopes of Jabal Lishan down into Masfout. It is around 7 metres high and holds a small reservoir that fills after winter rain. Its main jobs are to slow down flash floods and let rainwater soak into the ground to support local farms and wells.
Most of the year the reservoir is low or dry, but after good rain the water, the rocks and the green date palms make it one of the most photogenic spots in the Ajman mountains.
Kholaiban Dam Hike: What to Expect
Visit Ajman lists two signposted hikes in Masfout: Jebel Al Abyadh to Masfout, and Kholaiban Dam to Masfout. The Kholaiban route starts from the dam parking area and follows the wadi and the rocky hills back toward Masfout town.
- Loose rock and gravel, so walking takes longer than the distance suggests.
- Some short rocky sections where you may use your hands for balance.
- Very little shade after mid morning.
- Great views of the Hajar Mountains, the dam wall and the farms of Masfout.
Families can simply walk a short way along the wadi from the dam and back. Fitter hikers can do the full route to Masfout. Many walkers spend one to three hours, depending on pace and how far they go.
Pro tip: start around sunrise in the cooler months. You finish before the heat and get soft light for photos over the water.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Best | November to February | Mild days, ideal for hiking and picnics |
| Good | October and March | Warm, go early in the morning |
| Avoid | June to September | Very hot, not safe for long hikes |
After heavy rain, wadis in this area can flood fast. Check the UAE weather alerts before you go and never cross flowing water.
How to Get to Al Khileban Dam
From Dubai, most visitors drive the Dubai Hatta Road (E44) to Hatta and continue into Masfout. From Ajman and Sharjah, Visit Ajman advises that non GCC nationals use the Sharjah Kalba Road route, because one road in the area passes an Oman border post open only to GCC nationals. Always carry your Emirates ID or passport.
A normal car reaches the dam area on paved roads. Park in the marked area near the dam. Buy fuel, snacks and water in Masfout or Hatta before the last stretch, as there are no shops at the dam.
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes or trail shoes with good grip.
- At least 2 litres of water per person.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Light snacks such as dates, nuts or energy bars.
- A charged phone with an offline map and a small first aid kit.
Safety note: never hike alone, tell someone your plan, turn back if you lose the route, and take all rubbish home with you.
Places to Visit Near Al Khileban Dam
Make a full day of it by combining the dam with these nearby spots in Masfout and Hatta:
- Masfout Castle and Museum: a 19th century fort on a hill with wide valley views, a short drive from the dam.
- Masfout Gate: the new 16 metre high landmark entrance with a 40 metre walkway, opened by the Ruler of Ajman in early 2026. It links the Masfout Museum with the historic Al Boma Tower, and the UAE Tour cycle race passed through it in February 2026.
- Bin Sultan Mosque: one of the oldest mosques in the area, built in the early 1800s.
- Masfout Dam and Al Jazer Dam Park: two more dams with picnic shelters and barbecue spots.
- Hatta Dam: turquoise water with kayaking and pedal boats, about 15 minutes away.
- Hatta Heritage Village and Hatta Wadi Hub: history, mountain biking and adventure activities.
- Suhaila Lake Hatta: a peaceful lake with camping, BBQ areas and hiking.
- Al Manama Ajman: Ajman’s other inland enclave, with forts and a museum.
In October 2025, UN Tourism named Masfout the World’s Best Tourism Village 2025, the first village in the UAE to receive this honour. Every December the Nasmat Masfout festival brings food, crafts and family activities to the village, so winter is a great time to combine it with your dam visit. See our full guide to things to do in Ajman for more ideas.
Hotels and Resorts Near Al Khileban Dam
There are no hotels in Masfout yet, although Ajman officials say hotel projects are being studied. For now, you have great options a short drive away in Hatta and on the Ajman coast:
- JA Hatta Fort Hotel: a classic mountain hotel in Hatta with pools, gardens and views, now being refreshed in phases with renovated rooms, new dining and a wellness centre.
- Hatta Resorts: reopened for its new season in late September 2026 with upgraded Premier Lodges, restored vintage coach stays and access to Hatta Wadi Hub activities.
- Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas: a new stay overlooking Hatta Dam with a pool and dining.
- Fairmont Ajman and Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort: beach resorts in Ajman city if you want the sea after the mountains.
Prefer camping? Read our guide to glamping in UAE for more outdoor stays.
Book Your Al Khileban Dam Trip with White Sky
White Sky Travel and Tourism is a Dubai based travel agency that can plan your Masfout and Hatta day trip, including transport, a guide, and hotel or resort stays nearby. You can also explore our adventure tours in Dubai and sightseeing tours in Dubai with BNPL.
Spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for availability and a quote. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking.
Related Articles
Planning more trips around the UAE? These guides will help:
- Masfout Ajman Guide: Things to Do, Hotels and How to Get There
- Suhaila Lake Hatta: Free Camping, BBQ and Hiking Guide
- Bin Sultan Mosque Ajman: History, Location and Visiting Guide
- Al Manama Ajman: Forts, Museum, Hotels and Things to Do
- Things to Do in Ajman: Complete Guide for a Day Trip from Dubai
- Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan: Kayaking, Waterfall and Visitor Tips
- Fairmont Ajman: Rooms, Dining, Beach and Things to Do
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Al Khileban Dam?
Al Khileban Dam is in Wadi Al Khulaiban, Masfout, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Masfout is an Ajman enclave in the Hajar Mountains next to Hatta, close to the Oman border, about 90 minutes by car from Ajman city.
Is Al Khileban Dam in Ajman or Hatta?
The dam is in Masfout, which belongs to the Emirate of Ajman. It is often linked with Hatta because the two towns sit side by side in the Hajar Mountains, but the dam itself is on Ajman land.
Is there an entry fee for Al Khileban Dam?
There is no entry ticket to visit the dam area or walk the wadi. Your costs are fuel, food and any guided trip you book. Prices and rules may change and T&C apply.
Is the Kholaiban Dam hike suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you stay on the shorter sections near the dam. The Kholaiban Dam to Masfout route is signposted, but the ground is rocky and loose, so wear proper shoes, carry water and avoid the hot midday hours.
What is the best time to visit Al Khileban Dam?
November to March is the best time, with mild days that suit hiking and picnics. Start early in the morning. Summer days are very hot and not safe for long walks.
When was Al Khileban Dam built?
Al Khileban Dam was built in 2002 to reduce flash flood risk in the wadi and to help recharge groundwater for the Masfout area. It is about 7 metres high and holds a small reservoir after rain.
What else can I visit near Al Khileban Dam?
Close by you can see Masfout Castle, Masfout Gate, Bin Sultan Mosque and Masfout Dam. Across in Hatta there is Hatta Dam for kayaking, Hatta Heritage Village and Suhaila Lake.
Can I book an Al Khileban Dam trip with White Sky?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange a Masfout and Hatta day trip with transport and nearby hotel stays. Pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Al Khileban Dam is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the Ajman mountains: a small, historic dam in Masfout with a signposted hike, quiet picnic spots and no entry ticket. Go between November and March, start early, carry plenty of water, and pair your visit with Masfout Castle, Masfout Gate and Hatta Dam for a full day out. When you are ready, WhatsApp White Sky at +971 4 220 2133 and we will plan the trip, the transport and the stay for you.
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