The Various ways from Dubai to Fujairah - Rafisah Dam and Wadi Shea Fortress
My brother Michael and I have driven from Dubai to Fujairah quite a few times over the last few weeks. We have a game going called: “Which new way can we find to get there today.” No wild desert overland drives for our vehicle is not a 4 wheel drive. However the more we play this game the more I appreciate this country for its natural beauty beyond its coasts. The ideas for future adventures are simmering. In the meantime let me acquaint you with some of the Emirates lesser known back-country.
Road One - Rafisah Dam
Michael knows a little gem nestled in the Hajar mountains in the Emirate Sharjah and not widely promoted in visitor marketing - the Rafisah Dam area, 130 km from Dubai so this will be our rest stop on the way.
As we leave Dubai direction Sharjah, Ciquala entertains himself by trying to spot his favorite landmarks: Global Village then the many places to spot Burj Khalifa.
The access to this beautiful spot has been made very easy by the finishing of the Khorfakkan road in 2019.
At first, the landscape is defined by the sandy deserts with its many dunes and Ciquala and I play “spot the Camel”.
Progressively the landscape changes as we enter the Hajar Mountain range that is between the sandy desert of Dubai and Sharjah, and the coast of Fujairah.
The Rafisah Dam area has its own exit from the highway and lots of parking. There is a nice small snack restaurant, a paved walking area, and a boat rental. A one kilometer trail brings you to the Wadi Shea Fortress which is in the process of being restored. Ciquala (6) gives the rest spot “high marks for its local lemon-mint juice and fresh orange juice”. He also really enjoys “that playground, because it is tall, has a good slide, monkey bars, and a tic tac toe game”.
Kids like playing at the playground and going down to the lake to look at the great variety of ducks. They are so varied, one could play a game of “guess who” looking at them.
In the lake a grey heron has taken up residence. The lake also has a small island where some animals live.
The botanical abundance near the spring is a stark contrast to the desert landscape. Walking the well landscaped walkway is a color-rich eye-pleasing experience.
Wadi Shea Fortress
It is possible to reach the Wadi Shea Fortress from the Dam area. When we visited in November 2020, the finishing touches were being made to the fortress restoration and the village was being rebuilt. Ciquala enjoyed pretending that we were inhabitants from a time long long ago. We took a stroll around the back of the hill to reach the fortress from behind and got spectacular views into the wadi behind.
Your Turn - Comments Please!
Have you traveled between Dubai and Fujairah? What are your favorite spots?
What did you enjoy in this post? What would you like to hear more about? Please leave me comments!
Practical Information
Bear in mind, that while the dress code of Dubai is acceptable in this more locally frequented spot, you will stand out in the midst of tourists wearing national dress unless you have full length clothes. (This doesn’t apply to children of course. )
While the restaurant on the lake has a fairly large menu, go with an open mind, as what they actually have available is a reduced version of the menu, but therefore fresh …
Another spot in the same area to make this a whole day outing is Wadi Shees.
Background Info:
https://www.visitsharjah.com/en/activities/nature/al-rafisah-dam/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Rafisah_Dam