East Coast

Just over an hour’s drive from Sharjah city is the ‘getaway destination’ of the Emirate’s east coast. Scenically this is one of the most beautiful areas in the UAE with turquoise oases, rocky bays, golden-sand beaches, serene mangroves and impressive mountains. Renowned for its water sports, snorkelling, scuba diving, relaxing and places to explore, this coast creates the ideal break for an overnight stay, either camping or residing in the motels and hotels that line the coast.

The journey from Sharjah passes through the rugged scenery of the Al Hajar Mountains and down to the Emirate’s historic and seaside towns of Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.

The coast has a long and turbulent history with many archaeological sites dating back to as early as the 2nd millennium BC. In the 16th century the Portuguese took command here, in order to control the spice trade and they built forts in Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba.

East coast activities: Beach fun with banana boat rides, building sand castles, swimming and sunbathing; back to nature with bird watching, hiking trips and nature trails; exploring the heritage sites, canoeing in the mangroves, mountain drives and dhow cruises; deep sea fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Getting there: Take the E88 (Sharjah/Al Dhaid Road) through Al Dhaid to Masafi. From Masafi the left turn at the roundabout brings you past the Masafi falls and water bottling factory, over a spectacular pass and down onto the gravel plain of Dibba, where the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman stretch before you. Alternatively, turn right in Masafi for Fujairah. At the coast you have the option of turning left to Khor Fakkan or right to Kalba and the mangroves.