The UAE is famous for its impressive skyscrapers and contrasting open deserts but did you know just over an hours drive away from Dubai you can find stunning mountain ranges, refreshing greenery and sparkling water sources?
Visit Wadi Shees, a green oasis near Dubai is actually located in the UAE’s emirate of Sharjah. It offers a stark contrast to the landscapes typically associated with the country. This hidden gem, with its lush green farmland and towering date palms, is just a short drive away from the UAE’s major cities—45 minutes from Sharjah and 90 minutes from Dubai.
Visit Wadi Shees and discover a different side of the UAE—one filled with stunning natural beauty and centuries of history.
Where is Wadi Shees?
When traveling from Dubai or Sharjah, take route E611 (Emirates Road) and turn east onto S142 Road (Khor Fakkan Road). This scenic road will lead you all the way to Wadi Shees, winding through the breathtaking peaks of the Hajar Mountains. While the road is a little curvy, it is entirely manageable for both 2WD and 4WD vehicles.
Waze link to visit Wadi Shees – https://waze.com/ul/hthrzzu5gr
Things to do when you visit Wadi Shees
Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a day of exploring when you visit Wadi Shees.
Shees Park
Shees Park is a delightful escape featuring a playground, viewing terraces, and its centrepiece—a stunning 25-meter waterfall cascading over the edge of the mountain.
Entry to the park is just 5AED per person.
In contrast to the brown and orange hues of the desert, Shees Park is a lush oasis with green grass and gentle streams. If you climb up to the viewpoint above the park, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains and the fertile valley of Wadi Shees. There are some particularly aesthetic Instagram- able photo opportunities too.
With several permanent grills available to use, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing barbecue or picnic. There’s a small café on-site, serving various snacks and refreshments.
Shees Park is the perfect place to begin or indeed end your adventure when you visit Wadi Shees.
Wadi Shees Nature Trail
Where is Wadi Shees Nature Trail
Wadi Shees Nature Trail can be found here- 76RV+GXQ Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
About the trail
This 1.8km nature trail gives visitors the opportunity to discover agriculture in the UAE. It is a relatively easy path, mostly shaded with impressive date palms and running adjacent to the ancient falaj irrigation system.
The trail starts right next to the parking area just outside the village of Shees. You’ll notice a large sign that offers insight into the region’s history—highlighting the settlement of the Naqbi Tribe in Wadi Shees centuries ago, as well as the preservation efforts of the Emirate of Sharjah, including the creation of this nature trail.
The journey begins behind the sign, with a series of steps leading up to the Old Village. This area is still home to several farmers who work in Wadi Shees, so be respectful of the locals and stick to the main trail. As you walk along the nature trail, you’ll notice a water channel running beside the path, occasionally branching out into larger pools. This is a falaj – an ancient irrigation system designed to carry freshwater throughout the year. For centuries, the falaj has been essential in the arid climates of the Gulf, where the UAE receives less than 200mm of rainfall annually.
The trail took us approximately 25 minutes, offers information boards along the way and we enjoyed meeting some locals, and seeing farm animals and wildlife too. We believe it is suitable for almost all fitness levels, although the terrain is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
While you are exploring the Emirate of Sharjah be sure to also Visit Khor Fakkan ⋆ Family Travel with Ellie
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