If you are looking for a picturesque location to stay away from the busy city life, take a road trip to Al Rafisah Dam. It is one of the most beautiful locations in the UAE and will be an ideal weekend getaway in the evenings when the weather is more pleasant. While traveling towards the Sharjah – Khorfakkan highway, you will see the beauty of Al Rafisah Dam, Sharjah, UAE unraveling before you. The vast lake with crystal clear water of Al Rafisah Dam overlooks the ochre-colored massive Hajar mountains.
Built during the 1980s, this dam was later revamped with a resting area and a visitor’s center. If taking the newly laid road, you can reach Khorfakkan from Sharjah in just 45 minutes, which has allowed several tourists visiting it to enjoy the scenic views of this sprawling area doused in natural beauty.
Top Things To Do In Al Rafisah Dam
1. Get An Immersive Scenic View
The place is famous for its splendid scenery featuring an azure water reservoir with mountains of sandstone towering above it and lush greenery surrounding it. The magnificent view of the beautiful artificial waterfall amidst the green-laced landscape makes it an apt choice for vacationers and nature enthusiasts.
2. Stroll Along The Dam Walkway
Al Rafisah Dam Khorfakkan has a winding walkway measuring 730 m in length decked with tall palm trees on the sides, circumventing it. The walkway will lead towards the cliff’s edge through the plantations reaching the fort. So if you are trying to find a serene spot away from the bustling city noises, visit this Rafisah dam.
3. Enjoy Bird Watching
This Rafisah dam in Khorfakkan, cradled amidst the Hajjar mountains with an artificial lake, is flocked by hundreds of migratory bird species. Bird watchers can have a great time spotting some of the rarest and few common bird species that frequent the lakeside in the evenings.
4. Learn A Bit Of History
The Rafisah dam in Sharjah houses the seasonal waterway of Wadi Shie, the site famous for its historical settlements and remnants. So it’s no wonder this archaeological site has been the point of attraction for history buffs who throng the place from every corner of the world.
5. Spend Time By The Waterfall
Your trip to the Al Rafisah dam is never complete until you visit the site’s star attraction, the artificial waterfall. Measuring a height of around 55 meters and green vegetation surrounding the region, you can watch the waterfall cascading into the reservoir’s blue water. Have a good time sitting on the benches near the walkway and enjoy the sound of splashing water along with the song of birds.
6. Indulge in Boating and Kayaking
Al Rafisah dam is famous for water sports, such as pedal boating, donut boating, and kayaking. You can check Al Rafisah dam boating prices online while planning your trip. Taking a boat ride or kayaking through the peaceful lake surrounded by magnificent mountains is a satisfying experience.
You can also feed some seeds to the ducks and ducklings swimming alongside your boats while cruising through the lake. If you row close to the mountain, you can spot some mountain foxes and Arabian deers standing between the mountain crooks or passages.
Cost Of Al Rafisah Dam Boating
- A half an hour ride on a pedal boat costs AD 45.
- Half hour ride on a double kayak ride costs AED 30.
- A half an hour ride on a donut boat costs AED 100 for a group of people.
- Half hour ride on a brown pedal boat costs AED 60.
7. Let Your Kids Have Some Fun
The resting center at Rafisah dam houses an outdoor play area for kids to let their little ones have great fun. This play area is designed with swings, slides, and other play units to help the children have a great outdoor time while enjoying the great view featuring mountains and an artificial lake. The staff at Al Rafisah dam ensures that the outdoor play area is safe and clean to make it a perfect place for kids.
8. Rewind and Relax By The Beach
Khorfakkan beach is a refreshing option with its flourishing coral reef, turquoise blue water, and white sands. This crescent-shaped beach near the Al-Rafisah dam is the right spot for fun-loving water activities like snorkeling and diving.
Khorfakkan Beach Timings
- Friday – Saturday: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
- Sunday – Thursday: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
9. Shop At Ease
There are several shops in Al Rafisah dam which sell a lot of traditional handicrafts. There is also a Sharjah Co-operative Society where you can buy many handmade items. The site also has several tiny shops selling cool drinks and snacks that you can munch on while spending time there.
Al Rafisah Dam has several recreational features like a kids’ outdoor playing area, supermarket, resting center, restaurant, and a parking lot to keep the visitors engaged for the whole day.
10. Grab A Tasty Bite
The place has a quaint yet sophisticated eatery called Rafisa Lounge Café, which serves delicious food and refreshing drinks at affordable rates. Enjoy a delicious meal on the restaurant’s balcony while relishing the perfect view of sparkling blue waters against the rugged mountains.