UAE: Sharjah's Khorfakkan mountain road to become the next big winter tourism destination!
TL;DR
Sharjah is building a scenic mountain road reaching Khorfakkan's highest peak at 1,100 meters.
The route offers
cooler winter weather
, natural views, and a relaxing travel experience.
This road will open new tourism opportunities while helping local villages along the way.
Sharjah is taking steps to bring more visitors to its mountain areas during the cooler months. The new road project announced by the ruler, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, will connect the city of Khorfakkan to its highest mountain peak, offering travelers an escape from the usual heat of the UAE.
This isn't just about building a road. It's about creating a new kind of journey that blends nature, culture, and comfort, especially during winter, when the mountain climate is mild and inviting. The road will wind over hills and peaks, surrounded by trees, water channels, and small homes, making it a peaceful and scenic drive.
Cooler Weather and Natural Beauty Make It Perfect for Winter
Winter tourism means visitors look for places where the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are possible without the harsh sun or extreme heat.
Khorfakkan's mountain peak stands at 1,100 meters, which means temperatures here are cooler than the coastal city below.
The new road takes advantage of this by offering a travel route where people can enjoy fresh air, green scenery, and calm surroundings. Unlike crowded city spots or busy beaches, this mountain road promises a quieter experience. The trees and plantations planted along the way will add to the feeling of being in nature, making it ideal for winter visitors who want to relax or explore.
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More Than a Road: A Tourist Experience
The plan is to turn a simple highway into a tourist-friendly route. The road will have water canals and hillside residences, making the journey visually appealing. It's designed to encourage visitors to stop, take in the views, and enjoy the environment.
Besides tourists, the route will also serve the local villages scattered across the mountains. These communities often don't get much attention, but better road access could bring them new visitors and help their economies.
Small businesses like cafes, craft shops, or guided tours could benefit from this.
Ties to Sharjah's Larger Tourism and Heritage Plans
This mountain road fits well with Sharjah's bigger vision for the region. Khorfakkan has been gaining recognition as a cultural and eco-tourism hub. For example, the nearby Faya Palaeolandscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List earlier this month, drawing attention to the area's unique natural and historical value.
The new road will make it easier for tourists to reach these sites and enjoy what Khorfakkan offers beyond its coastlines.
Walking trails are also being built in the city to encourage tourists to explore on foot.
On top of this, other projects are planned nearby in Jabal Deem, including parks, farms, and rest stops, which will add to the overall tourist experience in the mountains. These developments are scheduled for completion by early 2026.
Why This Could Be the Next Big Winter Destination in the UAE
Most tourists visiting the UAE focus on cities, shopping, or beaches. But winter tourism in mountainous areas is still growing. Sharjah's new road could change that by offering:
Cooler, comfortable weather:
Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing during the winter months.
Unique scenic views:
Panoramic mountain and valley vistas you can't find in other parts of the country.
A peaceful, natural setting:
Away from crowded city attractions, with space to relax and explore.
Local culture and villages:
Opportunities to meet and support communities that are off the usual tourist paths.
Easy access:
The road connects existing tunnels and highways, making travel smoother.
Together, these factors could make Khorfakkan's mountain road a must-visit spot for people looking for something different in the UAE during winter.
FAQs
1. When will the mountain road open?
The road's opening date hasn't been officially announced, but related projects in the area aim for completion by March 2026.
2. What can visitors expect from the climate on this route?
At 1,100 meters elevation, the area has cooler, milder winters than the coast, ideal for outdoor visits and hiking.
3. Will the road benefit local residents?
Yes, the road will improve access to remote villages, making daily life easier and supporting small businesses through increased tourism.
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