Al Rafisah Dam is a popular tourist destination located in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah. Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, the dam combines natural beauty, eco-tourism, and modern infrastructure. Visitors enjoy kayaking, boating, hiking trails, and waterside restaurants in a peaceful mountain setting. This guide covers location, activities, entry details, weather, restaurants, and visitor info.
Where Is Al Rafisah Dam Located?
Al Rafisah Dam is located on the Sharjah–Khor Fakkan Road (S 142) in the eastern region of Sharjah, UAE. It lies about 7 km west of Khor Fakkan City and is easily accessible via the Sharjah-Khor Fakkan highway, which cuts through the Hajar Mountains.
| Attribute | Value |
| Emirate | Sharjah |
| Area | Khor Fakkan |
| Coordinates | 25.3318° N, 56.3234° E |
| Distance from Sharjah City | ~110 km |
| Nearest Landmark | Shees Park (5 km away) |
| Google Maps Search | “Al Rafisah Dam Khor Fakkan” |
Is There an Entry Fee for Al Rafisah Dam?
Al Rafisah Dam is free to access.
There is no entrance fee for the dam, parking area, or the walking paths. However, kayaking and pedal boat rentals are chargeable.
| Access Type | Price (AED) |
| General Entry | Free |
| Car Parking | Free |
| Kayak (30 mins) | ~30–50 |
| Pedal Boat (30 mins) | ~40–60 |
| Group Boat Ride | 100+ |
Visitors only pay for food, equipment rentals, or guided tours.
What Are the Timings for Al Rafisah Dam?
Al Rafisah Dam is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
It’s recommended to arrive before sunset for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. Weekends can get busy from 4:00 PM onward.
| Day | Opening Hours |
| Monday–Sunday | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Holidays | Same |
Outdoor services may close earlier during poor weather or off-season.
What Activities Can You Do at Al Rafisah Dam?
Al Rafisah Dam offers a wide range of outdoor, leisure, and recreational experiences for families and adventure seekers.
Popular Activities:
- Kayaking on the freshwater lake
- Boating (pedal boats and family rides)
- Hiking in surrounding mountain trails
- The Walk – scenic paved trail with lake views
- Birdwatching and photography
- Picnics in shaded areas
- Kids’ play zones with safety fencing
- Visit Shees Park nearby (5 minutes away)
The entire area is designed for all age groups and physical activity levels.
What Is Al Rafisah Dam Known For?
- Stunning views of the Hajar Mountains
- Clean, clear freshwater lake for kayaking
- Eco-restoration of traditional village ruins (underwater)
- Rest areas and observation decks with panoramic views
- The Rafisah Walk – a lakeside trail popular among walkers and cyclists
It serves as a key stopover on the Sharjah-Khor Fakkan highway, combining heritage and modern leisure in one stop.
What Is the History of Al Rafisah Dam?
Al Rafisah Dam was originally built in the 1980s for flood control and irrigation purposes. It has since been redeveloped as part of the Sharjah-Khor Fakkan Road project, which opened in 2020. The updated site now includes eco-tourism facilities, walkways, and picnic spots.
The sunken village of Al Nahwa lies beneath its waters, and remnants of the historic structures are visible during drought seasons or boat rides.
Is Al Rafisah Dam Good for Kayaking and Boating?
Yes, kayaking and paddle boating are among the main attractions at the dam.
- Kayaks: Available for single and double riders
- Pedal boats: Family-friendly option with safety gear
- Group boats: Guided rides available on weekends
All rentals include life jackets. Operators are licensed and monitored for safety.
Is There a Restaurant at Al Rafisah Dam?
Yes, there is a full-service Rafisah Dam Restaurant & Café on-site.
| Restaurant Feature | Details |
| Cuisine | Arabic, Emirati, snacks, coffee |
| Seating | Indoor + Outdoor with lake views |
| View | Overlooks dam and mountain range |
| Timing | 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
You can also find food stalls and ice cream vendors on busy weekends.
What Is the Weather Like at Al Rafisah Dam?
The dam area experiences mild winters and hot, dry summers, typical of mountainous desert terrain.
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Weather Notes |
| Nov–Mar | 20–27 | Ideal for outdoor activities |
| Apr–Jun | 28–39 | Hot, bring water & shade |
| Jul–Sep | 35–43 | Avoid midday visits |
| Oct | 25–32 | Good for kayaking and walking |
Winter months (November to March) are best for hiking and boat rides.
How to Get to Al Rafisah Dam from Sharjah and Dubai?
- From Sharjah City: Take E88 (Al Dhaid Road) → E102 (Sharjah-Khor Fakkan Road) → Follow signs to Rafisah Dam
- From Dubai: Take E611 → Exit to E102 → Continue through the mountain tunnel to reach the dam
The drive from Sharjah takes about 75 minutes and from Dubai about 90–100 minutes. Parking is free and available near the entrance.
FAQs About Al Rafisah Dam
Is Al Rafisah Dam free to enter?
Yes, there’s no ticket or entrance fee.
Can you kayak at Al Rafisah Dam?
Yes, kayaking is available for a fee with full safety equipment.
Is there a restaurant at Al Rafisah Dam?
Yes, there’s a restaurant with lake views and Arabic cuisine.
What are Al Rafisah Dam timings?
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How far is Rafisah Dam from Shees Park?
Approximately 5 km (7-minute drive).
Can I hike around Al Rafisah Dam?
Yes, there are walking trails and a lakeside promenade.
What’s the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon during winter months.
Are there toilets and prayer rooms?
Yes, clean restrooms and prayer areas are available.
Is there a light show at Al Rafisah Dam?
Yes, during special events and holidays, light displays are organized.
Can I swim in the dam?
No, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons.
Summary of Al Rafisah Dam
| Feature | Details (with Main Keyword Integration) |
| Al Rafisah Dam Location | Located in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah – search “Al Rafisah Dam location” on Google Maps |
| Al Rafisah Dam Entry Fee | Free entry – no ticket required to visit the dam |
| Al Rafisah Dam Parking | Free parking available near entrance |
| Al Rafisah Dam Timings | Open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM – check “Al Rafisah Dam timing” |
| Al Rafisah Dam Activities | Includes kayaking, boating, hiking, The Walk, and nature photography |
| Rafisah Dam Kayak Price | Kayaking costs approx. AED 30–50 per 30 minutes – check “Rafisah Dam kayak” |
| Rafisah Dam Boating Price | Pedal and family boats available – AED 40–100, depending on type |
| Shees Park Distance | 5 km from Rafisah Dam – search “Al Rafisah Dam to Shees Park” |
| Rafisah Dam Restaurant | On-site restaurant and café with mountain and lake views – see “Rafisah Dam restaurant” |
| Best Time to Visit | November to March, early morning or late afternoon – “Rafisah Dam weather” is mild |
| Google Maps Search Term | Use “Al Rafisah Dam location” or “Al Rafisah Dam Khor Fakkan” |
| Facilities Available | Clean toilets, prayer rooms, shaded seating |
| Swimming Policy | Swimming is not allowed in Al Rafisah Dam |
| Rafisah Dam Light Show | Organized during national holidays – search “Rafisah Dam light show” |
| Rafisah Dam Walking Trail | Paved lakeside path – known as “Al Rafisah Dam The Walk” |
| Pet Access | Pets are not allowed at the dam |
