The Al Rabi hiking trail climbs from the 1915 Al Rabi Tower above Khor Fakkan to the summit of Al Rabi Mountain, about 4 to 5.3 km return with roughly 300 to 350 metres of climbing, taking 2 to 3 hours. It is a well-marked, yellow-signed path with rest shelters on the way, rated easy to moderate and good for older children. The view from the flag at the top takes in Khor Fakkan bay, the port and the Hajar mountains. Park early, because the small lot by the tower and the bigger one below fill by about 8am on winter weekends, and hike between November and March, starting at sunrise or in the late afternoon.
Trail stats
- Distance
- About 4 to 5.3 km return, depending on the route
- Climb
- About 300 to 350 m
- Maximum elevation
- About 380 to 400 m at the summit
- Time
- 2 to 3 hours with breaks
- Grade
- Easy to moderate; short steep sections
- Start
- Al Rabi Tower, Khor Fakkan, also spelled Khorfakkan (search “Al Rabi Tower” in Google Maps)
- Markings
- Follow the yellow trail; bilingual signs and distance markers
- Cost
- Free
- Season
- November to March; summer at first light only
Last checked: 13 October 2026 against Visit Sharjah’s trail listing, the trailhead signs and recent hikers’ GPS records. Distances differ slightly between sources, so treat them as close estimates.
On this page
The route, checkpoint by checkpoint
| Checkpoint | Distance from start | Altitude | Time from start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trailhead below Al Rabi Tower | 0 | About 50 m | 0 |
| East Rest House (shelter) | About 0.6 km | About 130 m | 15 to 20 min |
| Al Shahs Rest House (shelter) | About 1.5 km | About 280 m | 30 to 40 min |
| Jabal Al Shahs, the first peak | About 1.8 km | About 330 to 350 m | 40 to 50 min |
| Administrative building | About 2.4 km | About 300 m | 50 to 60 min |
| Al Rabi summit (UAE flag) | About 2.5 to 3 km | About 380 to 400 m | 60 to 70 min |
The trail is listed by Visit Sharjah as a moderate 4 to 5 km round trip. The path zigzags up on packed earth and rock, mostly at a steady gradient with a few short steep pitches. Stay on the yellow trail; other coloured routes in the area are not for hiking. A signed shortcut from Al Shahs Rest House leads straight to the administrative building. Come down the same way, carefully: the loose stones on the descent cause most slips.
Start point and parking
- Trailhead: just below Al Rabi Tower, a stone watchtower built in 1915 as part of the network defending Khor Fakkan, on the hill above the corniche.
- Upper parking: a handful of spaces by the tower, taken first by sunrise hikers.
- Lower parking: a larger lot at the bottom of the hill, with room for about 100 cars. Navigation apps often send you here; it adds a steep walk of a few minutes to the trailhead.
- How early: on winter weekends both lots can be full by about 8am. Weekdays are much quieter.
- Toilets: none at the trailhead; use the facilities on Khor Fakkan Corniche or a café in town first.
Getting there
From Dubai, allow about 1 hour 45 minutes (about 130 km): take the Emirates Road (E611) towards Sharjah, then the Sharjah to Kalba road (E102) east, and turn onto Khor Fakkan Road (S142), which runs through the mountain tunnels to the coast. Follow signs for Khor Fakkan and then Al Rabi Tower. The E102 passes Mleiha on the way, and from Abu Dhabi the drive takes about 3 hours. Fill up with fuel before the mountain section.
Turnaround time and heat cue
Turnaround rule: allow about 45 minutes to an hour to come down from the summit. In winter the sun sets at about 5:30pm, so start an afternoon hike by 3pm and turn around by 4:30pm wherever you are. Heat cue: if it is already above 30°C at the trailhead, go only as far as the East Rest House and back.
| Months | Best start | Water per person |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Sunrise to 9am, or 3pm for sunset | At least 2 litres |
| November and March | Sunrise to 8am, or after 3:30pm | 2 to 3 litres |
| April, May, September and October | Before sunrise only | 3 to 4 litres |
| June to August | Not advised |
The view from the top
The summit, marked by a tall yellow tower structure and a UAE flagpole, looks over Khor Fakkan town and corniche, the curve of the bay, the deepwater container port with ships queuing offshore in the Gulf of Oman, and the Hajar mountains behind. Sunrise over the sea is the classic shot; in the late afternoon the town and mountains catch the light. Goats often rest on the rocks halfway up, and you may see lizards and birds of prey.
What to bring
- Water (see the table) and an electrolyte drink or salty snack.
- Shoes with good grip; mid-ankle boots help on the descent.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; shade is limited to the shelters and a few acacia trees.
- A light fleece for winter sunrise starts.
- A small first-aid kit with tweezers: acacia thorns along the path are sharp.
- A head torch if you are hiking for sunset, and a charged phone; signal is good on most of the trail.
Safety
- Stay on the marked trail and keep children close; low acacia branches overhang the path in places.
- Weather: do not hike in rain or strong winds; check for National Center of Meteorology warnings.
- Emergencies: police 999, ambulance 998.
- Leave no trace: take all rubbish down with you.
Is it good for children?
Yes, for children who walk regularly: the route is well marked, the shelters make natural break points, and the first peak at Jabal Al Shahs is a good turnaround if young legs get tired. Allow three hours with children, and carry their water for them.
Khor Fakkan in brief
Khor Fakkan, whose name is often translated as “creek of two jaws” after the two headlands around its bay, is a town in Sharjah‘s east coast exclave, between the Hajar mountains and the Gulf of Oman, with Fujairah to the south. The Portuguese fortified it in the 16th century during their spice-trade era, and the watchtowers above town, including Al Rabi Tower, guarded the approaches. Today it is home to one of the region’s big container ports.
Other hikes nearby
- Wadi Shees nature trail: a short loop of about 1.8 km through the old mountain village by Shees Park, about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Al Suwaifa trail to “Secret Beach”: about 3 km each way over a headland to a small cove, 2 to 3 hours return; rougher and less marked, for experienced hikers.
- Further afield: the Hatta trails and the routes in Ras Al Khaimah.
After the hike
- Khorfakkan Beach and the corniche: swim, eat and use the facilities; see things to do in Khor Fakkan.
- The amphitheatre and waterfall: Khor Fakkan’s Roman-style amphitheatre sits beside a 45-metre man-made waterfall.
- Shark Island: a short boat ride off the corniche for snorkelling; bring your own gear and ID.
- Al Suhub Rest Area: a café viewpoint high above the bay.
- Shees Park and Al Rafisah Dam: a waterfall park and kayaking on the way home.
- Hiking in the UAE: the best trails by level.
- Hatta hiking trails: every green, blue, red and black route.
- Day trips from Dubai: routes by drive time.
Al Rabi trail FAQs
How long is the Al Rabi hiking trail?
About 4 to 5.3 km return, depending on whether you take the shortcut, with roughly 300 to 350 metres of climbing. Most people take 2 to 3 hours.
Where does the Al Rabi trail start?
Just below Al Rabi Tower, the 1915 watchtower on the hill above Khor Fakkan. Search “Al Rabi Tower” in your maps app.
Is the Al Rabi trail difficult?
It is easy to moderate: a steady, well-marked climb with a few short steep sections. Older children who walk regularly can manage it.
Where do you park for the Al Rabi trail?
There are a few spaces by the tower and a larger lot at the bottom of the hill. On winter weekends both can be full by about 8am, so arrive early.
When is the best time to hike Al Rabi?
From November to March, at sunrise or from about 3pm for sunset. Avoid the summer months.
Is the Al Rabi trail free?
Yes. The trail and parking are free.