Sitting in a sweeping bay, Khor Fakkan has more than made a name for itself as a holiday retreat for UAE travelers and locals seeking an escape from the country’s fast-paced west-coast cities. Most visitors lounge on the 1.8-mile (3-kilometer) sandy beach, stroll the tree-shaded corniche, enjoy a range of watersports, and make forays into the spectacular, unspoiled landscapes of the surrounding mountains and wadis.
Khor Fakkan is a popular stop-off on east-coast day trips from Dubai and Sharjah. These usually include a break on Khor Fakkan beach and visits to nearby Fujairah market, fort, and museum, as well as other points of interest along the shoreline. Alternatively, some private day excursions focus on Khor Fakkan and its surroundings alone, covering the city’s landmarks and mountain attractions like Wadi Shees and Al Rafisah Dam.
Khor Fakkan lies about 80 miles (130 kilometers) east of Dubai. If you’re visiting independently, the easiest option is to drive to the city—around 90 minutes from Dubai—as direct public transport links are limited. Alternatively, it’s easy to visit on a guided day trip.
The most popular time to visit Khor Fakkan is from November to April, when temperatures tend to range from 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (30°C), and the air in the mountains is comfortably cool and pleasant for outdoor activities. The resort is at its busiest from November to early December, so consider early February or April for maximum peace and quiet.
Khor Fakkan isn’t just about lazing on the beach. It’s also host to numerous watersports, from parasailing and kayaking to scuba diving and sailing. Inland, meanwhile, multiple natural sights beckon. Head for the spaceship-shaped Al Suhub Rest House for bird’s-eye mountain panoramas, or make tracks for Wadi Shees, an idyllic valley of rock pools and palm groves with adjoining trails.
