The long Eid Al Fitr weekend is great for exploring the UAE’s old and new attractions. If you plan to visit UAE’s best places with your friends and family, here are some of the best locations to celebrate the Eid holidays.
1. Wadi Al Wurayah waterfalls, UAE
Location:
- Nestled between the towns of Masafi, Khor Fakkan, and Bidyah in Fujairah emirate
- Starts from the E99 coastal road, 4.3 km south of Al Bidyah Mosque
- Approximately 1 hour drive from Fujairah city center, 2 hours from Dubai and Sharjah, 3 hours from Abu Dhabi
Timings:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Best time to visit: October to April (cooler weather)
Entry:
- Free entry
- Special permit required from Fujairah Municipality as the waterfalls are part of Wadi Wurayah National Park
Contact:
- Email: [email protected]
Key Points:
- Part of the scenic Wadi Wurayah, which spans 31,000 acres, is designated as a protected area and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance
- UAE’s first mountain protected area, home to diverse wildlife including over 100 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and 300+ plant species
- Moderate hiking trails are available to explore the rugged terrain and pools around the waterfalls
- Avoid visiting if rain is forecasted, as water levels can rise rapidly
2. Hanging Garden Kalba, UAE
- Location: Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), a few kilometers outside Kalba city
- Size: Over 1.6 million square feet, with more than 100,000 trees and plants
- Elevation: 281 meters above sea level
- Opening Hours: Open 24hrs
- Entry Fee: Free and 5DHS during festival season.
- Features:
- Lush gardens, artificial waterfall, family areas, mountain trails
- 760-meter running track
- Excursion train ride spanning 820 meters with 4 stations
- Skating park (24,000 sq ft) for children and skaters of all levels
- 3 mountain climbing routes of varying difficulty
- Central restaurant seating 215 guests
- Upper restaurant with panoramic views seating 100 guests
- Children’s play areas are divided by age group
- Restrooms, prayer rooms, cafeterias serving light meals
- 262 parking spaces, including disabled and EV charging
3. Jebel Hafeet Mountain, UAE
- Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE (near the border with Oman)
- Height: 1,249 meters (4,098 feet), making it the highest peak in Abu Dhabi and the second highest in the UAE
- Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road: 11.2 km long road with 60 turns and an elevation gain of 1,219 meters
- Jebel Hafeet Desert Park: Located at the base of the mountain, offering hiking, biking, camel rides, and camping
- Entry Fee: AED 20 per person, including parking
- Camping Options:
- Basic camping (bring your gear)
- Fully serviced Bedouin-style camping with breakfast
- Five-star furnished bubble glamping tents with AC
- Jebel Hafeet Tombs: 5,000-year-old Bronze Age tombs near the mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Best Time to Visit: October to March (avoid the hot summer months of April to September)
- Driving to the Top: Possible by car or motorcycle, with rest stops and cafes along the way
4. Hatta Heritage Village, UAE
Location:
- Approximately 134 kilometers from Dubai along the Hajar Mountains area
Timings:
- Saturday to Thursday: 07:30 am to 08:30 pm
- Friday: 02:30 pm to 08:30 pm
Ticket Price:
- Entry is free. No ticket is required
Other Details:
- Restored in 2001 by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA)
- One of the oldest villages in Dubai with 30 structures of different sizes
- Main attractions include centuries-old forts, towers, citadels, Bait Al Wali (ruler’s house), mosque, watchtowers, cemetery, and a museum displaying traditional Emirati artifacts
- Guided tours available in English and Arabic
- Events held at the village include Flag Day, UAE National Day, and Dubai Shopping Festival
Tips for Visiting:
- Carry passport or ID proof when crossing over to Oman
- There are no cafes or restaurants on-site, so bring your food
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear for walking
- The best time to visit is September to March or early morning/late evening during summer to avoid harsh sunlight
- The tour takes approximately 2 hours
5. Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, UAE
Location:
- Situated on the Khorfakkan Corniche, overlooking the Khorfakkan beach
- Khorfakkan is located on the east coast of the UAE, in the emirate of Sharjah
Features:
- Inspired by Roman architecture
- Covers over 1,700 square metres
- It can accommodate over 3,500 spectators
- It is designed with a state-of-the-art cooling system, making it suitable for outdoor events
- The amphitheatre is lit up in the evening
- Offers sweeping views of the Khorfakkan Corniche from the top
Nearby Attractions:
- Adjacent to the Khorfakkan Waterfall, a man-made waterfall on a natural cliff 43m above sea level
- Close to Khorfakkan Beach, which offers water sports like diving, snorkeling, parasailing, etc.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Tickets: Entry is free