Wadi Lasal: at a glimpse
- Trip type: circular trip.
- Distance: approximately 10 km.
- Duration: about 3 hours including stops.
- Activities: a walk in the park, almost entirely on flat terrain unless you decide to follow the wadi uphill to the watershed. Mountain bikers may cross your path.
Introduction
Wadi Mafi is also named Wadi Lasal. If you are new to the UAE and you like an easy walk through the mountains, this is for you.
This wadi offers a perfect introduction. You need some basic orientation skills, but it is difficult to get lost. You experience the mountains without excruciating climbs. There is a bit of bouldering, but without destroying your knees.
The walk is suitable for mountain bikers and is a popular loop for them. On one visit, a large group of mountain bikers had camped near the dam to make an early start.
If this is your first hike in the UAE, your condition and heat resistance might not be ideal. Bring enough water, a hat, sun block and decent shoes. A bite on the road is always pleasant, so carry a few energy bars.
Check list
Basic requirement for this hike is given below:
- Hiking shoes or runners with good grip.
- Water, minimum 2 litres—very important.
- Food, snacks and chocolates.
- Soft drinks, just in case of extreme low-energy conditions.
- GPS, maps or smartphone with offline maps.
- Battery pack for electronic devices such as GPS and smartphones.
- Backpack.
- Pen torch.
- Knife.
- Medication such as Panadol or anything you may feel you need.
We do have an extensive list of things which you can carry for a hike in this separate article: https://dubaihiking.org/hiking-check-list. Feel free to go through the list and see what you think you might need.
Don’t get lost
Remember, there are no marked trails in the Hajar Mountains, but plenty of paths from people, goats and donkeys. Be your own trail blazer, but keep an eye on orientation. If you should get lost, follow the wadi downstream and you will eventually reach either the dam or the road.
Caveat: farms and local etiquette
There are farms in the wadi. Greet the workers and do not bash through with an SUV. You would only disrupt cattle and upset the farmers.
In the mountains, hikers are still welcome in many places. Don’t spoil it for others: respect farms, animals, workers, private land and the natural setting. Keep noise low and take all rubbish out with you.
Direction and coordinates
The route is more or less 90 km from Dubai. On the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), take the Shawka/Manama exit at N25° 04' 53.98" E56° 01' 33.29". After approximately 5 km, take left to the dam at N25° 02' 46.54" E56° 00' 34.51". Park at N25° 02' 08.41" E56° 01' 16.80".
Open Wadi Lasal parking area in Google Maps
Trail map
A GPX file will be added when available. For the time being, use a reliable offline map app and compare your route carefully with Google Maps. Keep a charged phone and backup battery, and do not continue if you are unsure of the route.
Weather safety
Do not enter any wadi if rain, storms or flash-flood risk are present or forecast. Conditions can change rapidly, even if the weather is clear at the trailhead. Check upstream weather, start early, avoid extreme heat and turn back if water levels rise or the terrain becomes unsafe.
