Latest update on Wadi Wurayah
Wadi Wurayah is closed and most probably for a long time. Fujairah realised that the wadi could no longer sustain the increased amount of irresponsible visitors. The wadi became affected by graffiti and litter, and without basic sanitation it started to smell bad after weekends and look like a landfill.
Do not use the historical route information below as permission to enter. Respect all closure signs, protected-area rules and directions from authorities. Check current official access requirements before planning any visit to the wider area.
Historic route at a glimpse
- Trip type: return trip.
- Distance: 15 km.
- Duration: 7 to 8 hours, including stops.
- Activities: uneven terrain, scrambling, wading through water and a bit of climbing.
Background
This route was hiked several times. Because parts are regularly washed away by water, the track changes constantly and hikers need good route-finding skills to proceed.
In 2009, Wadi Wurayah in the Emirate of Fujairah became the first mountain protected area of the UAE. The wadi has a fragile and unique ecosystem, and huge efforts are being made to protect this national park. Due to the presence of water throughout the year, it became a popular spot for careless weekend wadi bashers and picnickers; noise and waste pollution were the sad result.
Once the signs of civilisation were left behind, persistent hikers discovered the beauty and uniqueness of this refreshing wadi. That beauty is exactly why the protected area now needs to be respected and left to recover.
Historic directions and coordinates
Historic approach only—do not enter if the protected area remains closed. From Dubai, take Maleha Road or Sharjah-Kalba Road (S116), then the exit to Fujairah via the new highway. Once on the eastern side, head to Khor Fakkan on Road 99.
About 4.5 km from the Oceanic Hotel roundabout, drive past the “Peace be with you” sign and make a U-turn. Wadi Wurayah was signposted there. Take the first tarred road to the right (waypoint 1), then follow it until it ends and park at waypoint 2.
Open Wadi Wurayah National Park in Google Maps
- Pin 1: To the wadi from Road 99. Leaving Fujairah town toward the wilderness, make sure you have enough fuel and a full stomach before the historic diversion.
- Pin 2: Historic parking area. From here the route continued on foot.
- Pin 3: Waterfalls.
- Pin 4: The split; the wadi divides into two. The historic route took the right lane.
- Pin 5: No specific feature.
- Pin 6: Historic turnaround point of the hike.
Historic description of the hike
From the parking spot, the old route walked down into the wadi on a relatively steep descent. It was possible to avoid this descent by driving through the bumpy wadi to the waterfalls, but that required a 4x4.
Near the waterfalls, the area was reported to be in an appalling state after weekends or longer holidays. Farther into the wadi, the route became less polluted and more untouched. The historic hike passed through the meandering canyon with high vertical cliffs, wading through pools and climbing waterfalls and rocks.
Leaving the waterfalls on the right, the wide wadi track was followed. It was full of uneven boulders but relatively flat, soon entering the high, steep wadi walls that made the setting spectacular and scenic. At one point, the wadi narrowed into a gorge with sections filled with water.
The old route required removing hiking boots and wading through pools. Lightweight foot protection was recommended because the pools could be extremely slippery and uneven boulders made balance difficult. At the split, the historic route took the right side of the wadi. Exploration could continue as far as conditions allowed. After waypoint 5, there were no more pools and progress became easier.
Adventurous hikers once considered finding a route west toward Road 89, connecting Dibba to Masafi. The historic group walked only to waypoint 6 before returning by the same way for a lovely day walk.
Wildlife and water
The pools historically supported frogs and small fish. Visitors could also notice damselflies, dragonflies, lizards, birds and snakes. During one hike, an Omani saw-scaled viper (Echis omanensis) was spotted.
Wildlife is one more reason to stay out of closed areas, never handle animals and leave water pools, rocks and vegetation undisturbed.
Conservation first
Please do not damage this wonderful environment by throwing trash here and there. If you pick up plastic you find in an area where access is permitted, that is a great thing to do—but never enter a closed protected area to do so.
Wadi Wurayah’s closure exists to protect a fragile mountain ecosystem. Follow official rules, avoid wadi travel in rain or flood risk, and choose an open, authorised route for your next hike instead.
