Trekking up Fossil Rock in Sharjah
Fossil Rock Hike Trail:
Fossil Rock is a natural formation among the sands of the Sharjah desert. This is evidence that this area was once a seabed before 70 million years ago. The site is home to well-preserved marine fossils, such as oysters, crabs, and urchins. It helps us understand Earth’s history and the biodiversity of the past. Sharjah Fossil Rock and Mleiha are located in the desert of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Fossil Rock is a limestone that is found between Jebel Mleiha and Camel Rock. Fossil Rock is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and dune driving in 4×4 vehicles. Visitors can camp near Fossil Rock and explore nearby attractions such as Wadi Shawka and Camel Rock.
Fossil Rock is a popular hiking destination located in the Emirate of Sharjah, about an hour’s drive from Dubai. The best time to hike Fossil Rock is during the cooler months from October to March. This article provides detailed information on trekking up Fossil Rock in Sharjah.
Mleiha Fossil Rock Hike Trail:
Mleiha, also known as Fossil Rock, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is famous for its many archaeological sites, including remains from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic, and modern ages. The site is home to the remains of several ancient civilizations, such as the Umm Al Nar, the Wadi Suq, and the Mleiha cultures, which flourished in the region between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE. The Mleiha Fossil Rock Hiking Trail is a popular hiking destination in Sharjah, UAE. The trail is approximately 8 km long, with a return distance of 6 km. The hike takes 2-3 hours to complete. The trail offers two options: a small, 300-foot steep hike that takes about an hour to complete, and a 3-hour hike along the entire stretch of the mountains and back. Hikers are advised to start early in the morning or late afternoon as there is no shade on the route, and it can get extremely hot in the midday. The cost of the Mleiha Fossil Rock hike trail is AED 50 for adults and AED 30 for children aged 5-10.
The trail is not suitable for children under 10 years old.
Al Rafisah Hiking Trail:
Al Rafisah Hiking Trail is a hiking destination located in the Al Rafisah Dam area. The hike at Al Rafisah is a 3-hour round trip to the Al Suhab Rest and back. The trail starts at the bottom of the dam, along the side of the lake. The Al-Rafisah Hiking Trail is rated as easy to moderate, making it suitable for beginners. The hike starts from Al Rafisah Dam and leads to the Al Suhub Rest House, with a total distance of about 8 kilometers and an elevation gain of 550 meters. It is advised to carry 3 to 6 liters of water and to hike during the best time, which is from November to March. Al Rafisah Dam is a man-made Khorfakkan lake built in the 1980s. It gathers water from wadis around the area. In addition to the hiking trail, Al Rafisah Dam also features an archaeological site called Najd Al Maqsar.
Al Rabi Hiking Trail:
The Al Rabi hiking trail is a popular and easy hike suitable for families and beginners. It is located in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, UAE. It is safe, and the hike can be comfortably completed within a few hours. The trail is approximately 5.3 km long and takes a round-trip distance of around 2-3 hours. Al Rabi Tower is the start and end of the hiking trail. The Al Rabi hiking trail provides views of Khor Fakkan town, the Arabian Sea, and the historic Al Rabi Tower.
Things to carry while Hiking / Trekking in the Fossil in UAE
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Snacks or a packed lunch
How to contact if you need any help while trekking / hiking Fossil Rock in UAE?
If you need any emergency help, please contact
Phone: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority on +971 6 556 6777.
Email: info@sharjahtourism.ae
Is there any entry fee to access Fossil Rock in UAE?
- It is free to access the fossil rock in UAE
Apart from hiking, there are several activities to enjoy at Fossil Rock in Sharjah, including trekking, overnight camping, desert off-roading, a dune buggy safari, and a 4×4 Hatta safari. Thus, Fossil Rock in Sharjah is the perfect and must-visit destination for people visiting Sharjah, UAE.
