Wadi Shawka

Not far away from Dubai, nice place in between mountains.the only disturbing scene was litter all around even though there is a big bin around! Truly appalling.to all you selfish people out there.give nature a chance.to survive!

Winter Free entry spot, most recommended hiking, camping and picnic spot. There are 650 to 700 steps to reach the top of the mountain. Best place for beginner hikers. Overnight camping allowed with BBQ spot. There is free car parking, park With play area, masjid, one or two grocery shops and restroom.

Natural lover's paradise. You are just on your own so be ready with backup. Rugged jungle experience.

Some people come and disturb the entire place with loud music and shouting.families will feel uncomfortable with these noises especially if they are camping at night.

Recommended to visit early morning. Also it's suggested to bring sunglasses, a hat, boots and lots of water.

Amazing experience to enjoy UAE’s natural beauty with family and friends.

Great off-roading adventure.

Need to carry warm clothes in winter season with bonfire and lighting arrangement for after sunset hours

Great place for overnight camping and barbecue. It would be much better if the restrooms are cleaned and maintained properly.

Has a children's play area as well.

Cool place to do the camping in winter. Nice hiking trails are also there to enjoy nature lovers through the cool and nice views of the wadi shawka. You can access the camping areas with a sedan also. But it lacks toilet facilities in the camping area. But I have seen people putting garbage carelessly in some areas. So, campers, please advise to preserve the natural beauty of the place with their responsible behaviour.people can bring their pets also. There is a natural pool in the wadi there you can swim also.

Hi All,
It's a cool and calm place during the weekday.
There are places to park the vehicle.
BBQ is allowed and designated places are there at the park and you can do it in unmade areas downstream of the Dam area.
A water stream was there while I visited.
Good place to watch with family and friends.
Overnight stay is possible at outside of the Park.
Street lights are available at family park area
Washroom is available at the family Park.
There are some hiking trails available.
Overall experience was good.

The place was nice and perfect for camping and barbecue. When we went on may month it was perfect and clean, but when we visited again in December, the place was dirty, maybe because of the flood and the campers just throwing their garbages everywhere. Everyone should clean up their garbages and not just throwing ton the area. It’s still a beautiful place anyway

Best place to visit during winter. One must visit immediately after rains.

Recommended 4x4 but you can drive sedan as well

Its very nice spicially after rain there is running water and nice views but the road little rough and needs for wheel to go indide and enjoy.

Great Hiking point.
The steps you see in the photos are just the starting of hiking.
The real hiking starts from top of mountain where the steps finish.

Cars are not allowed to the Google location.
From last round about you need to take first exit and that will lead to a car parking area.

Early morning is the best time for hike.

Even kids can go on those steps.

In rainy season the dam will be over flowing and will have running water.

There is another spot on back of reservoir, which has to accessed through other road, which is a great location for camping.

Please be responsible camper, so many litters can be seen.

All facilities like camping shade with fan, play area, dedicated restrooms, small shop and garden is present.
Barbecue pits available.
Camping allowed.
Inside park restrictions are there, please be careful.

This is shawka Dam look like at night too dark but still safe can enjoy camping and barbeque here

I would recommend to visit this spot only UAE periods. It has surrounded with a small Dam, park for kids and good vibe for BBQ.

We did the stair path to the summit and I'm saying, it just about killed us. Take plenty of water and breaks if it's hot. Or just be fitter than us. It really shouldn't be that hard, the path is beautifully built - but the climb and the temperature broke us.

It is located in Ras al khaimah. Just 5km inside if we go via sharjah kalba road.
Kids Playground, prayer room, parking, small shop (baqala), Dam, BBQ spots are there.
You can reach at top of the mountain by hiking.
Good place to visit.

We went for off road bike ride it was my first time their and the place makes me to go again and again

Trailed hike with simple route. - Great way for beginners or intermediates whom want to start hiking?

Although everything starts off with the stairs; a tip is to start with the end trail and conclude with the view points and then down the stairs. (Pro tip: download All Trails and follow the map route).

Very good place for hiking, if you don't prefer to climb mountains you can use stairs to reach at the top. Only my son able to climb up.we gave up half way. But still the view is spectacular. Its worth to try

Good place to visit with friends for hikers. For those who visit with family and kids, its a good place to have a walk around the dam with family. There is a small play area for kids too. Dedicated BBQ area is also available.

Excellent place for people who live to hike. There is one hill where you can take stairs. Once reaching at the flagpole, you can further continue downwards and then reach the other hill. It's a good place to spend time with family and spend an entire day. If someone loves challenging trek, just ditch the regular path that people take. You can pick the difficult path.
We had a full day out with friends and had food at the foothill.

One of the best place for winter well maintained bbq stands and good play area for children near the dam you can take best pictures i would recommend you guys to go with your families…

Nice place for family and kids. Designated areas for BBQ. Park for kids. Should carry food and water as no shops available nearby. Washrooms are there but not clean. Hike to the top is a good experience with some great pictures.

Nice hiking trail and camping area with mountains, valleys, water ponds, palm oasis and so on, can be family friendly with many levels and activities.

Great place. Easy hike trail for families with children. There is a garden and parking spots available to enjoy the wadi.

A beautiful destination offering plenty of trail options. Parking was easy, although I went during the week, and I started with climbing the stairs that take you to the UAE flag. The stairs are concrete built with each stair step being a bit long to allow a standard, comfortable climb. You can either climb one step at the time and in that case you are up for a good work out as you will lunge all the way up, or you can go easier, and slower, and take 2 walking steps per stair step. Once at the top,
you have plenty of options to chose from and go up and down mountains. Trails are well defined and mountain biking is possible. Once you reach the bed of the wadi, you can then reconnect to the dam and reach back the parking area. Unfortunately, too much litter and plastic spoil the scenery.

It’s a nice place for night camping. There is street light and park light is available, still you can get a spot with less light with privacy.toilets available, this is a good help, specially coming with kids. UAE security people often visit time to time. There is separate place for BBQ. We put our tent and done BBQ. It’s a nice quiet place during weekdays. It’s normally crowded in weekends.

I have never done anything like this in my life before. It was my first trek and I didn't know what to expect. I did not feel uncomfortable even once- but I did feel challenged and had a sense of accomplishment at the end that comes from doing something new

Wadi shawka is the one of the beautiful wadi in Dubai located in ras al khaima, surrounded in mountains this wadi is perfect spot for picnic. We went there during winters and it was one if the best experience.

وادي شوكة دائم ازورها باستمرار خاصة في فصل الشتاء وهي اولى الوجهات الترفيههيه بنسبه لفيلق القزازحه وان كان البعض منهم مجبر على ذالك ولكنها ما زالت متصدره القائم وستظل كذالك والسبب وجود الجبال والبرك المائيه والغيول الجارية واماكن جميلة لشوي والترحال وادعو الجميع الى زيارة هذي التحفة الربانيه والتامل بخلق لله وادعو جميع المغامرون والشبكات الاعلامية و المحليه وكذالك القنوات التلفزيونيه في الامارات خصوصاً و الشرق الاوسط عموما الى تسليط الضوء على هذه الوجه المظلومه اعلاميا

I think this is one of the best places for tracking, the valley with some pond and green areas was my favorite.

A dam garden with beautiful hill and down stream in between sharjah and khorfakkan, south of ras al khaimah.if there is water in the dam and stream, the area is beautiful and good for one day picnic. Or elase its a dry mountain down land rocky and terrain.
We can climb through the trek path next to it to witness the beauty of the mountain range.

If planning to go there, it’s best and easiest place from Dubai to relax
It was hot down in the valley but feels great at the top, feels like reaching a mountain top although it’s not that high
Easy made hiking tracks are there one with steps and the other normal which ever you like just remember to get water near wadi shawka park to hydrate because you are going to need it up there
Not enough parking spaces but well managed and arranged

Visited this place recently. Since the weather has started to get a little hot during the day, we decided to leave Dubai by noon. Reached the Showka park parking at around 3: 30 p.m. We started the movement towards the stairs that are built to reach the Moon spot. Trust me, if you are not used to of climbing the stairs, you should practice a little before going there. Though there are many rest areas at the stair case (Thanks to the RAK tourism). You can climb 20-25 stairs and a rest place comes but as you move further up, the distance between the rest places increase. Many photo spots as you climb up. Once you reach the top of first mountain, there is a small track leading to another mountain’s peak (which I only recommend to those with moderate to high skills of climbing the mountains. There is no rest place between these two mountains and the track is covered with small stones and pebbles, placing your foot very very carefully is highly advised. It takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the other mountain’s peak but one you are on top of that, you will get an amazing view of the surroundings. There are several tracks leading to the other mountains from this specific mountain, which you can also explore if you have time.

Final words: Amazing place, amazing views and great workout. Good Luck!

Beautiful place. Its a shame that U. A. E.residents think that is ok too leave their rubbish everywhere

Always a great trecking day out. Make sure you know what route you are taking. Beautiful views await you.
If it’s winter then you can go any time of day but for summer definitely get there earlier so you don’t boil.
One other thing.there seems to be a lot of people randomly walking there with zero experience of anything and they are a bit of a liability.

There are two ways to go to the top by stairs or just regular hiking. Some points might be narrow or steep so be careful. There have been incidents in the past in this location. Once you reach up you will see many other mountain tops. You can choose where you wanna go up. When I went early morning, some people were practicing yoga on top with music which was so peaceful. People also come with their dogs for hike. It will take 40mins approximately to reach to the top with regular pace. All the best.

Amazing hike, easy to follow and suitable for beginners. The wadi was VERY cold (January) so I did not enjoyed it, but the hike is worth by itself. You can go directly to the wadi by going up a few stairs and going to the right, or climb the full staircase and then do the hike. There is a guy in the parking that will give you instructions about the paths

A spectacular place for families and kids. There is a small dam built into the mountain. They have also built steps into the side of the mountain, right to the top. It is a good challenge for families with kids, but safe because you are just climbing the steps. The views along the way and at the top is rewarding. The nature of the hike also keeps it rewarding for repeat visits, especially for kids.

A nice place for beginner hikers. This trail is about 10km long and took us a bit more than 3 hours to finish. There are many rest spots on the way with perfect panoramic views.
I would suggest to look up the trail map before coming as there are no information boards anywhere on the trail. However, it’s a loop hike so it’s not that difficult to orient yourself.
Also, if you use navigation, chose Wadi Shawka Dam, otherwise you’ll be taken to some really horrible roads, speaking from experience:)

I visited the place in last week of December 2020 and I think it is best time to do so. Things to keep in mind:

1) Must visit in UAE winter.
2) It took us like 1.30 hours drive from Down town, Dubai.
3) No proper washrooms yet, I am sure they are woking on it.
4) Don't not litter, please please please please.
5) Better to go for either sunset or sunrise otherwise it gets really hot.
6) It is very steep comparing to Jais mountain and Rabi hiking trail.
7) Take some snacks and water with you.
8) No lights around the area, so be careful while driving at night.
9) Most of these places don't deal with credit/debit cards so always keep cash with you.

Its a good hiking destination.we loved the trek.especially after the stairs.only one suggestion.if they can add trek direction in entire path it would be great as we got lost in the end.

This is a popular trekking destination in UAE. The dam is largely empty with very little rainfall in 2020. Try to reach at this destination by early 6 AM to enjoy a beautiful sunrise and enjoy a very super safe hiking with proper stairs. Recommended for kids above 6 yrs old and they will surely enjoy every step climbing.
After reaching the summit, the walking trail starts and you can mix and choose which trail you want to go for. We saw many families with dogs and kids in large and small groups.
Washrooms are available at the starting and some cafes offering snacks and coffee. We saw many families who did overnight camping at this same place and looks like a popular location among campers.
"Wadi Shawka is the ideal family recreational and picnic location"

Wonderful place for trekking and hiking. Total distance of hiking is 4-5 km including stairs.

Recommend visit time: early morning or evening.

Very nice views from the top of the mountain.

Excellent location for families and friends to hangout, but on the other hand not for everybody, to reach to the top as the steps are too steep.

Recently visited this place, just middle of mountains, the place is very beautiful, there are washroom facilities available for men and women.have very limited shade where you can do the BBQ.the only thing which annoyed is flies. Rest a good place to chill with family & friends

Feeling of leaving stress behind and heading for Moksha "eternal peace". Perfect place for camping.

Went there on a friday for the first time. It was amazing experience watching the sunset. You can park the car and enjoy the night out. Plenty of space around to settle down. You dont need to have 4 wheeler to come here. Excellent place for family outing and for kids. Washroom facilities available for both men and women. Local mosque too available. There is a board saying do not light fire or bbq but everywhere i see people doing exactly the opposite no idea why. Place is clean, so kindy take you trash to home or put in the trash can. This place is worth a visit on winter

Great trekking location, trekked here for 40kms, it gets hot during day but it’s fun with family and friends

Its located in RAK approximately 72km from Sharjah and 85km from Dubai. Nice place for BBQ and visit with family kids. There is small park for kids. Hiking and walking around the dam water is sp nice view. Male and female prayer rooms available but toilet is very less made if you will go on crowdy day, holidays. No problem if you do not have 4x4 car. It will a lot enjoyable on rainy day.

This is a place in RAK. A good hangout place with friends and family. Appx 70km from Ras Al Khaimah. Almost 15km Road nearby the dam is not much safe at night time because of no light at the road. Not very spacious so during holiday better to avoid if you want calm and quite place.

One of the best places I have ever visited also did a bit of hiking through the mountains. Must visit

Wadi shawka is about 75km from Dubai, in summer it is mostly dry, but the off road trail (there are different routes, the one we took is about 14km) is scenic, close to nature. The trail was easy to medium in difficulty level. The terrain has loose gravel and boulders. The wadi was almost dried up as it is summer currently with little stagnant water found on our way. Nice place.keep it clean

نزور هذه المنطقة منذ وقت طويل وتم تطويرها بشكل جيد حيث اصبحت تحتوي على جلسات واماكن شوي والعاب اطفال وحمامات امام السد بالاضافة لخدمات السياحة الجبلية. مناسبة لجميع افراد العائلة

I love it. A Quiet place away from noise & pollution of city. A very refreshing place to spend a part of a day.

A good place for trailing, you should wear a jogger, take water along and a stick may be helpful.

There is a small park with a Bar b cue area is at the back side of this dam.

Amazing place for a picnic, scenery shots, or just some time off to relax and have fun. It’s relatively very shorted distance from Sharjah city “less than 45min drive”. Good parking area, rest rooms, tables, shaded sitting areas. A must visit specially in winter and spring.

One of the Nice place for relaxing in uae. With family & friends.
Cooking.
Playing.
Barbeque.

Beautiful natural sceneries and rocky mountains with amazing views of the wadi. A great place for camping and fresh air

Nice and beautiful place.one can spend time witb family. And for trekkers and hikers they have very good time.there is kids park, young ones can have good time playing.

Nice trekking and hiking place I have ever visited in UAE. Applause for Emirates adventure & mountain tourism board which is maintaining well for public.

Wadi Shawka is a amazing place to visit in UAE who loves nature, hiking, mountains, lakes. Very tidy and clean place. There is also a park for BBQ and camping

You need to leave your car at the sand hill (blocking the road) and walk the rest of the way till you reach the lake. It is very peaceful and silent place however can be quite busy on the weeekend.