Al Suhub Rest Area sits 600 metres above Khorfakkan city — high enough that on winter mornings the clouds drift below you rather than above. From the circular Cloud Lounge, you look in one direction at the blue sweep of the Gulf of Oman and in another at the jagged ridgeline of the Hajar Mountains disappearing into haze.
- Architectural and Structural Brilliance
- How to Get There
- How Far is Al Suhub Rest Area from Major UAE Cities?
- Onsite Facilities and Services
- Tickets, Pricing & Entry
- Best Time to Visit Al Suhub Rest Area
- Onsite Facilities & Services
- What You Can See from the Top
- Nearby Attractions
- Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village
- Al Rafisah Dam
- Khorfakkan Waterfall
- Khorfakkan Beach
- Wadi Shees / Shees Park
- Tips for Visitors
- Visitor Reviews — Honest Pros & Cons
- Full East Coast Day Trip Itinerary
- Green Practices at Al Suhub Rest House
- Conclusion
- FAQ — Al Suhub Rest Area, Khorfakkan
It is less than 2 hours from Dubai and 30 minutes from Khorfakkan city centre, yet it feels like a different world entirely. Opened on 15 July 2021 by the Ruler of Sharjah, Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Al Suhub is not just a rest stop — it is one of the UAE’s most impressive free viewpoints, and this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit
Complete Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Al Suhub Rest Area, Khorfakkan |
| Local Name | Cloud Lounge / الصحب |
| Location | Jabal Al Hawami, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Inauguration Date | 15 July 2021 (inaugurated by HH Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah) |
| Elevation | Approximately 580–600 metres above sea level |
| Structure Design | Circular, 30-metre diameter — the “Cloud Lounge” |
| Total Area | 2,788 sq m (two floors) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Parking — Weekdays | AED 10 per hour |
| Parking — Weekends & Holidays | AED 20 per hour |
| Free Parking Tip | Spend AED 50+ at café or restaurant = 2 hours free parking |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Café / Restaurant Hours | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Café Name | Fen Café & Restaurant |
| Average Food Bill | AED 25 per person |
| Café Contact | +971 6 5613029 |
| Facilities | Café, restaurant, multipurpose hall, children’s play area, prayer rooms (men & women), wheelchair-accessible entrance |
| Distance from Dubai | ≈ 2 hours (via E102 Sharjah–Kalba Road) |
| Distance from Sharjah City | ≈ 1.5 hours |
| Distance from Khorfakkan City | ≈ 30 minutes |
| Distance from Abu Dhabi | ≈ 3 hours |
| Hiking Trail | 3.5 km one-way from Al Rafisah Dam — beginner+ level, ≈ 480m elevation gain |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 3.1 / 5 (31 reviews) |
| Best Time to Visit | October – March (sunrise & sunset for best photography) |
| Views From the Top | 360° — Gulf of Oman, Khorfakkan city, Hajar Mountains, Khorfakkan Port, Shark Island |
| Key Nearby Attractions | Al Rafisah Dam · Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village · Khorfakkan Waterfall · Khorfakkan Beach · Shees Park · Wadi Shees |
Al Suhub Rest Area
Architectural and Structural Brilliance
Al Suhub Rest House is a newly built structure designed to sit in perfect harmony with its mountain surroundings. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the building was designed to minimise excavation of the Hajar Mountain rock and uses materials chosen to blend visually with the natural palette of the area.
Cloud Lounge Design
The centrepiece of Al Suhub is the Cloud Lounge — a circular structure 30 metres in diameter that crowns the hilltop at 600 metres above sea level. Its design is intentional: the circular form allows unobstructed 360-degree views from every angle, so no visitor ever faces a wall. From inside, you see Khorfakkan city spread below, the Gulf of Oman stretching to the horizon, and the rugged ridgeline of the Hajar Mountains on the opposite side.
How It Looks
The building is clean, modern, and understated. Neat pathways run along the edges of the viewpoint, trees have been planted along the perimeter, and safety railings are installed throughout. At night, soft white lighting glows around the structure, making it comfortable for families to walk and enjoy the cooler evening air. The look is elegant without being overdone — exactly right for a place where the landscape is the main attraction.
Climb Statistics
| Value | Detail |
|---|---|
| Road Distance to Top | 6 km |
| Elevation Gain | 542 m |
| Average Grade | 9.1% |
| Maximum Grade | 11.7% |
How to Get There
Al Suhub Rest Area is easily accessible by car, taxi, or on foot via a dedicated hiking trail — all routes offer spectacular mountain scenery on the way up.
By Car
The rest area is reached via a scenic 5.6 km mountain road that winds up gentle inclines and a series of hairpin bends, beginning near Khorfakkan Beach Park and Khorfakkan Waterfalls along Rugaylat Road (S104). Signboards are clearly visible from the main road. Parking is available at the top.
| Departing From | Approx. Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | ≈ 2 hours | E11 → E102 toward Khorfakkan → S104 |
| Sharjah City | ≈ 1.5 hours | E611 → E102 → S104 |
| Khorfakkan City | ≈ 30 minutes | Al Maktoum Road (E102) → S104 |
| Abu Dhabi | ≈ 3 hours | E11 → E102 → S104 |
| Fujairah | ≈ 45 minutes | E99 → E102 → S104 |
Drive carefully on the hairpin bends — reduce speed especially at night and after rainfall.
By Taxi or Public Transport
There is no direct public bus to Al Suhub Rest Area. If you are coming from Sharjah or Dubai, take a bus to Khorfakkan Central Bus Station, then hire a local taxi for the final leg — roughly 20 minutes up the mountain road. The bus fare from Sharjah is around AED 15 and a taxi from Khorfakkan city to Al Suhub costs approximately AED 40–60.
You can also share the following address directly with your taxi driver: 986F+8G3, Jabal Al Hawami, Sharjah.
Hiking Trail from Al Rafisah Dam
For visitors who prefer an active ascent, a dedicated hiking trail connects Al Rafisah Dam directly to Al Suhub Rest Area. The trail is well-marked with seating areas at regular intervals, ancient rock formations along the route, and views of Al Rafisah Dam in the first half and the Gulf of Oman in the second half.
| Trail Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Al Rafisah Dam Walk parking (25.349066, 56.315024) |
| One-Way Distance | 3.5 km |
| Total Elevation Gain | ≈ 480–500 m |
| Difficulty | Beginner+ in winter / Moderate in summer |
| Time Going Up | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Time Coming Down | 45 – 60 minutes |
| Best Season | October – March |
What to bring: Hiking shoes (mandatory), hiking poles (recommended for the steep second half), minimum 500ml water per km, light snack, and a fully charged phone for GPS.
Pro tip: Start 1.5 hours before sunrise if your goal is to reach the summit at dawn. Almost the entire trek will be in shade during early morning hours.
Location Map of Al Suhub Rest Area
How Far is Al Suhub Rest Area from Major UAE Cities?
This is the question most visitors search first — and no other section of your article answers it. Al Suhub Rest House is about a 2-hour drive from Downtown Dubai, around an hour and a half from Central Sharjah, and just a 30-minute drive from Khorfakkan city.
| Departing From | Approx. Drive Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai (Downtown) | ≈ 2 hours | E11 → E102 toward Khorfakkan |
| Sharjah City Centre | ≈ 1.5 hours | E611 → E102 |
| Khorfakkan City | ≈ 30 minutes | Al Maktoum Road (E102) |
| Abu Dhabi | ≈ 3 hours | E11 → E102 |
| Fujairah | ≈ 45 minutes | E99 → E102 |
Driving tip: The road to the rest area is highly elevated with hairpin turns — drive cautiously, especially at night. The mountain ascent covers 6 km with an average grade of 9.1%.
Onsite Facilities and Services
As far as the Al Suhub Area is concerned, there is no dearth of things for the traveler. The restaurant serves good food. People can sample the good food from the restaurant.
| Facility | Description |
| Restaurant/Café | Fen Café – Operated by the Sharjah Art Foundation. |
| Multipurpose Hall | Suitable for events, meetings, and community gatherings |
| Prayer Rooms | Separate facilities for men and women |
| Children Play Area | Safe, engaging outdoor space for kids |
| Parking and Accessibility | Adequate parking space; accessible by various transport modes |
Tickets, Pricing & Entry
Entry to Al Suhub Rest Area is completely free. You pay only for parking and food.
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| Viewpoint Entry | Free |
| Parking (Mon–Thu) | AED 10 per hour |
| Parking (Fri–Sat + Public Holidays) | AED 20 per hour |
| Fen Café / Restaurant | Menu prices apply (avg. bill ≈ AED 25) |
Free parking tip: Spend AED 50 or more at the café or restaurant and you qualify for 2 hours of free parking — this effectively makes a café visit cheaper than paying for parking separately.
Budget visitor tip: If you are on a tight budget, enter and leave within one hour. The viewpoint itself costs nothing and you can take photographs, walk the paths, and enjoy the panorama at no charge.
Best Time to Visit Al Suhub Rest Area
Al Suhub is always 5–8°C cooler than coastal Khorfakkan below it. Bring a light jacket when visiting in the evening, especially between November and February.
| Season / Month | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| October – March | 15–22°C, clouds often drift below the lounge, mist possible on mornings | ⭐ Best — ideal for hiking, photography, and dining outdoors |
| April – May | Warm (25–30°C), manageable in early mornings | Good — arrive before 9:00 AM |
| June – September | Very hot (35°C+), humid, intense sun | Avoid daytime — evenings only if you must visit |
Time of day: Arrive before sunset for the best light and photography. Sunrise visits are equally spectacular — many visitors make an early drive specifically to watch the sky change colour above the Gulf of Oman.
Crowd tip: Weekday mornings are the quietest. Friday evenings and public holidays bring the heaviest crowds and the highest parking fees.
Onsite Facilities & Services
Al Suhub Rest Area is a fully organised leisure destination, not just a viewpoint. Everything you need for a half-day or full-day visit is available on site.
| Facility | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fen Café & Restaurant | Burgers, sandwiches, fresh juices, desserts. Avg. bill AED 25. Accepts card and cash. Staff speak English, Hindi, Urdu, and Tagalog. Wheelchair accessible entrance. | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Multipurpose Hall | Suitable for events, meetings, and community gatherings | On request |
| Prayer Rooms | Separate facilities for men and women | Open 24/7 |
| Children’s Play Area | Safe outdoor space for kids | Open 24/7 |
| Parking | Paid on-site — AED 10/hr weekdays, AED 20/hr weekends | Open 24/7 |
| Wheelchair Access | Accessible entrance and pathways throughout | Open 24/7 |
About the food: Fen Café is a casual café rather than a fine dining experience. The menu covers everyday items including burgers, sandwiches, fresh juices, and desserts at an average bill of AED 25 per person. Some visitors note that food options are limited, so bringing your own snacks is advisable for longer stays.
What You Can See from the Top
Standing at the Cloud Lounge, the view opens in every direction without obstruction. There are no buildings or structures blocking the sightline — just the mountain dropping away below you and the landscape stretching to the horizon.
From the top you can see:
- Gulf of Oman — the blue expanse of water stretching east
- Khorfakkan city and port — spread below on the coastal plain
- Hajar Mountains — the rugged ridgeline extending in every direction
- Shark Island — the distinctive island shape visible offshore
- Al Rafisah Dam — the reservoir visible in the valley below on clear days
During winter mornings, clouds often surround the viewpoint, creating an effect where guests feel like they are sitting above the mist. During sunrise and sunset, the sky turns vivid orange and pink above the sea — this is the best time for photography and the reason most visitors plan their arrival around these windows.
Nearby Attractions
Al Suhub pairs naturally with several other Khorfakkan attractions for a full East Coast day trip. All of the following are within 30 minutes of the rest area.
Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village
Najd Al Maqsar is a historic heritage village located in the Hajar Mountains above Wadi Shees, comprising 13 stone houses nearly 100 years old, a 300-year-old fort, ancient rock carvings dating back to 2,000 BC, and a traditional falaj irrigation system. After restoration directed by the Ruler of Sharjah in 2020, the site now covers 17,210 m² and includes a restaurant, reception area, and a trail leading to Al Maqsar Fortress. It sits at approximately 220 metres elevation and is about 10 km from Khorfakkan city centre via E102. Best reached by private car — no public bus serves the site directly.
Al Rafisah Dam
A popular spot for families, couples, and hikers. The dam offers kayaking, pedal boats, and donut boats on a clear mountain lake (open 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM). It is also the starting point for the hiking trail up to Al Suhub. An artificial waterfall runs down the mountainside next to the restaurant and is a favourite photography spot. Approximately 15 minutes from Al Suhub by car.
Khorfakkan Waterfall
A dramatic artificial waterfall at the base of the mountain, located along Rugaylat Road (S104) — you pass it on the drive up to Al Suhub. Worth a 15-minute stop on your way in or out.
Khorfakkan Beach
A long clean stretch of sand with water sports, restaurants, and a corniche walkway. Approximately 30 minutes from Al Suhub. Good for ending a day trip before the drive back to Dubai.
Wadi Shees / Shees Park
A landscaped family destination with shaded walkways, palm trees, and mountain valley views. Approximately 20 minutes from Al Suhub.
Tips for Visitors
| Tip | Why It Matters | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Bring a light jacket | Temperature at 600m is 5–8°C cooler than the city | Always — especially evenings Oct–March |
| Arrive before sunrise or sunset | Best light for photography, cooler temperatures | Year-round |
| Visit on a weekday morning | Fewest crowds, cheapest parking (AED 10/hr) | Year-round |
| Spend AED 50+ at Fen Café | Unlocks 2 hours free parking | Every visit |
| Wear closed hiking shoes | Uneven mountain pathways around the viewpoint | If walking the trails |
| Bring extra water | Very little shade outside the lounge in summer | June – September |
| Drive slowly on the bends | 11.7% maximum grade, tight hairpin turns | Always |
| Bring a wide-angle camera lens | The panorama is wider than a standard phone lens captures | Photography visits |
Visitor Reviews — Honest Pros & Cons
The Al Suhub restaurant is rated 3.1 out of 5 on TripAdvisor based on 31 reviews, ranked 9th of 11 restaurants in Khorfakkan. The view is universally praised; the café receives more mixed feedback.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free entry — exceptional value for what you get | Café food quality is average (TripAdvisor 3.1/5) |
| 360° panoramic view is genuinely stunning | Limited menu options at Fen Café |
| Cooler temperature than coastal Khorfakkan | Weekend parking is expensive (AED 20/hr) |
| Family-friendly with children’s play area | Restrooms get crowded on public holidays |
| Open 24 hours — sunrise and night visits possible | No direct public bus to the summit |
| Wheelchair accessible throughout | Hairpin road requires careful driving |
| Hiking trail option for active visitors | Food not recommended as the main reason to visit |
The overall consensus from visitors: come for the view, treat the café as a convenience rather than a dining destination, and avoid weekends if parking costs are a concern.
Full East Coast Day Trip Itinerary
This pairs Al Suhub with three other top Khorfakkan attractions for a complete day out from Dubai or Sharjah.
| Time | Stop | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Depart Dubai | Beat traffic, arrive for sunrise |
| 8:30 AM | Al Rafisah Dam | Kayaking, pedal boats, or start the hiking trail (open from 7:00 AM) |
| 10:30 AM | Khorfakkan Waterfall | 10-min drive from dam — dramatic artificial waterfall, great photo stop |
| 12:00 PM | Drive up to Al Suhub | 30-min mountain road — enjoy the views on the way up |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at Fen Café | Spend AED 50+ to unlock 2 hours free parking |
| 2:00 PM | Cloud Lounge & photography | Walk the viewpoint paths, take panoramic shots |
| 4:00 PM | Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village | 10 min drive — explore the 300-year-old fort and stone houses |
| 5:30 PM | Khorfakkan Beach | Corniche walk, water sports, or dinner at a beachside restaurant |
| 7:00 PM | Depart for Dubai | ≈ 2 hours return journey |
Green Practices at Al Suhub Rest House
Al Suhub Rest House was designed from the outset with environmental sensitivity in mind. The building was positioned and shaped to minimise excavation of the Hajar Mountain rock, and construction materials were chosen to blend visually with the natural mountain palette rather than contrast against it. Lighting across the facility uses energy-efficient systems, and the surrounding green areas have been planted to support the local ecosystem rather than replace it.
Conclusion
Al Suhub Rest Area is one of those rare destinations that genuinely delivers on what visitors come for. The 360-degree view from 600 metres — with the Gulf of Oman on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other — is among the most impressive free viewpoints in the UAE. The facility is clean, well-maintained, family-friendly, and open around the clock.
Come for the view. Come early or at sunset. Bring a jacket in winter. Eat at the café if you need a break, but do not expect a culinary highlight. And if you have the fitness for it, hike up from Al Rafisah Dam — you will earn every metre of that view.
For a full day out, combine Al Suhub with Al Rafisah Dam, Khorfakkan Waterfall, and Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village. All four can be done comfortably in a single day from Dubai.
FAQ — Al Suhub Rest Area, Khorfakkan
Q: Where is Al Suhub Rest Area located?
A: Jabal Al Hawami, Khorfakkan, Sharjah, UAE — approximately 600 metres above sea level, reached via a 6 km mountain road off Rugaylat Road (S104).
Q: When did it open?
A: 15 July 2021, inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, HH Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: The viewpoint is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Fen Café operates from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The area may close temporarily during severe weather or heavy rainfall.
Q: Is there an entry ticket?
A: No. Entry is completely free. Parking costs AED 10/hour on weekdays and AED 20/hour on weekends and public holidays. Spend AED 50+ at the café for 2 hours free parking.
Q: What is the Cloud Lounge?
A: The Cloud Lounge is the main circular building at Al Suhub — 30 metres in diameter — offering a 360° view of Khorfakkan city, the Gulf of Oman, and the Hajar Mountains from 600 metres above sea level.
Q: What facilities are available?
A: Fen Café and restaurant, multipurpose hall, prayer rooms for men and women, children’s play area, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and parking.
Q: How do I get there from Dubai?
A: Drive via E11 to E102 (Sharjah–Kalba Road) toward Khorfakkan, then follow signs to Al Suhub on S104. The trip takes approximately 2 hours from central Dubai.
Q: Can I hike to Al Suhub?
A: Yes. A well-marked 3.5 km hiking trail starts from Al Rafisah Dam Walk parking (25.349066, 56.315024). Difficulty is beginner+ in winter and moderate in summer. Allow 1.5–2 hours going up.
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: October to March for the most comfortable weather. Sunrise and sunset year-round for the best photography. Weekday mornings for the fewest crowds.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes. There is a children’s play area, open green spaces, clean restrooms, and a café. The pathways are wheelchair accessible.
Q: What should I bring?
A: A camera (wide-angle lens recommended), comfortable closed shoes, a light jacket for evenings, and extra water — especially in summer.
Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Al Rafisah Dam (15 min), Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village (10 min), Khorfakkan Waterfall (on the road up), Khorfakkan Beach (30 min), and Wadi Shees / Shees Park (20 min).
