If you’re like me and have been living in Dubai for a while now, you know that winter is all about escaping the city and reconnecting with nature. It’s the perfect time to take a break from the hustle and bustle, the traffic, and the crowds. Wadi Shawka in Ras Al Khaimah is just under an hour from Dubai, making it the perfect destination for those seeking some outdoor activities. The Wadi offers beautiful desert landscapes, nice trails and a peaceful break from the crazy non-stop city life. We spent the morning here with some friends, hiking and soaking in the views. Here is everything you need to know to plan your adventure.
- Getting to Wadi Shawka from Dubai:
- Hiking Trails & The Wadi Shawka Experience
- Essential Gear to Bring
- Precautions & Tips
- Final Thoughts
Getting to Wadi Shawka from Dubai:
Wadi Shawka is located in Ras Al Khaimah, and the drive from Dubai takes about 50 to 60 minutes. The best route is:
- Take E611 (Emirates Road) or E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road) toward Ras Al Khaimah.
- Exit toward Shawka Dam – you we’ll see signs leading to the dam and hiking area.
3. Park near Shawka Dam, which serves as the starting point for most trails. The exact parking location on Google maps can be found here.
A 4WD is not necessary, as the main roads are paved, but if you plan to explore off-road areas, a 4WD is recommended.
Hiking Trails & The Wadi Shawka Experience
Wadi Shawka is known for its trails, scenic rock formations, and occasional water pools. During our hike, we spent about three hours hiking and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Here are the highlights:
Shawka Dam Trail
Distance: 6 to 8 km (loop trail)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights:
- Starts from Shawka Dam and gradually ascends into the mountains.
- Offers panoramic views of the wadi and surrounding desert.
- Great for both beginner and experienced hikers.
Shawka Dam Trail is probably the most famous trail and the one we decided to take. Since our last visit, we noticed some improvements such as, new signage at the beginning of the trails and during the trails and resting areas were added to the stairs. We started our hike strong, climbing the famous Shawka stairs with more than 700 steps. Took us nearly 15 min with some photo stops and much needed “catch your breath” breaks. Once at the top, you are rewarded with 360 view of the Wadi and its mountains, layers and layers of mountains.
This trail, also known as The 700 Steps Trail, can be challenging (depending on your fitness level) so here’s my recommendations:
- Take breaks – the steps can be steep, so pace yourself.
- Bring extra water – the climb can be exhausting, specially if the sun is out.
- Wear proper footwear – the steps can be uneven in some areas (even though I believe they renovated the stairs).
- Go early morning – avoid the heat and enjoy a peaceful hike.
After enjoying the views and catching our breath, we continued the hike. The trail felt well-balanced, not too hard, not too easy. The terrain is mostly manageable, having some ascends and descents that can be steep with some loose gravel that will make you feel like those cartoons that steep into a banana peel. Along the way, we took short breaks at a few shaded gazebos, ideal for resting and enjoying the snacks we brought.
If you’re lucky, during these trails and specially in other areas of UAE you can spot wildlife, like camels and goats, whoever this time and for the first time, we were greeted by donkeys. We were supper excited when we saw two young donkeys walking around. Imagine our faces when two became three and three became four, we were so happy.
Towards the end of the hike, we realized we had taken the wrong trail due to the confusing signage. At this point, we understood that the Information Poles are named A1, A2, A3, etc and so are the trails. So let’s say our plan to follow Trail A7 was was a flop since the beginning, because not even 5 min into the beginning of hike we were already on the wrong trail (signage was not visible). We had a good laugh about, nothing that really bothered us.
Besides these two trails, Shawka Dam Trail and The 700 Steps Trail, there’s more trails available. The two other I would suggest are:
Wadi Shawka Pools (Seasonal)
- Best after rainfall, when natural pools form.
- Ideal for a quick cool-down during the hike.
- Check recent weather updates, as the pools dry up in warmer months.
Longer Trails for Advanced Hikers
If you’re up for a challenge, there are longer and steeper trails extending into the Hajar Mountains. Some trails lead to high ridges with stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Essential Gear to Bring
While Wadi Shawka is beginner-friendly, being prepared makes the experience much better:
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers – The rocky terrain can be uneven.
- Plenty of water – At least 2 liters per person, as there are no refill stations.
- Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (there’s very little shade).
- Snacks and energy bars – There are no shops nearby.
- Light backpack – To carry your essentials comfortably.
- Navigation app (like AllTrails or Wikiloc) – Some trails aren’t well-marked.
Optional: If you plan to explore early in the morning or late in the evening, a headlamp or flashlight is helpful.
Precautions & Tips
- Start early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially in warmer months.
- Check the weather forecast, as flash floods can occur after heavy rain.
- Let someone know your plan if hiking alone.
- Stick to marked trails, as the terrain can be confusing.
- Respect nature, don’t litter, and be mindful of wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Wadi Shawka is a place for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. Whether you’re looking for a short morning hike or a full-day adventure, this wadi has something for everyone. If you’re planning a visit, let me know in the comments, I would love to hear about your experience!
What’s your favorite hike in the UAE? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Visited: February 2025.
