In case you are tired of all the noise of a modern city, there is a place where the voice of nature is still heard, and the walls of old monuments talk about the past long gone by; where the culture of life is truly alive in the shadow of the smallest village, and Kalba awaits you. This hidden treasure is located in the eastern enclave of Sharjah that lines the coastal strip on the Gulf of Oman and borders with Fujairah, this blend of sea, sand and mountain beauty is unique.
In contrast to its glamorous sisters, Kalba provides something much more genuine: untouched mangroves, fortresses that have survived centuries, and harmonious trails, where each step seems individual and each moment is enfolded in the spirit of the Emirati.
The most favorable time to visit Kalba
One should visit Kalba during the months between November and March because that is the period when the weather is cooler and outdoor activities are recommended. You can have light sunlight, the fresh sea breeze, and opportunity to properly visit the nature reserves and bygone places without the heat that makes it absolutely unbearable to go anywhere.
Amazing Things to do in Kalba
Kalba Corniche A Calm by the Coast
Start with the Kalba Corniche where ever-changing waves of the Gulf come to face a view of palm trees along the promenade. The local and visiting people both love this place because it has a quiet ambience, jogging tracks, shade and beautiful seaside views. One usually gets to see migratory birds flying along the coastal sky in the morning, and families and couples visiting to see the golden sun set into the sea during the evenings.
Trick: Buy a karak chai at a shop that you pass by and walk leisurely, it is the above things that make Kalba memorable.
Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve -UAE and Mangrove Jewel
Perhaps one of the truly unique ornaments of Kalba, Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve is an ancient mangrove forest in Arabia and it is the abode of rare and endangered species. The Hopping roots of these mangroves and the canopy provide protection to animals such as Hawksbill turtle, white-collared kingfisher, and other migratory birds that visit seasonally.
There is also the opportunity to adventure inside the narrow water ways on an eco-kayaking tour, a chance that visitors can book. It is an adventure that combines an awareness of the environment.
Why it is special: This reserve is an eco-tourism, conservation and biodiversity learning experiment in the UAE.
Kalba Bird of Prey Centre – Walk with the Hunters
Website: https://epaashj.ae/
Kalba Bird of Prey centre introduces us to an up close experience with the majestic hunters. The centre was established in 2002 and is a creation of the Pakistan and Ornithology Academy based at Sharjah Airport free zone. In order to realise their ambitions of sharing the amazing visual experience of a bird of prey swooping down and catching its prey the founders expanded to create an up close experience involving the senses. In order to provide a sensory experience, the centre subdivides into various zones.
It is not only this center that showcases birds, but it also informs the visitors about the importance of falcons, owls, and eagles as part of human cultural and natural heritage in the region.
Do not miss live demonstration shows in which birds display their ability to fly, their intelligence and speed. It is a moving and eye opening experience for all ages.
Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre Wild life meets Wilderness
Website: https://epaashj.ae/
This large facility is located on a border of the Hajar Mountains, where it safeguards native species, including the Arabian Tahr, caracals, and striped hyenas. It is a family friendly, educational and exciting venue with interactive exhibits and observation decks and guided buggy tours.
Also, bring your camera that rugged scenery of the mountains is cinematic.
Kalba Fort- Desert Time Travel
Kalba Fort is a reminder of the defensive history of the region as it was built in the 18th century. Being rebuilt in the spirit of the original construction, the fort is home to the exhibits concerning the weaponry, the local modes of governance and the traditional way of life.
Mudbrick walls, watchtowers, and wooden ceilings take you back centuries in time, and the tower view is great both to photographers and history lovers.
Village with the Living Museum in Kalba
Visit the Kalba Heritage Village museum which reproduces the atmosphere of the past in the restored mud-brick buildings and the souq-like lanes. Craftsmen do weaving and pottery, and traditional embroidery, and you can often find live storytelling sessions or cultural events held in the square.
Bonus: Taste the new Emirati sweets such as luqaimat with date syrup.
Al Asimah Pearl Diving- Journey to the Past
Pearl diving is something of the past and nowadays in the town of Kalba you can also enjoy this experience as it used to be in the UAE of 50, 60 even 70 years ago when pearl diving was the lifeblood of the UAE. Do a dive with Al Asimah tours and the instructors will teach you how to find natural pearls, harvest them and clean them, all the time in clear and shallow waters off the coast of Kalba.
It is not just an entertaining game but a trip to the history of survival, strength, and sea craftsmanship.
Kayak the Kalba Waters -Paddle in Paradise
Kalba has windless lagoons and mangrove tunnels, which makes it one of the most suitable destinations in the UAE to kayak. The choice is yours to take a sunrise paddling tour or eco-sunset tour which is very serene and mystical. You can see sea turtles or dolphins even on the shore.
It is novice-friendly as most of the tours offer safety equipment, a guide as well as water.
Pay a Visit to the Fujairah Beaches – Coastal Extension
In case you want to expand your beach day, you can only go 20 to 30 minutes east of Dubai, and you will find other sandy beaches such as Al Aqah Beach and Umbrella Beach in Fujairah. This is the place where you can go swimming, or snorkel or even have a water sport experience with scenes of the Hajar mountain range greeting the sea.
Hike Wadi Hakba: Wild Nature at its best
Wadi Hakba is the dream of an adventure lover. This scenic arroyo passes through steep mountains and provides natural swimming pools, boulders and hiking trails that are easy and difficult. It is not as commercialized and therefore, it is the kind of beauty that is not filtered.
It is most advisable to come with a 4×4 vehicle and a guide in case you have never been to wadis.
Visit Al Rabi Tower -With History at hand
Al Rabi Tower is a moderately steep hike (around 5km) on a hill in-between Kalba and Khor Fakkan and the views are worth it. The path is also the choice of nature photo lovers and sunrise hikers.
There is a view of the sea and mountains and the best 360 panoramic views.
12- Al Qurm Bеach
Al Qurm is low key, unlike the commercial beaches, which are well spoiled. Buy a picnic, mat and simply bask in the sun. It is a favourite spot with families to enjoy the smooth waters, and it is a popular place with the locals. It is a place where beach BBQs are enjoyed.
Kalba Ladies Park -Women comfort and safety park
Kalba Ladies Park is a beautiful green park with walking tracks, shaded areas, fountains and children’s playground in a design that puts emphasis on privacy and security. It is an ideal place where mothers and children can meet or have a casual encounter with friends.
Green Escape in the City, Kalba Park
In the very center of the town, you can find Kalba Park that is perfect to spend some time in silence. The landscaped garden, benches and serene walks allow you to meditate, keep diaries or just sit under a tree and have a cup of tea; a nice pocket of peace no matter what you want to do.
Attend Sharjah Art Foundation- Creative Finale
Website: http://sharjahart.org/
Finally complete your Kalba trip with a pinch of contemporary innovation. Although headquartered in the city, the Sharjah Art Foundation regularly organizes traveling art exhibitions and art installations all across Kalba and Khor Fakkan.
Anything goes including multimedia installations and photography, regional films screenings and art practical workshops.
Conclusion
Last but not least, Kalba is a place where souls can rest.
Kalba is not glamorous, it is soul searching. It is the type of place to relax, take your time and gaze deeper into something to find your connection again or find something new to be surprised about. Whether it is kayaking to the center of the mangroves or drinking tea by the sea; everything you will do in Kalba is purposeful, intimate, and very rejuvenating.
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Emila Hales
My name is Emila Hales. I've been living in the UAE for the past five years, and I absolutely love traveling. Writing about my travel experiences is something I enjoy, and I'm excited to share my adventures with others who are passionate about exploring new places.
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