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Alkhor Kayak UAE: A Complete Guide to Kayaking at Al Rafisah Dam near Khor Fakkan
- Sports Travel Tom
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 10
A complete guide to Alkhor Kayak — one of the most scenic and underrated kayaking experiences in the UAE.
Kayaking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the United Arab Emirates.
It is the desert, after all.
But head out towards Khor Fakkan and you’ll find something completely different — a calm, mountain-framed lake at Al Rafisah Dam, where you can hire a kayak, head out onto the water, and spend time in one of the most peaceful settings in the country.
And in my view… this is the best kayaking experience in the UAE.
At a Glance
Location: Al Rafisah Dam, near Khor Fakkan
Activity: Kayaking (single & double kayaks)
Price: Starting from AED40
Time: Unlimited on kayaks
Why go: Mountain scenery, calm water, great facilities
Key tip: Go late afternoon for the best light
Watch the full experience on YouTube below.
Where Alkhor Kayak is and how to get there
Alkhor Kayak is located just west of Khor Fakkan on the UAE’s east coast.
From Dubai, it’s just over an hour’s drive — and the journey is part of the experience.
You’ll take the S142 (Khor Fakkan Road), which cuts through the Hajar Mountains via a series of tunnels, some of the longest in the Middle East.
Just before reaching Khor Fakkan, you’ll hit a roundabout, double back slightly, and you’ll see signs for the Al Rafisah Dam rest area - that’s where Alkhor Kayak is based.
There’s plenty of parking, and everything is clearly signposted.
What makes Alkhor Kayak so special
The setting is what elevates this place.
Al Rafisah Dam, built in the 1980s, has created a lake surrounded by rugged mountains and greenery - something that feels almost out of place in the UAE.
Out on the water, it’s calm, spacious, and surprisingly quiet.
There’s no sense of rush.
You can take your time, explore small inlets, and just enjoy being out there.
A kayaking experience with actual amenities
This is where Alkhor Kayak separates itself.
You’re not just turning up, kayaking, and leaving.
You’ve got:
A terrace café overlooking the lake
Restrooms
A small shop
Viewing decks
A playground for families
Even an ice cream stop
It genuinely feels more like a destination than just an activity.
There’s a hint of those northern Italian lake settings here — just with a UAE twist.
What it costs and how it works
This is another big win.
Single kayak rental is AED40, and that includes unlimited time on the water whilst a double kayak that has room for two adults and a child is just AED60 for unlimited time.
Other floating options are available such as Pedal Boats and Donut Boats which are availble to rent for an hour.
For the prices, it’s one of the best-value activities you’ll find in the UAE.
How it compares to other UAE kayaking spots
There are some strong kayaking options in the UAE.
Hatta Kayak → dramatic mountains + full destination
Abu Dhabi Mangroves → unique ecosystem + wildlife
But Alkhor Kayak edges it for me because of:
Lower cost
Better overall facilities
More relaxed, less crowded feel
That “hidden gem” atmosphere
It feels less like an attraction…
and more like somewhere you’ve stumbled across.
Practical tips before you go
Go in the late afternoon for the best light
Bring a camera - it’s very photogenic
Combine it with Wadi Shees for a full day
Check timings (typically open 7:30am–5:30pm)
It can get busy on weekends - go earlier or later
Is it worth it? (Final thoughts)
There are plenty of good kayaking spots in the UAE.
But not many that combine scenery, simplicity and atmosphere like this.
Alkhor Kayak feels easy.
It’s affordable, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable whether you’re there for a relaxed paddle or just to spend time somewhere different.
And that’s probably why it stands out.
It’s not trying too hard.
It just works.
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