Sharjah Launches 1,100-Metre Summit Highway to Boost Mountain Tourism
Sharjah has taken a remarkable step forward in redefining travel experiences with the announcement of a brand-new mountain road leading to Khor Fakkan’s highest peak. This project, declared by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, on July 17 during his intervention on the “Direct Line” programme broadcast by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, promises to be more than just a transport route. It is a tourism milestone, a bold leap in sustainable development, and an opportunity for the emirate to expand its allure to both residents and international visitors.
The new road will extend from the Al Ghuzair Tunnel and will ascend through breathtaking mountain scenery, culminating at a staggering elevation of 1,100 metres above sea level. Not only does this new road provide a vital connection to scattered mountain villages, but it is also being purposefully designed to serve as a delightful and immersive tourist experience.
A Unique Route Through Nature and Culture
What makes this road exceptional is not just its physical elevation or engineering complexity. It is the way it has been envisioned as an experience. Sheikh Sultan described it as “a wonder never seen before,” a fitting phrase for a project that aims to blend infrastructure with eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
The road will wind across mountainous peaks and deep valleys, weaving through the terrain in a manner that respects the natural geography. Unlike traditional highways designed solely for speed and convenience, this route is being carefully transformed into a scenic tourist road. It will feature lush greenery, landscaped plantations, flowing water channels, and beautifully designed residential areas along the way. The project is being developed with an eye for detail, ensuring that every element from trees to trails complements the natural surroundings.
Transforming the Journey into a Destination
The project is set to revolutionize how people perceive road travel in the region. It will not merely connect two points but will itself become a sought-after destination. Travelers driving through this new road will enjoy an environment enriched with native trees, purpose-built shaded areas, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the expansive Hajar Mountains. With its cool winter climate, the region offers an ideal setting for seasonal tourism, attracting nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and families looking for a peaceful retreat from city life.
Unlike the conventional highways that serve as utilitarian infrastructure, this road is specifically designed to encourage travelers to pause, explore, and immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of the eastern region of Sharjah. It reflects a deeper intention of promoting slow, sustainable tourism where the experience of the journey is as valuable as the destination itself.
Khor Fakkan’s Peak: A New Crown Jewel in Sharjah’s Landscape
The journey will end at Khor Fakkan’s highest mountain peak, located 1,100 metres above sea level. This vantage point will offer unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape, serving as a powerful symbol of Sharjah’s blend of natural majesty and modern ambition. From this elevation, visitors can experience the grandeur of the mountains that form the backbone of the UAE’s eastern region. The peak will likely become one of the most photographed and visited natural spots in the country, contributing to Sharjah’s growing portfolio of tourist attractions.
The location is expected to become a landmark for residents, domestic travelers, and international tourists alike, especially those interested in adventure, nature, and cultural exploration. The new route leading to this destination will encourage visitors to discover the lesser-known but richly endowed villages nestled among the mountain slopes.
Integration with Villages and Local Communities
One of the most commendable aspects of this project is its focus on inclusivity and community benefit. The new road will directly serve the scattered mountain villages in the area, connecting them more efficiently to urban centres and tourism hotspots. This improved access will open up new economic opportunities for these villages, ranging from small-scale hospitality to artisanal crafts and agritourism.
By facilitating easier and more scenic access to these communities, the road can stimulate local entrepreneurship and create new income streams, especially for those involved in heritage tourism, organic farming, and mountain guiding. At the same time, it allows visitors to engage with the authentic culture and traditions of the region, from its food and architecture to its music and folklore.
The design of the road ensures that this integration happens without disrupting the natural environment or traditional lifestyle of the mountain communities. In fact, the road is likely to enhance village life by improving transportation, healthcare access, and communication while also drawing attention to the area’s unique heritage.
Kalba’s Jabal Deem to Receive New Tourism Facilities
In addition to the Khor Fakkan road project, Sheikh Sultan also announced exciting developments in Kalba’s mountainous region of Jabal Deem. This area will see the introduction of a new rest area, fully equipped farms, and recreational playgrounds. The plan is to have these new attractions ready by March 2026. These facilities are designed to complement the natural beauty of the region while offering essential services for tourists and residents alike.
The rest area will provide a place for travellers to pause and rejuvenate amidst natural surroundings. The farms will promote local agriculture and may even offer hands-on experiences for visitors interested in organic farming and traditional Emirati agricultural methods. The addition of playgrounds ensures that families will be well catered to, making Jabal Deem a fully inclusive tourist destination.
This holistic approach to mountain tourism development in Kalba underscores the government’s commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and culturally rich tourism offerings. It reflects a broader vision to diversify the economy while protecting the environment and empowering local communities.
Engineering Brilliance Meets Environmental Sustainability
The scale and ambition of the Khor Fakkan mountain road project demand extraordinary engineering finesse. Building a road that climbs to an elevation of 1,100 metres across sharp inclines and rugged terrain requires precision, planning, and innovation. However, this project goes beyond concrete and machinery. It is a thoughtful collaboration between architecture, landscape design, and environmental science.
The road is being constructed in such a way that it harmonizes with the terrain, avoiding unnecessary disruptions to the natural flow of the land. Native vegetation will be preserved and new trees and shrubs planted to enhance biodiversity. Water channels will not only beautify the drive but also help with irrigation and local cooling. Residences along the route are being developed with sustainable materials and design principles, ensuring energy efficiency and visual harmony with the surrounding mountains.
This focus on sustainability aligns with Sharjah’s broader environmental goals and adds to the emirate’s reputation as a progressive and responsible destination for eco-conscious travellers.
Sharjah’s Expanding Tourism Landscape
Sharjah has long been known for its deep cultural roots and commitment to education, heritage, and environmental stewardship. The new mountain road adds a significant chapter to its tourism story. It offers a contrasting narrative to the glittering skyscrapers of other emirates, presenting instead a journey through nature, tradition, and untouched beauty.
This project complements existing initiatives like the restoration of historic forts, development of eco-tourism reserves, and promotion of arts and literature. It positions Sharjah as a multifaceted destination that appeals to different kinds of travellers from thrill-seekers and nature lovers to history enthusiasts and families.
As the UAE continues to diversify its economy through tourism, Sharjah’s efforts in building sustainable and inclusive travel experiences provide a replicable model for other regions. The combination of infrastructure, environmental care, cultural promotion, and community engagement seen in this road project sets a benchmark for tourism development across the Middle East.
A Visionary Move for the Future
In unveiling this project, Sheikh Sultan has once again demonstrated his visionary leadership. His focus is not just on development, but on meaningful development where roads do not just carry people but connect lives, where infrastructure does not disrupt nature but enhances it, and where progress does not overshadow culture but celebrates it.
The mountain road leading to Khor Fakkan’s highest peak is more than an engineering marvel. It is a journey into Sharjah’s soul, offering every traveller a chance to witness the beauty of the land, the spirit of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership.
