SHARAH, United Arab Emirates: Khorfakkan has always been one of the most beautiful spots along the UAE’s east coast. Picture rugged mountains rising right behind a sweeping crescent beach, colorful fishing boats bobbing in bright turquoise waters, and old watchtowers looking out over the sea. Nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea, this charming coastal town is loved for its stunning natural scenery, rich maritime history, and growing popularity with visitors.
Now, it’s about to get even greener.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, recently shared plans to surround Khorfakkan with forests. The goal is simple: cleaner air and a calmer, more peaceful place for everyone who lives there.
He spoke about it on a phone call during the “Direct Line” program on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. The idea is to boost oxygen levels, cut down on carbon dioxide, and create a naturally balanced environment that just feels good to be in—relaxed and comfortable.
To make this happen, teams are digging pits along the valleys that run down from the mountains. Instead of rainwater rushing straight into the sea, it’ll be caught in these pits to help water newly planted trees. “God willing,” he said, “Khorfakkan will become a city surrounded by forests.” It’s all part of Sharjah’s bigger push for sustainable growth across the emirate, focusing on long-term improvements to quality of life while protecting the environment.
He also shared some handy tips for anyone who loves growing flowers, especially roses. Use pure clay soil from the mountain foothills—make sure it’s free of sand, because even a little can harm the roots and lead to misshapen blooms. Roses are quite sensitive, he explained. He suggested putting up cloth canopies to give them filtered sunlight and partial shade, protecting them from the intense sun. And prune them before March rolls around, since new growth on fresh branches is what produces the best flowers—not the old, woody parts.
He went on to talk about the Qasd tree (sometimes called awsaj in other places), a tough desert species with thorny, tangled branches and small leaves. It bears little fruits that ripen to red and are actually edible. He remembered childhood days in the Al Madam area, especially a place called Saih Al Qasd, where these trees used to thrive before many died off. Early attempts to replant them didn’t work, but eventually a surviving tree near Al Badi gave cuttings that took root with a bit of help from growth hormones. Now the Al Badi Palace nursery grows millions of carefully selected trees and supplies seedlings to towns and cities throughout Sharjah.
Wrapping up, he looked back at earlier projects in Khorfakkan and encouraged residents to keep their hearts as open and pure as the sea itself. This forestation effort isn’t just about planting trees—it’s part of a wider vision to grow thoughtfully, in harmony with nature, so future generations can enjoy a greener, healthier place.
When Gulf Daily Mail shared the news with long-time resident P.P. Babukka, an expatriate who has called Khorfakkan home for four decades, his voice carried emotion and memory.
“It is a great story for us,” he said, pausing as he reflected on the past. “In the 1950s and 1960s, many Indians reached this shore by dhow and small boats. Some arrived without documents and were later regularised with the support and kindness of the local people. This coast holds a deep history for us — it is not just a place, it is part of our life.”
He added that the era has also been portrayed in Indian cinema. “There are several Hindi and Malayalam films about those journeys. One Malayalam film, Vilkanund Swapnangal,(Dreams for sale) released in the 1970s, captures that history very well,” he said.
For Moidu and many others of his generation, Khorfakkan’s shoreline is more than a scenic stretch between mountain and sea. It is a gateway of hope, struggle and belonging — a place where friendships were formed, futures were built and memories still linger with the sound of waves against the sand.
Khorfakkan already draws people in with its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lively waterfront promenade.
while spots like the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and the nearby waterfall have become favorite cultural and scenic landmarks.
With hiking trails, Al Rafisah Dam, and a coastline squeezed perfectly between mountains and sea, it’s a go-to place for relaxation, adventure, and discovering heritage. Adding these new forests will only make it more special—a true green sanctuary on the UAE’s east coast.