Shees Park: A Surprise in the Mountains
Beach person or a Mountain person? Easy choice. Now, what about being a desert person? Who wants to experience gold dust spreading far across? If you are the kind who loves dramatic landscapes, shifting light, rugged rock, and the contrast of dry stone with lush pockets of green, then Shees Park is one of those places that quietly captures your heart. It’s not by the sea, it’s not in the high peaks, but in between — in the Hajar Mountains of Sharjah — where nature, comfort, and minimalism meet in surprising harmony.
Where & When: Getting to Shees Park
Shees Park (also known by some as Shis Park) is located in Wadi Shees, near the village of Shis, in the Khorfakkan area of the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. (Wikipedia)
It is about 11,300 to 11,362 square meters in area. (Wikipedia)
The park opened in October 2020, inaugurated by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. (Wikipedia)
Timing: It is open daily, usually from early morning (around 8 AM) to late evening (around 10-11 PM), depending on the source. (Dubai Weeklys)
Entry fee: No entrance fee (free access) according to most reliable sources. (Bayut)
Why Shees Park Feels Magical for Desert/Mountain Lovers
If you are the traveler whose soul resonates with the rawness of the earth — stone, altitude, solitude — Shees Park offers a subtle transformation. It’s not blazing sand dunes, but the way the mountain cliffs frame the sky, the way water is introduced — in a waterfall and lake — it feels like you’re stepping into a painted landscape. Here’s what makes it special:
Artificial Waterfall (~25 m high): plunges into a calm pond or lake, offering the sound of water in a desert-framed environment
Mountain Terraces & Walkways: The park has three terraces on the mountain slope, all linked by stone stairs, with walkways of about 506 meters.
Viewing Platform: At ~30 meters above the main park level, giving sweeping views of the surrounding Hajar Mountains.
Green Zones & Natural Elements: Palm trees, flowering plants, shaded seating, stone benches, drinkable scenery that contrasts with the dry rugged rock.
Things to Do: Quiet Fun, Reflection, and Light Adventure
Shees Park isn’t about thrill rides or mega-attractions. It’s about enjoying simpler things, letting the mountains speak, and combining calm with mild activity.
Here are some activities you’ll enjoy if you visit:
Walk the scenic paths: Take your time on the 506m walkways, moving from terrace to terrace. Each level changes your view a little
Sitting, resting, picnics: There are shaded seating spots, benches, BBQ areas, family seating. Great to spread out a mat, bring snacks, enjoy lunch outdoors.
Kids’ playground: For families, there’s a play area with slides, swings, etc.—so little ones have their space.
Outdoor theatre: There’s an amphitheater that accmodates about 70 people. Sometimes used for small events, cultural shows, or gatherings.
Views & photography: The waterfalls, mountain embraces, stone terraces, and viewpoints make it a great place to take photos or just soak in the vista. Especially during golden hours (morning or late afternoon).
BBQ & group gatherings: Designated barbecue pits—useful when visiting with a group. But arrive early on weekends because these spots can fill up.
Best Time to Visit & What to Bring
If you are a desert person who loves sharp contrasts (dry and green, cool and warm), these tips will help your visit to Shees Park shine:
Best time: Cooler months, roughly October to April, when the weather is more comfortable. The heat in summer can dull much of the magic. (Dubai Weeklys)
Morning or late afternoon are especially good to avoid harsh sun and catch soft light for views.
Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), maybe snacks (though there are cafés). If you like reading or sketching, bring something for that.
Respect the rules: No swimming in the artificial lake or fountain, no loud music, clean up after yourself, modest dress (especially since you’re in a mountain village setting). (Dubai Weeklys)
Access & Getting There
Because Shees Park sits in the mountains, the journey there becomes part of the experience.
The park is accessible by car. You take Khorfakkan Road (S142 / E55). From Sharjah city or Dubai, expect a drive of about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Parking is available. There are ample parking spaces outside the park entrance.
Public transport options are limited. If you rely on buses or taxis for parts of the trip, plan ahead. (
Why Shees Park Connects with Your Inner "Desert Person"
You might wonder: why mention beaches, mountains, and now desert together? Because Shees Park sits in that bridge zone: mountain slopes in a desert land. It’s where the rugged stone, the crisp air, and sudden green whispers of plant and water remind you of the raw beauty of nature.
If you are the type who loves golden light hitting rock faces, sunlight scattering through palm fronds, the cool trickle of water in a dry land — Shees Park gives you a little of all that without demanding big hikes or long travel. It’s like breathing: a pause. A session with nature, steeped in serenity.
Things to Keep in Mind: What Shees Park Isn’t
To appreciate Shees Park fully, it helps to understand its limits:
It’s not a massive theme park. It’s relatively small (≈11,300 m²). It doesn’t have thrill rides or large water bodies for swimming. (Wikipedia)
The facilities are modest but thoughtful. Cafés or small shops are there, but don’t expect large food courts or elaborate amenities.
Weekends, holidays, and cooler months bring more visitors. If you want more solitude, visit on weekdays or early in the day.
Final Thoughts
Beach person or a Mountain person? Easy choice. But being a desert person — someone drawn to golden dust, rock screams, wide skies, and silence — Shees Park offers a quiet haven. It’s not grand in scale, but it is rich in feeling.
So next time someone asks, “What is your perfect escape?” you can say: Give me stone terraces, a waterfall in the mountain, sitting under palms, the hush between cliffs — give me Shees Park.