We spend so much time hearing about Dubai’s skyscrapers and those fancy malls that we kind of forget there’s more to the UAE. Shees Park is exactly one of those places that surprises its visitors.

Turns out this place is super calm out near Khor Fakkan, up in the Hajar Mountains. The actual area is called Wadi Shees. It’s not flashy or touristy, which, honestly, makes it better. Just nature doing its thing. Mountains, greenery, a waterfall, and clean, simple walking paths.

One goes there without much expectation, but it gives a very pleasant surprise. Families can be seen setting up little picnics, kids running around. Some people are just sitting on benches, quietly in search of a peaceful moment. There are a few things worth knowing before you go. Let’s break it all down so you don’t go in blind.

A Quick Backstory

Shees Park wasn’t always here. The government of Sharjah actually set it up pretty recently, sometime around October 2020, with the idea of giving people a proper place to just… breathe. A calm, green spot away from the city noise, right in the middle of all those rugged mountains.

They built it in this place called Wadi Shees, which isn’t just some random valley. It’s got a bit of history, and it’s naturally fertile. It used to be known for farming and fresh mountain springs, which is kind of rare for this region. What they’ve done is mix a bit of the new (like walkways and seating and all that) with what was already there, nature that didn’t really need much changing.

Now, in terms of size, it’s not huge. It is just around 11,000 square meters. It’s not trying to be a mega-park but more of a peaceful, well-thought-out, and kind of perfect place if you’re looking for something low-key but beautiful

Shees Park is Not Just Another Park

The moment you get close to the Park, the environment shifts. It’s not like rolling up to a typical picnic spot or some polished city park. It almost feels like you’ve wandered into a small mountain village that just happens to have walking paths and waterfalls. On both sides, these massive rocky cliffs kind of frame your view, and there’s this odd silence… the good kind. You might catch birds chirping in the background or hear water trickling before you even see it.

The colors change, too. One second you’re surrounded by the dry, dusty terrain of the UAE, and the next moment you’re looking at trees, little garden patches, flowers, and grass. The park’s built on three levels. Big stone terraces stacked into the hillside, all linked by wide walkways and old-school steps.

The Waterfall

Now let’s talk about probably the most eye-catching thing in the whole park, the waterfall. A full-on 25-meter waterfall, right there in the middle of the mountains. It’s not natural, but honestly, you wouldn’t know at first glance.

You’ll watch families hanging around nearby, couples walking, and some fellas trying to get that perfect Instagram shot. But even with the crowd, this place doesn’t feel like chaos. Something about it is soothing. The way the water hits the rocks creates this soft, steady sound melting into the background. Especially in the cooler months, when the mist starts to rise off the surface… It’s like something out of a dream. If you only have time to see one thing while you’re there, this is probably it.

The viewing Platform 

There’s this upper level in the park that you’ve gotta take a few stairs to reach. And once you’re up, there’s this viewing spot that kinda gives a full view of the whole valley laid out below.

You can see the mountains stretch out behind everything. Those sharp Hajar ridges, and even the tiny old stone homes scattered across the hillsides. Makes you wonder who lives there, or maybe used to.

Walking Trails

The walking paths here aren’t super long. They’re just over 500 meters but laid out in a way that keeps things interesting. Every few steps, the view shifts a bit. One sight shows you trees and flowers. The next shows stone walls or a small wooden bridge. There are shaded spots along the way, too. They are there in case you want to take a break or just sit.

Picnic-Perfect

Shees Park really feels like it was built with families in mind. There’s a kids’ play area with the usual stuff. Swings, slides, little climbing bits. Just enough to keep the little ones busy.

Around 30 or so shaded seating areas are scattered across the park, and they’re perfect for spreading out a mat and unpacking lunch. If you’re into grilling, there are barbecue stations too. There are a few stalls and cafes nearby where you can grab ice cream, tea, or something cold to sip.

A Touch of Tradition

What really sets Shees Park apart is that it doesn’t feel fake or overly polished. It’s part of a real village. You’ll see old stone houses with palm roofs and even ancient falaj water channels still winding through the land.

Step just outside the park and you’ll come across the old terraced farms of Wadi Shees. It’s kind of amazing to think people were growing crops here, by hand, in this tough mountain landscape, way before any of the skyscrapers or highways existed. The locals are still around and very welcoming.

Park Rules:

• Swimming or dipping in the water features isn’t allowed.
• No shisha, bonfires, or loud music.
• Football is discouraged, especially in family zones.
• Drones and pets might be restricted, depending on the day.
• Modest dress is appreciated because this is still a village, not a resort.

Transportation 

If you’re planning a trip to Shees Park, driving there is really your best option. The ride from Dubai takes around an hour and 45 minutes. From Sharjah, it’s a little quicker, just over an hour. And if you’re starting out in Fujairah, you’re practically around the corner. After about 45 minutes, you’re there. As for fuel, you won’t spend too much. Expect to pay somewhere between 30 and 80 dirhams round trip. Technically, you can take public transport. You’d still need to book a taxi.

Final Thoughts

Shees Park leaves a mark on the memory. It is surrounded by mountains and quiet roads. It doesn’t feel like a tourist stop. It feels more like a space people quietly enjoy. You don’t pay to get in, and there’s nothing commercial shouting for attention. It’s just trees, walkways, stone paths, and the kind of silence that feels rare these days. For a weekend escape or a change of pace, this park does exactly what it needs to.