The long Eid Al Adha break is the perfect excuse to get out on the road and discover a different side of the UAE. And if you are looking for a scenic escape without leaving the country, Kalba on the east coast offers the ideal mix of mountains, beaches and nature.

With temperatures expected to climb across the UAE during the Eid holidays, Kalba could also offer a slightly cooler alternative to inland areas. According to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), inland temperatures may reach between 43°C and 48°C during the break, while mountain areas are expected to range between 28°C and 35°C. Coastal areas, including the east coast, are forecast to see highs between 35°C and 43°C.

While the NCM has said the weather will remain generally fair and partly cloudy at times over eastern regions, they have also advised residents to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours. So, plan your road trip accordingly.

Why you should discover Kalba this Eid Al Adha

Nestled between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman coastline, Kalba is a popular ecotourism destination and a budget-friendly Eid getaway, with nature reserves to wildlife conservation centres and long beach stretches.

So stock up on road trip snacks, sunscreen and plenty of water, because there is plenty to explore along the way.

Since temperatures are expected to peak during the afternoon, you may want to start your road trip early in the morning to make the most of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.

The mountain areas near Kalba, including the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah region, are likely to feel cooler compared to inland parts of the country, especially during the morning and evening hours. Meanwhile, beach and mangrove activities are best planned around sunrise or closer to sunset to avoid the midday heat.

How to get there

Kalba is an exclave of Sharjah located on the UAE’s east coast. If you are travelling from Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Sharjah, the easiest route is via the E102 highway (Sharjah-Kalba Road), which connects with the country’s major highways.

From E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road), take the exit near Sharjah City Centre towards S112 King Faisal Street, which connects to E102.
From E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road), take Exit 65 towards E102.
From E611 (Emirates Road), take the Sharjah Mosque interchange exit onto E102.

The drive from Sharjah city takes roughly an hour, with Kalba located around 120km east of Sharjah.

1. Kalba Hanging Gardens

One of the first major landmarks you will spot on the journey is the recently opened Kalba Hanging Gardens, known for its cascading waterfalls and mountain views.

As you enter the mountainous stretch of the route, you will pass through the Kalba Tunnel. Soon after exiting, the Hanging Gardens will appear on your right-hand side.

Spread across 1.6 million square feet and sitting 281 metres above sea level, the Hanging Gardens features more than 100,000 trees and landscaped terraces, so it's the perfect place to stroll through the gardens, hop on a scenic train ride or explore hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels.

There are also children’s play areas and cafes serving light meals, making it an easy first stop for families.

2. Al Hefaiyah Lake

Just a kilometre further down the road lies Al Hefaiyah Lake. While the lake serves as an important water reservoir for the area, it has also become a scenic recreational spot surrounded by mountains and greenery. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake or drive along the 3km dual-lane road encircling it.

The destination also features a rest house overlooking the surrounding peaks, the Hanging Gardens and waterfalls. If you're into adventure sports, there are water sports facilities, hiking trails and shaded children’s play areas. You can also visit the Al Hefaiyah Mosque nearby, which is decorated with geometric and floral themes, and also houses a library. A two-minute drive away is the Al Hefaiyah Conservation centre, which is home to 30 native mountain and desert species.

3. Al Qurm Protected Area

After the mountains, it is time to head towards the coastline and explore Kalba’s rich biodiversity.

The Al Qurm Protected Area, better known as the Kalba mangroves, sits where the E102 highway meets the coast. The reserve is home to rare bird species, turtles and marine life. If you spend some time in the protected area, you may also spot the endangered Arabian collared kingfishers gliding above the mangroves, while hawksbill and green turtles are often seen nesting along nearby shores.

One of the best ways to experience the reserve is through guided kayak or paddleboard tours, which allow visitors to quietly move through the waterways while taking in the surrounding wildlife.

4. Kalba Corniche Park

Next on the route is Kalba Corniche Park, a popular stop for both residents and tourists.

The park offers jogging and cycling tracks, shaded seating areas and children’s play zones, making it an ideal location for a relaxed family picnic after a day of exploring.

5. Kalba Beach Corniche

Right beside the park is Kalba Beach Corniche, where long sandy shores meet clear turquoise waters. The beach area has several visitor-friendly facilities, including jogging tracks, shaded benches overlooking the sea and restrooms. Compared to some of the UAE’s busier beaches, Kalba offers a quieter and more laid-back atmosphere — perfect for ending a long road trip on a calm note.

Farhan Akhtar on 10 years of Dil Chahta Hai