Shawka Dam
A rainwater reservoir with a rest area beside it.
Florian Kriechbaumer — CC BY-SA 4.0 · IbrahimKumar — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Angela Manthorpe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · IbrahimKumar — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexandermcnabb — CC BY-SA 4.0
Wadi Shawka is a mountain valley in the Hajar range of southern Ras Al Khaimah, near Shawka village, popular for hiking, picnics and camping. Its focal point is Shawka Dam, reported in 2016 as 13 m high and 107 m long, holding 275,000 cubic metres, with a rest area beside it. Ras Al Khaimah's tourism authority says the name means powerful valley. The wadi runs only after rain on the mountains; the area gets about 120 mm a year, among the UAE's highest. Long farmed, it has abandoned old settlements along its sides and farms of date palms, mangoes and oranges. The dam, built in 2001 on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's instructions, harvests rainwater and, officials say, has helped recharge the groundwater. Marked trails start near the dam: beginner loops of 3 to 5 km take 1.5 to 2 hours, and routes of about 10 km up to six hours, on uneven, shaley ground shared with mountain bikers. One loop climbs a concrete stairway, then winds down to the Shawka pools, which fill after rain, mostly in winter. The rest area has shaded seats, barbecue spots, a playground, a small mosque and toilets. In a straight line the wadi lies 77 km south of Ras Al Khaimah city and 36 km north of Hatta Dam. By road the tourism authority gives about 95 km from the city, via the E18 and E88, and 92 km from Dubai, via the Sharjah–Kalba road (E102). Come from November to April, bringing food and water: the entrance shops sell only basics.
A rainwater reservoir with a rest area beside it.
Routes from 3 km to about 10 km.
Natural pools that fill after winter rain.
Shawka Dam, near Shawka village, southern Ras Al Khaimah
Yes, for free: the tourism authority calls it a popular camping spot, with flat ground near the dam and the trails, and many families stay the night in the cool months to watch the stars. Bring all your gear, food and water, and take your rubbish home.
Wadis can flood suddenly when heavy rain falls on the mountains, so check the forecast, keep away while it rains and wait for clear skies before you go; never walk or drive into flowing water. In an emergency, call 999 for the police or 998 for an ambulance.