Al Aqa Coastal Trail

Al Aqa (Arabic: العقة‎) is located in Dibba, along the coast of Northern Fujairah. The area is located 50 km north of the city of Fujairah and directly overlooks the Gulf of Oman. The people of Al Aqa were famous for their many skills, the most important of which were sea-riding, fishing and honey collection from the mountains in addition to agriculture and livestock.

Called “the pearl of the east coast” because of the stunning contrast of mountain-scapes against coastal shorelines, the coastal rural drive has become a relief from those looking to escape urban skylines for a weekend. The Al Aqa area has become significant for both tourism as well as conservation, including the Al Aqa Marine Reserve and the Meridian Al Aqa Beach Resort and Hotel. “Snoopy Island” (Jazirat al-‘Aqqa (جزيرة العقة) or Jazirat Snubi (جزيرة سنوبي)) is located right off of Sandy Beach, surrounded by coral reef formations and an assortment of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and other saltwater fish.

Hike

The hike begins just behind the Heritage Village, and is relatively maintained. It is a one-way route, so once the summit is reached, the returning trip will be the same way. Though not a particularly long hike, it contains constant elevation gain, mostly exposed to sun. The route goes along the top of a ridge, close to steep edges, so participants with a fear of heights may want to join on another adventure. Because of this, we rate it as an intermediate trek (6/10). Please make sure you are physically/mentally prepared to complete the trek, as your safety and the safety of the group is our utmost priority.

Beach Activities

Sandy beach is less than a 10-minute drive from the hiking location. There is a gas station nearby that has a Subway and hotels if you would like a bit more luxury.

Directly overlooking the Gulf of Oman & its sandy beaches, the Al Aqa Coastal Trail might be the best way to start your morning. Known as “The Pearl of the East Coast,” Al Aqa provides relief for those looking to escape urban skylines for a natural, immersive experience. The location of this trail beautifully showcases the contrast between the region’s mountain-scapes and coastal shorelines, presenting the perfect mix of land and sea.

This one way hike begins in the early hours before sunrise and will take you along a rather challenging but exhilarating ridge trail. You will be met with a variety of spectacular, photo-worthy views, including a magnificent sunrise over the sea. As a fair warning, the trail can be a challenge for some as it requires good pace and endurance. Keep in mind that you will be exposed to heights on the steep edges along the ridge trail.

Upon completion, however, Al Aqa is in rewarding proximity to Sandy Beach, where you can enjoy food, hotels, and the seaside afterwards if you desire.

Al Aqa, or “The Pearl of the East Coast”, strikes the perfect balance between land and sea. As you set off in the early hours, you’ll certainly energize your typical morning routine as you keep up the pace and endurance on this challenging ascent. Forewarning, the exhilarating ridge trail isn’t for the faint of heart as you will be exposed to some heights on the steep edges along the way.

The trail’s proximity to Sandy Beach and Snoopy Island lends itself perfectly to a post-hike swim. After the hike, you’ll have certainly earned that little extra time for some sun and relax!