Introduction
About the Beach of Al Khan and Its Unique Features
Do you want to have fun at the beach which has no crowds, like that of Dubai? Then, you definitely should visit Al Khan Beach Sharjah. It is a 600 meters long sandy beach located in the district of Al Khan and situated on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. It is the first public beach of the emirate and here you will get unique opportunities to have fun, engage in various activities and experience the authentic atmosphere of Emirati beach.
Why You Should Visit Al Khan Beach Sharjah from the List of UAE Beaches
Although the beaches of Dubai are much more popular among travelers in the reviews, the beaches of Sharjah have much better characteristics in terms of safety, atmosphere and cleanliness. At the beach of Al Khan you will be able not only to swim and have fun at the beach but also engage in various adventurous water sports, like jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, kayaking and other activities, as well as visit the nearby sights, like the Sharjah Aquarium or Sharjah Maritime Museum.
Location and How to Get There
Where the Al Khan Beach is Located (Al Khan District, Corniche Street, Al Khan Lagoon)
The beach of Al Khan is located in the district of Al Khan which is one of the oldest districts of Sharjah and is situated close to the sea coast. This beach stretches along the Al Khan Lagoon and is connected with Corniche Street and it is quite easy to reach the beach via car. Moreover, the beach is located nearby two major sights of Sharjah – Sharjah Aquarium and Sharjah Maritime Museum.
The Distance to Dubai, the Center of Sharjah, and Other Sights
One of the positive features of this beach is the location of it in the center of Sharjah. The distance to Downtown Dubai is 25 kilometres and therefore it will depend on the traffic situation how long it will take to get to the beach from Dubai. In case you are coming from the center of Sharjah, it will take you about 10 minutes to get to the beach, and according to some sources it will take about 15 minutes to get there from Dubai.
How to Get There: How to Get There via Car, Taxi, Public Transport
It will be quite easy to reach the beach by any transport. You can drive to the beach along Corniche Street or use taxi, specifying that the destination point is “Al Khan Beach” and it will take you about 10-15 minutes, depending on the location from which you are coming. You can use also the public transport and in this case you should use Bus №6 which goes from the center of Sharjah to the beach and it will take you about 20-30 minutes. Then, you should spend 5-10 minutes to walk to the beach. Moreover, some hotels have free shuttle services to get to the beach.
Parking Areas Nearby and Their Availability
There are parking areas near the beach where you can park your car, but in case you are coming to the beach during the weekend, it is better to come there earlier because the parking lots get crowded with the families which are coming to the beach to have fun.
History and Development
The Unique Status of the Beach as the First Public Beach of Sharjah
Long before the opening of other beaches, Al Khan Beach Sharjah became the first public beach of Sharjah and it has become the example of the further waterfront development in the emirate – comfortable and family oriented.
The Changes of the Beachfront Over the Years
From the time when the beach was opened until now,Al Khan Beach Sharjah has undergone a lot of changes. Initially it was the public beach and now it has become the beach with services, like separate zones for swimming, water sports center, lifeguard system and other family-oriented facilities.
Facilities and Infrastructure of the Beach
The Length and the Coastal Stretch of the Beach
Having the length of 600 meters, this beach offers a perfect combination of long and short beaches.
The Zones for Swimming and Safety
The zones for swimming are separated from the zones for water sports activities, and it is one of the most important features in terms of safety of the visitors. The parents who are visiting the beach with their kids will be able to relax, knowing that their kids can play and swim without risks to meet the kayakers or jet skiers.
Changing Rooms, Showers, Toilets
At this beach there are changing rooms, showers and toilets and it means that you will have an opportunity to get cleaned up there and you won’t have to spend additional time in the hotel for this purpose.
Shaded Seating Areas, Beach Chairs and Umbrellas
Even in case you don’t have beach chairs, you will have an opportunity to rent them at the beach. The price of it is 40 AED. Additionally, there are shaded seating areas at the beach.
Timings, Entry Fees, and Some Information for the Visitors
Opening and Closing Hours
The beach opens every day from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Generally speaking, the opening hours are the same both on the weekdays and weekends and on the most of holidays in Sharjah.
Entry Fees and Rental Costs (Beach Chairs, Umbrellas, Equipment)
Al Khan Beach Sharjah is the public beach and you don’t have to pay the entry fee. But you will have to pay for the renting of chairs or umbrellas and for the equipment of the water sports or lessons.
The Best Time of the Day and Seasons for Visiting
The morning hours will be the best for visiting the beach in case you want to have cooler weather and fewer crowds. In case you are visiting the beach during warm seasons, you should plan your visit in the morning or evening hours. You should also look through the weather forecast to be ready for the weather.
Water Sports and Adventure Activities
Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Flyboarding
If you want to feel the adrenaline, then the beach of Al Khan will suit you. One of the most popular water activities is jet skiing, and for those, who want to see the coastline of Sharjah from above, it will be nice to engage in parasailing. And flyboarding will suit you if you want to try something unusual.
Kayaking, Paddle Boarding
In case you prefer to relax and enjoy the water but nothing else, you can do kayaking – you can use either solo or tandem kayak. The other water activity is paddle board.
Surfing and Water-Skiing School
At the beach you can find the water skiing school and surfing lessons, which is nice if you want to try something new and are a beginner in such activities.
Banana Boat Rides and Water Activities for Groups
In case you are traveling in the group and you want to try something together, you can enjoy the banana boat rides.
Family-Oriented Facilities and Activities
Children’s On-Sand Playground
There is the on-sand playground with the slides for the young visitors of the beach. It is located nearby the main beach zone and the parents will have an opportunity to watch their kids while they are enjoying the beach.
Beach Volleyball and Sports Facilities
There are the recreational facilities like beach volleyball at the beach, which will be a nice choice for the group of friends or family who wants to compete a little bit.
The Facilities Suitable for the Elderly and Families
Besides the beach itself, another feature that will make you comfortable at the beach is the layout which is comfortable for the elderly and multi-generational families, not only young people.
Safety and Security of the Visitors
The Lifeguard Stations and Working of the Rescue Center
The Municipality of Sharjah pays special attention to the safety of the beach visitors and there is the rescue center at the beach. It provides several lifeguard patrols, which patrol the shoreline constantly.
The Solar-Powered and Air-Conditioned Lifeguard Facilities
What is unique about the beach of Al Khan is that it provides not only the safety, but the advanced system of safety – the facilities for the guards are solar-powered and air-conditioned and it enables the guards to control the water area constantly, even in the middle of the day.
The Quality of the Water and Safety Standards
The water at the Al Khan Beach Sharjah is considered to be clean and safe for swimming, including swimming of the children in the designated zones.
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Sights
Sharjah Aquarium: Walking Distance
This beach is connected with the one of the most popular attractions of Sharjah – the Sharjah Aquarium, which is located only a few minutes’ walk from the beach. It is the perfect opportunity to combine the visit of the beach with the sightseeing and if you are visiting the beach with the kids, they will be interested in the aquarium after being at the water.
The Importance of the Sharjah Maritime Museum
Just next to the Sharjah Aquarium there is another attraction of Sharjah – the Sharjah Maritime Museum, which tells about the maritime history of the emirate. It is a perfect addition to the beach visit for those who are interested in the local culture.
Other Beaches Nearby the Beach of Al Khan
Another beach which is situated just south of the beach of Al Khan is the Al Mamzar Beach, which is situated on the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
Dining and Food Options Nearby the Beach
Food Restaurants and Emirati Cuisine
If you want to enjoy the visit to the beach of Al Khan and taste the local cuisine, you can visit one of the nearby restaurants, like Al Seef Restaurant. It is famous for its grilled fish and dishes of the Emirati cuisine.
Various International Restaurants and Cafés
Besides, there are various restaurants with international cuisine nearby the beach, and you can choose whatever you prefer.
Beach Food Stalls and Availability of Refreshments
Besides the nearby restaurants, there are also beach food stalls where you can buy refreshments.
Options for Accommodation Near the Beach
Beach Hotels and Nearby Hotels
The beach of Al Khan is equipped with a lot of beach hotels and it is the reason of the popularity of this beach. In case you are visiting the beach as a tourist or vacationer, you can simply come to the beach from your hotel.
Shuttles to the Beach
In case you are staying in the hotel which is located a little bit far, you can use the shuttles to the beach. For example, there are such services to the beach of Al Khan in the hotel Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre which is located approximately 10-minute drive away.
Weather and Seasons for Visiting
The Climate throughout the Year
The climate of Sharjah, like the climate in the other Emirates, is characterized by the hot summer months and the mild winter months, and also the humidity increases during the warm season.
The Best Months for Visiting the Beach
The best period for the visit is the months from October to April, when the weather is cool. In case you want to visit the beach during the summer months, it is better to arrange your visit in the morning or evening hours, avoiding the hot period after noon.
Comparing Al Khan Beach Sharjah to the Others in the Emirate
Comparison to the Al Heera Beach
Being 600 meters long, the Al Heera Beach is significantly longer – it is 3.5 kilometers long. In case you want to have more freedom at the beach, it will be the best choice for you, but the compactness of the beach will enable you to have everything you need nearby.
Comparison of Al Khan to the Beaches of Dubai
Generally speaking, the beaches of Dubai attract more crowds and there are more facilities at them, but the beach of Al Khan enables to rest from the urban environment and at the same time engage in various activities at the beach and be close to the major sights of Sharjah.
Tips for Having an Unforgettable Stay
Useful Tips for First-Time Visitors
The early visit will be the best choice in order to avoid the heat and crowds and to check your chair and umbrella before using them. In case you are going to visit the nearby sights, keep in mind their schedules.
What You Can Take and What Not to Bring
The beach bag will be very useful for you in case you are visiting the beach – you can take the beach mat, sunscreen and water, especially if you are visiting the beach during the warm period. Also, it will be useful to take some spare clothes.
Efforts of the Municipality
The Work of the Municipality for Maintaining the Beach
The Sharjah Municipality makes efforts constantly in order to maintain the beach – from the rescue center and the lifeguard facilities to maintaining the cleanliness of the beach.
The Initiatives of the Sharjah Municipality for Making the Beach Clean and Sustainable
The visitors of the beach mentioned that it is always clean in spite of its popularity and the reason of it is the efforts made by the Municipality.
Conclusion
General Description of the Beach
The Al Khan Beach Sharjah offers all what you need for having an unforgettable visit at the beach. You will find everything you want to find there – golden sand, clean water, safety measures, water sports and much more. Whether you want to enjoy the excitement of jet skiing or simply need the place for yourself, the beach lives up to its billing as one of the best beaches in Sharjah.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the entry fees of Al Khan Beach Sharjah?
Al Khan Beach does not have an entry fee per se as it is a public beach; however, other services such as chair and umbrella rentals will be charged at a cost of approximately 40 AED, and for any water sports gear and lessons.
What are the opening hours of Al Khan Beach Sharjah?
Al Khan Beach operates from 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM each day, including weekends and most public holidays.
Is Al Khan Beach ideal for families with kids?
Yes, owing to the presence of specific swimming areas, the on-shore play area, lifeguard service, and even covered seating areas, Al Khan Beach is perfect for a family visit with young kids.
What is the distance ofAl Khan Beach Sharjah from Dubai?
Al Khan Beach is located approximately 25 kilometres away from Downtown Dubai, with some routes reducing the drive time to about 15 minutes.
What kind of water sports are provided at Al Khan Beach Sharjah?
Some of the activities that you may do in the water at the beach include jet skiing, parasailing, flyboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, water-skiing and even banana boat rides.
Are there lifeguards at Al Khan Beach Sharjah?
Yes, there are lifeguards on duty at this beach and they work from air-conditioned lifeguard posts that run on solar power.
Is parking space available atAl Khan Beach Sharjah?
Yes, but it is best to arrive early especially during weekends because of the crowds.
Read Also: Al Jadaf Metro Station Dubai
