Hanging Gardens of Kalba: Your Complete Guide to Sharjah's Stunning Mountainside Park

If you've been scrolling through Instagram and spotting lush green terraces, cascading waterfalls, and mountain views that don't look like they belong in the UAE, chances are you've been looking at the Hanging Gardens of Kalba. Tucked into the mountainside along the Sharjah-Kalba Road, this sprawling park has quickly become one of the most talked-about weekend destinations in the country since it opened in March 2024.

Spanning 1.6 million square feet and sitting 281 metres above sea level, the Hanging Gardens blend terraced landscaping, over 100,000 trees, and a 55-metre artificial waterfall into something that feels genuinely different from anything else you'll find in the Emirates. It's not a theme park, it's not a mall — it's an actual mountainside garden with clean air, bird sounds, and the kind of quiet you forget exists when you live in a city.

Here's everything you need to know before making the drive.

Where Exactly Is It?

The Hanging Gardens are located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road (S/E102), just before the Al Heyar Tunnel if you're driving east from Sharjah. The address sits in the Alhafia area of Kalba, on the east coast of Sharjah.

From Dubai, you're looking at roughly 90 minutes behind the wheel. From Sharjah city centre, it's about 45 minutes. The drive itself is scenic once you hit the mountain roads, so it doesn't feel like a slog.

There are two entry points to be aware of. The first exit takes you to the upper parking area and comes just before the Al Heyar Tunnel. The second exit, after the tunnel, brings you to the lower area near the main entrance. If you're coming from the east coast side — say from Fujairah or Khorfakkan — you'll take the mountain road heading west past the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, exit at the Al Hefaiyah Lake roundabout, and follow the old Kalba Road up.

Google Maps: Search for "Kalba Hanging Gardens" and it'll come up directly on the E102.

Entry Fee and Tickets

The entry fee is AED 5 per adult and AED 2 per child. There are no advance bookings or online tickets needed — you simply pay at the gate. For what you get, it's an absurdly good deal.

Parking: Read This Before You Go

This is where most first-time visitors trip up, so pay attention.

There are 262 parking spaces split across an upper and lower level. Parking is paid and managed through the Mawqef app (or the Prkn app). The meter starts ticking the moment you enter, including while you're searching for a spot, so don't dawdle.

Here's the tip that'll save you money: park at the upper level. Multiple visitors have reported that the upper parking area charges less per hour compared to the main entrance lot. The lower lot near the main entrance also fills up fast — especially after 4 PM on weekends. If you're planning a Friday or Saturday visit, try to arrive by 3 PM at the latest to avoid a parking headache.

The park also has designated disabled parking spots and electric vehicle charging stations.

Opening Hours

The gardens are open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). Some sources suggest the park is accessible around the clock, but the official operating hours listed by Visit Sharjah run from early morning to midnight.

The sweet spot for visiting is late afternoon — you arrive with enough daylight to explore, catch the sunset from the upper terraces, and then see the waterfall lit up after dark. Morning visits are best if you want the place mostly to yourself.

What's Actually There

The Waterfall

The centrepiece, and the thing you've definitely seen photos of. This artificial waterfall cascades 55 metres down the mountainside across multiple levels before collecting in a small lake at the bottom. It's engineered, yes, but sitting near it is genuinely cooling and calming. The sound of the water drowns out everything else. After sunset, it's illuminated with coloured lighting.

The Terraced Gardens and Vertical Gardens

Over 54 species of plants and flowers are arranged across agricultural-style terraces that climb the mountainside. The vertical gardens, located along the staircases on either side of the waterfall, are a highlight — walls of greenery that make the climb feel less like exercise and more like walking through something out of a Miyazaki film.

Hiking and Mountain Trails

There are three mountain climbing routes with varying difficulty levels. The trails wind through the terraces, past waterfalls and flower beds, all the way up to viewpoints that offer panoramic views across the gardens and the Sharjah-Kalba road below. The view from the top is worth the effort.

A word of caution: The gardens involve a lot of stairs. If you or anyone in your group has knee problems or breathing difficulties, the climb can be tough. The lower areas are fully wheelchair accessible with sloped paths, but the upper trails are stairs-heavy.

Running Track

A 760-metre running track loops through the park. It's well maintained and surprisingly pleasant for a jog — you're surrounded by greenery at elevation, which beats any treadmill.

Skatepark

A dedicated 24,000 square foot skatepark with separate sections for beginners, children, and experienced skaters. It's one of the few proper skateparks on the east coast.

Excursion Train

If walking isn't your thing — or you've got younger children — a mini train runs along an 820-metre track through the gardens with multiple stops at key attractions. It seats up to 55 passengers and is a relaxed way to see the whole park without tiring yourself out.

Children's Play Areas

The play areas are divided into three sections based on age group, with slides, swings, and climbing equipment. Adults get benches nearby, and the landscaping creates semi-private pockets so families can have their own space.

Amphitheatre

A small amphitheatre hosts occasional performances during events like National Day. Worth checking their Instagram for any scheduled events before your visit.

Where to Eat

You've got two proper restaurant options on-site, plus a cafeteria for lighter bites.

La Brasserie sits at the top of the gardens, 270 metres above sea level. It accommodates around 100 guests and offers panoramic views across three sides of the gardens. Getting there means a decent climb, but the views are the payoff. It serves French-inspired cuisine — think croissants, soups, and steaks.

Habib Beirut is the circular building right in the centre of the gardens at the lower level — no hiking required. It's a Lebanese restaurant seating 215 guests, with full windows that give views of the gardens from every angle. Expect kebabs, hummus, fattoush, and grilled meats. It's solid, no-frills Middle Eastern food in a beautiful setting.

There's also a cafeteria offering light meals, coffee, and snacks near the lower area.

Outside food is allowed, so packing a picnic is a perfectly valid option. There are designated picnic areas with tables and benches throughout the park.

Important Rules

• No BBQ. Barbecuing is not permitted anywhere in the gardens.
• No pets. This is a Sharjah-wide rule for public parks and green spaces.
• No smoking shisha. Again, a Sharjah-wide policy for public spaces.
• Dress respectfully. Kalba is a quieter, more conservative part of the UAE. Cover up appropriately.
• Outside food is allowed. Bring your own snacks or a full picnic if you like.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the ideal window. The cooler weather makes the hiking and outdoor exploration significantly more comfortable. During peak summer, the heat at this elevation can be punishing — multiple visitors specifically warn against June to September visits.

Within the day, late afternoon is the winner. You get golden hour light for photos, pleasant temperatures, and the chance to see the waterfall illuminated after sunset.

Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days. If you can swing a weekday visit, you'll have a much quieter experience.

Facilities

The park is well equipped with the basics:

• Restrooms throughout the park
• Prayer rooms for both men and women
• Wheelchair-accessible paths in the lower garden areas
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Free Wi-Fi in select areas

How to Make a Full Day of It

The Hanging Gardens alone will keep you occupied for two to three hours. But since you're already making the 90-minute drive from Dubai, it makes sense to turn it into a proper east coast day trip. Here's what's nearby:

Al Hefaiyah Lake is essentially across the road from the gardens on the old Kalba Road. It's a mountain reservoir with hiking trails, boat rides, and picnic areas — and it's free to enter.

Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is a few kilometres down the road. It's an indoor-outdoor facility housing Arabian tahrs, leopards, caracals, wolves, and various reptiles. Entry is AED 25 for adults, free for children under 12. It's mostly air-conditioned inside, making it a good option for the warmer part of the day.

Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is another short drive away and features live falconry demonstrations, eagles, owls, and vultures. Entry is AED 15 for adults, free for children under 12. Closed on Mondays.

Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre offers kayaking through mangrove forests and a chance to spot the rare Arabian collared kingfisher. It's one of the most unique natural experiences in the UAE.

Kalba Corniche Park is right on the beach and makes for a pleasant wind-down after a day of hiking and gardens.

Fen Café at the mangroves is worth a stop for lunch or coffee with views over the water.

Getting There Without a Car

Public transport options to Kalba are limited. You can take a bus from Sharjah to Kalba and then arrange a taxi, but realistically, this is a destination that's best reached by car. If you don't have your own, consider a ride-share arrangement or one of the tour operators that offer East Coast day trips.

Quick Reference

Final Thoughts

The Hanging Gardens of Kalba is one of those rare UAE attractions that doesn't try to be the biggest, tallest, or most extreme version of something. It's just a genuinely beautiful mountainside garden with good facilities, incredible views, and an AED 5 entry fee. The drive from Dubai is long enough to feel like you've gone somewhere, and the east coast setting — mountains, clean air, the quiet — makes it feel like a different country entirely.

Whether you're going with the family, looking for a photography outing, or just want to break the routine of malls and brunches, the Hanging Gardens are absolutely worth your weekend.

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