Masafi - Ras Al Khaimah
HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT MASAFI
Situated between the borders of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, Masafi is a village found on the outskirts of the Hajar Mountains. It can be reached via the Al Dhaid – Masafi Road (E88). This town holds fame for being the leading producer of mineral water in the UAE. The regions within this area are shared by both Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah emirates.
Despite its predominantly undeveloped state, Masafi is home to a small number of apartment buildings and villas, with the latter being particularly favored by tourists. Additionally, Masafi is renowned for housing the historic Masafi Fort, an attraction that draws in numerous visitors. Traveling from Masafi to Fujairah city typically takes around 30 minutes, while reaching Ras Al Khaimah city may require approximately an hour. Notably, the village boasts its own football club known as the Masafi Sports Club, which competes in the UAE First Division League. Approximately 20 minutes away from town lies the popular destination of Masafi Friday Market.
IN A NUTSHELL
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Located in the central and arid region of the United Arab Emirates, Masafi in Ras Al Khaimah consists of villa residences, low-rise apartment complexes, as well as a limited number of dining establishments and essential facilities including a medical center, schools, and government structures.
Masafi Village, which was previously a trading post and refuelling stop during the 1970s, gained significance due to the construction of highways in the UAE. Notably, the village is located next to major routes like the E88 and E89 highways.
Renowned for its natural springs, the town has gained recognition as the leading producer of pure mineral water in the nation. Masafi, translating to 'pure water', aptly reflects the town's identity as a prominent supplier of bottled mineral water. Situated within Ras Al Khaimah's jurisdiction, the bottling facility covers an extensive area of 250,000 sq. m. and lies in the northern region of the village.
PROPERTIES IN MASAFI
Houses, apartments, and other types of real estate available in Masafi are as follows:
There are various types of villas offered in different arrangements and they have gained popularity among tourists. These villas come equipped with a wide range of amenities, appliances, furniture, and other necessary items. The utilities for these villas are provided by FEWA.
HOTELS NEAR MASAFI
There are a plethora of upscale resorts and hotels located in the nearby regions, particularly along the eastern coastline. Some notable establishments close to Masafi include:
All the resorts and hotels mentioned can be reached by car in a 30 to 35-minute drive. The Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa is a luxurious resort with a four-star rating. Here, you can relax on a private beach while taking in the breathtaking views of the Hajar Mountains. On the other hand, the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort is an even more upscale option with five stars. Situated in Dibba's coastal area amidst the stunning valleys of Al Hajar Mountains, this resort offers an unforgettable experience.
Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, a 4-star establishment located 40 minutes from Fujairah city, provides guests with a rooftop bar showcasing picturesque views of Snoopy Island. Additionally, it offers convenient access to Sandy Beach and the Sandy Beach Driving Centre. Nour Arjaan by Rotana, situated approximately 4 kilometers from the Gulf of Oman, presents hotel apartments along with an array of services including desert safaris, golf excursions, and fishing opportunities.
Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort and Nour Arjaan by Rotana rank among the finest accommodations in Fujairah for organizing a short escape.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING IN MASAFI
The city consists of expansive areas that are easily accessible for street parking. Residential estates feature houses with either garages or compounds, allowing multiple cars to be accommodated simultaneously.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEAR MASAFI
Residents of Masafi have access to buses and taxis as part of the public transportation system in Ras Al Khaimah, ensuring convenient options for traveling within the area.
Currently, the sole bus station in Masafi is known as Masafi, Police Station Bus Station. This particular facility operates the E700 Bus, also referred to as the Dubai to Fujairah Bus, which commences its journey from Union Square Station in Dubai and terminates at Fujairah Bus Station. Moreover, Masafi's Police Bus Station holds significant appeal among individuals seeking public taxis.
There is another bus station that caters to this route called Masafi, Friday Market Bus Station. Situated on Al Dhaid – East Coast Road, it can be reached in approximately 10 minutes by car from the central area of Masafi.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
SUPERMARKETS IN MASAFI
Masafi is home to several supermarkets such as:
In the town, locals have the option to visit smaller supermarkets and grocery stores for their daily shopping needs. An ample hypermarket called Al Aswaaq Hypermarket offers a diverse range of products such as appliances, electronics, personal care items, hygiene essentials, toiletries, and even toys.
In addition, the Al Safeer Centre is situated in Hayawa, Khorfakkan and spans across two levels. Like numerous hypermarkets found in the UAE, it offers an extensive selection of products that encompass daily essentials as well as non-food items.
MOSQUES IN MASAFI
Muslims can go to the mosques in Masafi for prayer, such as:
OTHER PLACES OF WORSHIP NEAR MASAFI
There are several churches accessible by car in the Fujairah region that cater to Christians.
Located a mere 34 minutes away, the Good Shepherd AG Tamil Church in Fujairah offers its services. Alternatively, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church can be reached within a 48-minute drive and conducts masses in Malayalam, English, and Tamil languages as well. This Catholic establishment not only serves as a place of worship but also accommodates the 'Office of Care' which operates under the guidance of Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA).
SCHOOLS NEAR MASAFI
In Masafi, there is a diverse selection of public and government schools available to the community. Some of these educational institutions in town are:
To reach private schools in the vicinity of Masafi, expect a travel time ranging from 32 to 34 minutes. A few examples of these private educational institutions are:
Both Al Sabah Indian Private School and Eminence Private School adhere to the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. To access Al Sabah Indian Private School, head west on Al Dhaid – Masafi Road (E88), while Eminence Private School can be reached via the E89 highway.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS NEAR MASAFI
Masafi Village exclusively houses Masafi Hospital, a governmental multi-specialty hospital with 42 beds. One can access alternative hospitals in close proximity to Masafi by embarking on a drive lasting anywhere from 26 to 34 minutes.
Located just 26 minutes away is Khorfakkan Hospital, a government hospital that holds international health accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI). Similarly, Al Dhaid Hospital and Dibba Hospital are also government hospitals. On the other hand, Al Maliha Medical Centre is a private medical facility offering comprehensive healthcare services including eye care, GP clinics, dental services, and investigational facilities.
NEARBY AREAS
The neighboring regions consist of similar underdeveloped villages, comprising of low-rise apartment buildings and villas. Due to its central location between the border of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, the immediate vicinity of Masafi falls within the emirate of Fujairah.
There are several neighboring locations in the vicinity.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
MALLS NEAR MASAFI
Due to the absence of a mall in the town, residents will need to travel to malls located in the eastern regions, like:
Located in the neighborhood, Souq Al Mirqab is a mall offering a limited range of stores. Spanning approximately 30,429 sq. ft., Souq Extra Murhab houses 14 retail tenancies and features a LuLu Express Supermarket. Both malls can be conveniently reached within a drive of around 30 to 32 minutes.
You can reach both Fujairah Mall and City Centre Mall by driving for approximately 30 minutes. With 81 stores spread across two levels, Fujairah Mall offers a variety of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment, establishing itself as one of the leading malls in Fujairah. This mall houses renowned brands such as Mango, Arabian Oud, Sephora, among others.
Covering an area of 34,000 sq. m., City Centre Fujairah accommodates a total of 105 retail establishments. In addition to the presence of Carrefour Hypermarket, the mall boasts numerous dining options including cafes and fast food chains like Burger King, Texas Chicken, KFC, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, and Nando's.
RESTAURANTS IN MASAFI
Masafi boasts a wide array of dining options, encompassing everything from cozy food stalls to well-established restaurants. Among the culinary offerings available are:
The Qasar Masafi Restaurant is a Yemeni establishment known for its high-quality Mandi cuisine. Candy, on the other hand, offers an array of desserts, drinks, and fast food options at their café. When it comes to fast food specifically, both Al Minhali Restaurant & Cafeteria and Rashed Ali Cafeteria specialize in this type of fare. Hareesa Kitchen is a popular Emirati eatery renowned for their dishes such as harees, gulgula, and pakore. Lastly, Al Raihan Chicken focuses on fried chicken but also offers various other items on their menu.
BEACHES NEAR MASAFI
By heading eastward, people can reach numerous beaches in Fujairah, all situated at a distance of over half an hour.
Khorfakkan Beach, which can be reached within a 30-minute drive, is the nearest beach. Although it falls under the jurisdiction of Sharjah emirate, it is conveniently close to Fujairah. This beach operates around the clock and offers ample opportunities for engaging in various water sports activities. To secure your spot, you can pre-book with numerous touring companies that are available to assist you.
Located just a 36-minute drive away from Sambraid Park, Sambraid Beach provides ample opportunities for leisurely picnics, barbecues, and hassle-free camping experiences. Additionally, visitors can indulge in dhow cruises at this exquisite beach, solidifying its standing as one of Fujairah's finest coastal destinations.
Famous for its calm waves, Qidfa Beach is also a less crowded option in the area and can be reached in just 36 minutes. It even features a dedicated children's play zone and is perfect for leisurely strolls or morning workouts. Situated on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah Beach is only 46 minutes away. The Hilton Fujairah Hotel lies at the southern tip of this beach, while the nearby Fujairah International Marine Club adds to its appeal.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Situated in the town, Masafi Fort is a historical structure from the 19th century that was constructed to safeguard the oasis. Serving as a significant landmark for connecting both sides of Al Hajar Mountains through the road, this fort has attracted interest from local and international visitors since its restoration in 2012.
If you venture beyond, there are a few notable landmarks in the vicinity of Masafi that can be discovered.
One appealing feature of living in the region is the close proximity to various Wadis in Fujairah and Al Ras Al Khaimah. A prime example is Wadi Siji, a valley that boasts breathtaking sights of pristine streams and pools, just a short 20-minute drive away. In addition to housing the magnificent Wadi Siji Dam, this wadi also borders several farms. Another noteworthy option is Wadi Ham, which can be reached via the E89 highway in just 19 minutes.
Located just a short 21-minute drive from town, Al Bithnah Fort has a rich history dating back to 1735. This well-preserved structure was originally built to safeguard the residents of Al Bithnah Village during times of conflict between the area's primary tribes.
Al Bithnah Fort, one of the oldest historical landmarks in the UAE, underwent restoration in 2012 and is accessible via the primary E89 highway. It offers a range of enjoyable activities to explore in Fujairah.
The Al Bidyah Mosque, a historical site reachable within a 40-minute drive, dates back to the 15th century and is famously referred to as the Ottoman Mosque. Situated in Fujairah's Dibba district, this ancient mosque holds the distinction of being one of the oldest in the UAE. Presently, it remains an active place of worship where daily prayer gatherings take place as well.
The Al Bidyah Mosque stands out for its distinctive architectural features, showcasing a blend of stones and burnt mud. Additionally, the interior displays elements of Islamic architecture including beautifully adorned vaultings, square windows, and four arches that partition the space into unequal sections.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
For those with a passion for outdoor exploration, there are opportunities to partake in hiking or explore the numerous wadis within the vicinity. This locale offers a tranquil environment, shielded from the commotion of urban life, allowing visitors to embrace nature's essence.
In the vicinity of Masafi's established communities, there are numerous small parks. One of these is Al Metalaa Park, situated in Khorfakkan, Sharjah, and can be reached by a 33-minute drive. This park serves as an excellent spot to organize barbecues, have family picnics or simply relish the pleasant climate. It boasts play areas for children and is conveniently located across from Khorfakkan Beach.
If you're looking for a place to engage in intense workouts and comprehensive fitness routines, Masafi Gym and Fitness is an excellent choice. Additionally, various gyms in Fujairah like Gold's Gym, Fitness 360, Fit Nation, and Kage Fitness are easily accessible within a 30 to 35-minute drive.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Masafi Friday Market is a well-liked spot among both tourists and locals due to its wide variety of stalls offering diverse products. Despite its name, the market operates every day of the week and houses numerous vendors from the region. Conveniently located approximately 20 minutes away from Masafi Village, it sits about 5 kilometers west of Masafi.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Masafi, located in the inland parts of the UAE, stands apart from bustling cities and coastal regions. This underdeveloped village lacks abundant choices for freehold properties. Nonetheless, it proves convenient for employees associated with Masafi company who can effortlessly travel to their plant on a daily basis.