Al Suhub Rest House is one of Khorfakkan’s most impressive viewpoints, rising nearly 600 metres above sea level. Known as the “Cloud Lounge,” it offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city, mountains and the Gulf of Oman. Its modern design, café, lounges and family-friendly facilities make it a popular stop for travellers exploring Sharjah’s east coast.
- Overview of Al Suhub Rest House
- What makes Al Suhub Rest House special
- Routes, access and how to get there
- Entry fees, parking and timings
- Top things to do
- Al Suhub vs other viewpoints
- Nearby attractions
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Al Suhub Rest House at a glance
Al Suhub Rest House stands at the summit of Khorfakkan mountain and has quickly become one of the region’s signature attractions. It blends modern architecture with breathtaking scenery and offers visitors everything from dining to leisurely walks and family activities.
Location
It’s located in Alhawame Suburb, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| Feature | Details |
| Altitude | 580–600 metres above sea level |
| Location | Summit of Khorfakkan mountain, Sharjah |
| Best time to visit | Sunrise or sunset |
| Dining | Main restaurant, Fen Café |
| Facilities | Cloud Lounge, play area, prayer rooms, multipurpose hall |
| Access | Scenic mountain road or 3 km hiking trail from Al Rufaisah Dam |
What makes Al Suhub Rest House special
Al Suhub’s appeal lies in its dramatic elevation and unobstructed views. Often sitting above the clouds on cooler days, it offers visitors panoramic views stretching across Khorfakkan Bay, the Gulf of Oman, and the rugged Hajar Mountains. Inaugurated in July 2021 by the Ruler of Sharjah, the site has become a landmark for travellers and photographers exploring the east coast.
Architecture and design
The rest house is a saucer-shaped, two-storey building with a diameter of nearly 30 metres. Large glass facades wrap around the circular structure, offering uninterrupted views from every angle. The interior spaces are bright and modern, while the outdoor terraces offer mountain breezes and panoramic views.
Facilities and experiences
Al Suhub Rest House is more than a viewpoint. It offers a complete set of facilities designed to make the visit comfortable for families, tourists and road-trippers.
Dining
The main restaurant features indoor seating for 88 visitors and outdoor terrace seating for 48. Its menu includes a mix of Arabic and international options. A branch of Fen Café, part of the Sharjah Art Foundation, serves coffee and light bites with expansive balcony views.
Cloud Lounge
The central lounge area is popular for sunrise and sunset viewing, offering calm spaces to relax above the city.
Multipurpose Hall
A hall with a capacity of approximately 62 people can be used for events and gatherings.
Children’s Play Area
Families will find dedicated play zones suitable for young visitors.
Support Amenities
You’ll find prayer rooms, clean restrooms and other essential visitor services throughout the site.
Parking is located directly outside the complex and includes around 89 paid parking spaces. Free parking applies to diners who spend AED 50 or more.
Routes, access and how to get there
The rest house is reached via a scenic 5.6 km mountain road that winds up gentle inclines and a series of hairpin bends. The route begins near Khorfakkan Beach Park and the Khorfakkan Waterfalls along S104 (Rugaylat Road).
There is also a well-marked 3 km hiking trail from Al Rufaisah Dam, suitable for visitors who prefer an active ascent during cooler months.
Outdoor enthusiasts may also explore other hiking spots in the UAE while visiting the area.
Entry fees, parking and timings
Access to the viewpoint and surrounding areas is free, and the roads remain open 24 hours a day. However, parking is paid on site.
Parking rates:
- Weekdays: AED 10 per hour
- Weekends and public holidays: AED 20 per hour
- Two hours free with a purchase of AED 50 or more at Fen Café or the restaurant
While the area is accessible at all hours, the restaurant and café generally operate from 8 am to 10 pm.
If you’re planning a full-day trip, the Sharjah travel guide can help round out your itinerary.
Top things to do at Al Suhub Rest House
Visitors often spend anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours at the summit. Popular activities include:
- Enjoying sunrise or sunset views
- Having breakfast, lunch or coffee with elevated views
- Letting children play in the dedicated play area
- Photographing the coastline, mountains and cityscape
- Starting or ending a hike via Al Rufaisah Dam
- Relaxing in the Cloud Lounge’s quiet atmosphere
Al Suhub vs other Khorfakkan viewpoints
Here is how Al Suhub compares to other notable views in the area.
| Viewpoint | Altitude | Main Features | Access |
| Al Suhub Rest House | 580–600 m | Lounge, café, play area, panoramic views | Mountain road or hiking trail |
| Khorfakkan Waterfall | <100 m | Artificial waterfall, beachfront views | Roadside access |
| Al Rufaisah Dam Viewpoint | Mid-level | Reservoir, boat rides, picnic spaces | Car + short walk |
Nearby attractions
Khorfakkan offers several scenic stops that pair well with a visit to Al Suhub:
- Khorfakkan Waterfall: Stunning artificial waterfall at the mountain base
- Al Rufaisah Dam: A popular spot for kayaking, picnics and hiking
- Shees Park: A landscaped family destination with shaded walkways
- Khorfakkan Beach: A long stretch of sand with water sports and restaurants
Many visitors combine all four into a single East Coast day trip using the Khorfakkan attractions guide.
Key takeaways
Al Suhub Rest House is the highest public viewpoint in Khorfakkan, offering sweeping 360-degree views from nearly 600 metres above sea level. The site features a restaurant, Fen Café, the Cloud Lounge, children’s play areas, prayer rooms and a multipurpose hall. Whether arriving by car or hiking from Al Rufaisah Dam, visitors can enjoy sunrise, sunset, and year-round scenery, along with easy access to nearby attractions such as the Khorfakkan Waterfall, Shees Park, and the dam.
FAQ
Sunrise and sunset are the best times, as they offer cooler temperatures and clear views.
Entry is free. Parking is AED 10 per hour on weekdays and AED 20 per hour on weekends and public holidays. Dining at the café or restaurant may provide two hours of free parking.
Yes. There is a children’s playground, family dining areas and plenty of open viewing spaces.
Drive along S104 (Rugaylat Road) toward Khorfakkan Waterfalls, then follow the signs up the mountain. A marked hiking trail also starts from Al Rufaisah Dam.
A restaurant, Fen Café, Cloud Lounge, prayer rooms, multipurpose hall, play area, restrooms, and parking.
