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What better outdoor entertainment can you find here
all year around, at close proximity and at no expense!
Whether to swim in the clear waters on either coast
or to spend a few hours beach combing and building sand
castles, everyone comes away relaxed. The sun can be
deceptively strong, so hats, sun cream and UV protection
suits are a must at any time of the year. Dogs are not
allowed on many 'in town' beaches so if you have a family
pet watch out for signs prohibiting their access.
Occasionally,
due to the beach configuration and man made breakwaters,
eddies and undercurrents do occur. The only advice is
to go with the flow, don't fight it, as the currents
are very localized. There is very little sea life that
will harm you on the Arabian Gulf coast but look out
for colored jelly fish at certain times of the year
(September/October in particular) and the odd ray which
basks in the shallow waters. Stamp your feet as you
walk into the sea and most rays will glide away out
to sea. On the East coast, one should take more care,
as in addition to the jelly fish and rays, camouflaged
Stone Fish plus sea urchins occur in the rocky waters
and Cone Shells (look for the diamond shaped pattern)
in the Musandam area, all of which can cause serious
problems. Dress restrictions do apply on the Sharjah
beaches and ladies should be suitable attired.
Some
of the beaches are
Al
Khan Lagoon:
The
middle lagoon between Sharjah and Dubai has no boat
or jet ski restrictions so it is popular with both water
and jet skiers. Mornings tend to be quiet and relaxing
and the afternoons are active. The beach may be littered
by the sea is generally clean and refreshing and the
dress code more relaxed.
Al
Khan Beach:
Al
Khan beach stretches from the old village of Al Khan
to Layyeh power station. The beach between Lou'Lou'a
hotel and the power station has been fenced off with
no access for vehicles so you have to carry your gear
to this safe, gently shelving shore.
Corniche
Beach:
The
sandy palm lined corniche beach runs from the Sharjah
Women's Club all the way to Coral Beach Hotel. Parking
is available alongside the beach and dress restrictions
do apply here. Currents can occur and the beaches carry
warnings to this effect.
Hamriyah
Lagoon:
Visible
from the road to Ras Al Khaimah by Hamriyah Free Zone,
this protected lagoon is frequented by jet and water
skiers and windsurfers.
Khor
Fakkan:
The
Oceanic Hotel's beach is really the only beach in the
town and the hotel charges to use its facilities. Along
the coast there are many beautiful rocky outcrops with
sandy beaches to stop off for a quick dip or spend the
day and have a barbecue. Camp sites are also readily
available.
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