Masfout, Ajman

Set amidst the beautiful Hajar Mountains, Masfout, also known as Masfoot or Masfut, is a region in Ajman popular as a tourist attraction. Out of the various things to do in Ajman, this landlocked village is a chosen spot for hiking and off-road biking. Moreover, it has evolved into a family-favourite holiday destination offering a range of adventurous activities and scenic views. The region is located near Hatta, around 90 minutes away from the centre of Ajman.

• Masfout region is a holiday destination in Ajman
• Its land area spans across 86.59 square kilometres (33.43 square miles)
• According to 2017 consensus estimates, the total population of Masfout is 8,988
• The elevated altitude creates cooler temperatures in Masfout, Ajman throughout the year
• Masfoot is known for its fertile agricultural lands and high-quality marble

• A 90-minute drive from the city centre
• A popular tourist destination in Ajman
• Highlights include the Hajar Mountains backdrop
• Offers adventurous outdoor activities
• Many 3, 4 and 5-star resorts are under construction in the area

Relaxing environment, cool temperatures and breathtaking views of the mountains have turned Masfout into a popular holiday destination in Ajman. It makes for a vacay spot for most trekkers coming to the top hiking trails in the UAE including the Hajar Mountains. Also, considering the historical backgrounds of the tribes in the UAE, the community exudes rich cultural vibes. It is connected to Hatta through a road network so tourists can easily travel via cars and bikes.

The development is evolving gradually. Back in 2017, the construction of Masfout Heights was announced to boost the hotel and tourism industry in the emirate. Many projects launched since then are still in progress. The plan also includes adding more parks, games and sports areas, shops, a lakeside area and mosques to the location. The first phase of the project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2021.

Besides tourism development, the community aims to provide residential solutions. There will be standalone villas for those interested in buying properties in Masfoot. Plus, these villas and plots will be used to provide private space for those visiting the site during the holiday season.

Those looking for accommodation amidst the stunning Hajar Mountains can consider Masfout Mountain Resort. Some parts of the resort are developed and already operational. The total built-up area for this project is 986,528 square metres.

You can also find other hotel accommodations on the way to Hatta. These include JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Holiday Arabian Resort Masfout and Hatta Wadi Hub by Meraas.

Tourists usually enjoy road trips to Masfout. Biking through the route is also feasible. The village is a convenient 90-minute drive from Ajman via Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Street. Once you’re out of the mainland, turn right onto the Emirates Road and follow the Sharjah-Kalba Road to reach the valley, Masfout Ajman.

The village features many government facilities and municipal centres. Also, there’s a dedicated courthouse that was built back in 2017. A 13,500 square metre Waraqa Park surrounds the former home of H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.

Streets stretching from the outskirts of Masfut Ajman are dotted with pottery vendors. If you are heading back towards Ajman via the Dubai-Hatta Road, you will find Arabian Pottery on the right-hand side with a garden showcasing various cultural pots and wares. Some known grocery stores are also in the town from where you can grab snacks and water before going for the big hike on the top of mountains. Trekkers heading towards Hatta Camping spot can also shop for the essentials from these stores on the way.

Visitors and those residing in the villas can find a few shops and supermarkets in Masfoot. There are local grocery stores, fruit and vegetable vendors and stores such as Aswaaq Mart, Khalifa Al Badwai Market and Emirates Cooperative Society Superstore.

Muslim residents can visit Masfoot Grand Mosque. There’s another grand mosque near Masfout called Bin Ghalitah Masjid on Dubai-Hatta Road E44.

To cater to medical emergencies, there are two hospitals near Masfout. Sheikh Khalifa Hospital is a new facility in the vicinity. Another option is Hatta Hospital located near Hatta Hill Park.

Sayh Mudayrah is a densely populated village near Masfut. There are two more popular areas in proximity including Hatta and Al Wajajah.

A short drive from the emirate of Dubai and an intriguing spot in Hajjar Mountains, Hatta is a popular vacation destination. Its milder climate attracts the most tourists from Dubai. Moreover, its capital town is also called Hatta. The capital of Hatta is the centre of activities and is home to a reconstructed heritage village also named as Hatta Heritage Village. All hikers coming from Masfout also enjoy various fun adventures around here at Hatta Pools, Hatta Fort and the Hatta Dam.

Wajajah or Al Wajajah is one of the busiest ports of the Sultanate of Oman bordering the UAE. It is located in the Al Batinah division, also a 90-minute drive from Dubai. Emiratis and those tourists coming from the UAE will need a tourist visa to enter the Wajajah check-post.

Masfout village is home to the 18th Century Bin Sultan Mosque and the Masfout Fort. The fort can be spotted on the mountains above the village. It was restored in 1940 by H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid.

Built with stones, wood, mud and timber, Masfout Castle is located at the top of Al Hajar Mountains. A challenging trek up to the top during the day reveals picturesque views and is worth the effort. The castle is found on the northern borders of Masfout. It was built in the 19th century to protect the area from the bandits. The castle consists of two rooms and a gate, it was renovated by H.H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamid Al Nuaimi when he became the ruler of Ajman in 1947.

Masfout has a countryside loved by the visitors for relaxing strolls, mountain biking and wadi exploration. Further, plans are underway to attract more tourists by developing hotels, parks and an international airport in Ajman. Watersports at different beaches in the UAE remains as a top activity for locals and tourists alike. Similarly, those who visit Masfoot can experience kayaking at Hatta Dam.

To ease the cravings, one can find food trucks just off the main roundabout. There you can get SpongeBob burgers and french fries. Those looking for a quick caffeine fix can get a cup of Lavazza coffee at Fork in the Road. Another option is Surood Majbat serving authentic Emirati treats.

On the way to Hatta, you will find Chocolab on Dubai Hatta Road serving hot crepes, waffles, cakes and icecream. Those looking for something healthy can go for Acai bowls.

The drive from Ajman would be at least 90 minutes long and to view the castle, you will have to go hiking in the mountains. So, it is recommended that you keep enough snacks and water along with comfortable shoes and clothing.

Those planning to invest in the region will mostly find residential plots as of now. But there are a few ready villas in Masfut Ajman.

Masfoot is located in the emirate of Ajman, around 90 minutes away from the city centre.

Tourists usually prefer cars and bikes to travel from Masfut to Ajman. Further, taking Sharjah Kalba Road, you can reach the city centre in an hour or so.

• A 90-minute drive from the centre of Ajman
• Accessible from Dubai, Sharjah and Oman
• Located near the Hatta Hill Park