A complete guide to Al Khan Beach

A 600-metre lively stretch along Sharjah’s western coast, Al Khan Beach is one of the best beachfront developments in the emirate. It also bags the honour of being the first public beach to open in Sharjah.

While it offers a spectrum of exciting as well as relaxing activities, the blissful beachfront is lined with dozens of beach hotels, making it a popular waterfront spot for tourists and vacationers. So, pack up and head down to this sandy oasis in the prime area of Al Khan.

Things to do at Al Khan Beach

While the beaches in Dubai are more popular amongst the tourists, Sharjah beaches are best for less crowded retreats in the UAE.

If you believe a day at Al Khan Sharjah Beach is limited to just getting some fresh air and a lot of Vitamin D, there’s so much more you are missing out on! Here is a round-up of all the fun things you can do at Al Khan Beach in Sharjah:

Play sports

This Sharjah beach is similar to a large playground offering everyone’s favourite beach activities on a sandy surface.

Volleyball and beach tennis courts are the two main sports facilities. They are great for people who enjoy some sand between their toes as they ramp up the competition and beach fun with their friends for a round or two of volleyball, tennis and soap football games.

Indulge in water activities

If you are feeling more adventurous, there are a lot of attractions you can explore at Al Khan beach.

As it is packed with various beach attractions designed for sports enthusiasts, this beach in Sharjah is best for those who love indulging in some thrilling fun in the water. The following list of popular water-based activities on the beach will prepare you for an adventurous and unforgettable retreat.

• Swimming
• Kayaking
• Kite surfing
• Parasailing
• Banana boat ride
• Flyboarding 

Glide through the waters on this popular kayaking spot or indulge in a range of motorised activities to cruise along Sharjah’s western coastline.

Calling out to all those who crave some adrenaline rush, jet skiing in Al Khan beach is also considered one of the most daring beach activities in the region.

However, to maximise the safety of the beach-goers, a rescue centre and several lifeguard patrols have been set up at the beach.

Also known as an ideal surf spot, this beach in Sharjah is frequently visited by those who want to learn surfing and hit the waves.

If you need rentals for your beach sports activity, you can get them from the G20 Beach Sports shop that is conveniently located on the beach. 

Get lost in a book

Forgot to toss your favourite book in your bag? Chances are, you will find a great beach read that you won’t want to put down, thanks to the Al Khan Beach library. It is one of the reasons that makes Al Khan a favourite beach spot in Sharjah. 

Backed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), this mobile beach library is a part of the first phase of the Sharjah Global Book Capital 2019 initiative that invites beachgoers to explore the fascinating world of reading.

During its launch, the library at Al Khan Sharjah Beach boasted more than a hundred titles in multiple languages. It now has a larger and more impressive collection of books and novels that cover various topics while catering to different interests and age groups. 

Entertain kids

All you need to have a fun beach day with your family is some imagination, willingness to get a little messy in the mud, and perhaps, handy tools like a bucket and a shovel.

For kids and adults alike, there is nothing quite like a classic activity of building a sandcastle. For other fun-filled activities on the beach, allow your kids to get creative with a game of ‘sand Pictionary’. This involves drawing an object in the sand and letting others guess what has been drawn. There are also multiple slides in a small playground for kids at this beach in Al Khan.

Dine or go picnicking

If you plan to spend a whole day at the beach, it is wise to bring your own picnic meal. For refreshments, there is a beach-side café that offers a variety of juices and snacks. Just on a five-minute walk, a seafood restaurant called Sammach serves splendid delicacies such as clam chowder, crumbled calamari, hammour sayadieh, lobster thermidor, etc. The average price for two persons is AED 240 at Sammach. 

What are other facilities at Al Khan beach?

• Beachgoers benefit from standard amenities at Al Khan Sharjah Beach such as showers, toilets and covered changing rooms
• Visitors can also rent beach towels, sun loungers and beach umbrellas that will come handy for swimmers and sun-bathers. 
• There are two mosques near Al Khan Beach at a stone’s throw away. One is Al Khan Mosque close to the Sharjah Aquarium and the other is Suhail Ibn Dabbas Mosque at the southern end. 
• Visitors can use one of the two options for parking at Al Khan Beach. They can park for free outside the beach premises. However, during peak hours when finding a parking space is an issue, they can opt to park their cars within the premises by paying a certain parking fee. 

How to access Al Khan Beach?

The entrance is completely free. The best way to access Al Khan Beach is to drive by car or any private transportation because no public transport service caters to that area.

What is the best time to visit Al Khan Beach?

Al Khan Beach is open for visitors from sunrise till sunset.

Although the beach is open to them throughout the week, the best days to visit for families is Friday and Saturday.

This is because singletons are excluded from entering Al Khan Beach over the weekends. 

Which are the best hotels near Al Khan Beach?

If you are looking for an affordable yet ideal option for your staycation near Al Khan Beach, you can go for Emirates Stars Hotel Apartments that is approximately a five-minute walk away.

It offers casual yet chic 1 and 2-bed hotel apartments that come with amenities like a kitchen, balcony, a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. 

Ranging from affordable to high-end lodgings, other hotels near Al Khan Beach include Al Seef Hotel, Al Bustan Hotel, Lavender Hotel Sharjah, Occidental Sharjah Grand, Sharjah Beach Hotel and Sharjah Carlton Hotel. 

Certainly, spending a day at this beach is one of the best free things to do in Sharjah. Now that you have all the information about Al Khan Beach location, activities and nearby hotels, pack your shades, sunscreen and beach hat and visit this family-friendly spot in Sharjah. Nothing compares to the gorgeous coastal retreat that is more than just sea, sun, sand and fresh breeze. Similarly, these popular beaches in Sharjah such as Khorfakkan and Al Fisht guarantee you a blissful balmy summer in the emirate.

If you are willing to drive to a beach destination, Dibba Beach Fujairah is an excellent option. There are plenty of choices when it comes to beaches in the UAE.