Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan is a city and exclave of the Emirate of Sharjah, located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), facing the Gulf of Oman, and geographically surrounded by the Emirate of Fujairah.
The city, the second largest on the east coast after Fujairah City, is set on the bay of Khor Fakkan, which means “Creek of Two Jaws”. It is the site of Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in the UAE. The Port of Khor Fakkan faces the Emirate of Sharjah’s eastern seaboard, extending connections with Asia and the Far East. This port is one of the Emirate’s three ports.
It is also a popular spot among domestic tourists due to its white sand beaches and coral reefs that attract many marine life enthusiasts. Khor Fakkan beach lies to the north of the center of the town.
History of Khor Fakkan
Khorfakkan boasts a rich history of human habitation, evident from archaeological findings such as post holes indicating the presence of traditional barasti huts, reminiscent of those discovered at Tell Abraq dating back to the 3rd to 1st millennium BC. Excavations conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Museum team have unveiled 34 graves and a settlement dating to the early to mid-2nd millennium BC, clustered on rocky outcrops overlooking the harbor.
By the 16th century, Khorfakkan had evolved into a village surrounded by flourishing gardens and farms, as noted by Duarte Barbosa in 1500. It gained strategic significance when it was captured by the Portuguese Empire under the command of General Afonso de Albuquerque, earning the moniker Corfacão. Positioned as part of a series of fortified cities, including Muscat, Sohar, and Hormuz, Khorfakkan played a crucial role in the Portuguese efforts to control access to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
At the beginning of the 16th century, Khorfakkan and its port were fortified with a substantial wall facing the land, effectively sealing off the gorge in the mountain range parallel to the coast, thereby securing communication routes with the interior. This imposing structure featured a solitary gate defended by a tower and served as a formidable defense against potential tribal incursions.
Geography and climate
Khor Fakkan lies on the east coast of the UAE, between the Indian Ocean and the Shumayliyyah or Western Hajar Mountains. The bay of Khor Fakkan is north-east facing and is protected from prevailing winds by a jetty serving the container terminal. Tourism is well developed thanks to sandy beaches and the coral reefs that attract many divers. Khor Fakkan Beach lies to the north of the center of the town.
From November to April Khor Fakkan is sunny and warm during the day; the evenings are cool and humidity low. Daytime temperatures range from 18 to 30 °C (64 to 86 °F). One may expect rain and tropical storms between January and March. The climate warms from May to September with the high temperature at noon in July and August reaching 40 °C (104 °F). The nights too are warm, with the temperature reaching 36 °C (97 °F), with high humidity.
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