Port KhorFakkan is ranked as one of the largest cargo and container ports in the world. It is found on the Indian Ocean coast of the United Arab Emirates and along the Gulf of Oman. About a 3-hour drive from the cruise port are the country's largest cities: Sharjah (metropolitan population of approximately 1.4 million) and the port cities Dubai (capital) and Abu Dhabi on the Persian Gulf ( also known as the Persian Gulf).
The port's strategic location (on major east-west maritime trade routes) makes it preferable for cargo transportation and cruise passengers who need easy access to the UAE. Khor Fakkan has around 35,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates (after Fujairah).
The main landmark of the city is the Jabal Javi mountain. Nearby is the 4-star "Oceanic Hotel" (seaside resort). The Al Wurrayah Falls (waterfalls) lie about 4.5 km (3 ml) north of the resort.
The Rifaita Dam is another popular tourist attraction located in the mountains. It was built over a village. When the water is calm, you can see the roofs of flooded houses.
Sharjah Port Authority also manages Khalid Port (in Sharjah) and Mina Al Hamriya Port (in Dubai).
The list of other UAE cruise ports also includes Sir Bani Yas Island (private tourist destination for MSC and Costa cruise passengers).
In 2016, Sharjah and other cities in the UAE introduced a new (multiple entry) visa system that allows cruise ship passengers to visit multiple tourist destinations in the UAE with 1 permit. Previously, UAE visas were restricted to tourists arriving and departing the country on a cruise ship. The new visas allow tourists to travel to Dubai airport, board a cruise ship in Mina Rashid and sail to Abu Dhabi as well as other Arabian Gulf countries with a single visa instead of obtain 2 or 3 separate visas. The new visas are also cheaper (59 AUD) than the 96 hour Dubai visa (44 AUD).
Sharjah
Sharjah is the third largest and most populous city in the United Arab Emirates. It is part of the Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman (DSA) metropolitan area, with a total population of around 5.3 million people.
The emirate of Sharjah covers a total area of 2,600 km2 (1,000 ml2). It straddles the Arabian Peninsula and overlooks the Gulf of Perisan to the west and the Gulf of Oman to the east. The emirates also have some of the most stunning coastal areas in the United Arab Emirates. Today, Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the country.
In 1971, the Mubarak oil field (near the island of Abu Musa) was discovered. In 1981, reserves began to dwindle, a gas field was soon discovered on land.
In 1979 Sharjah's Khorfakkan Port, the first in the Middle East with a fully equipped container facility (Sharjah Container Terminal), was opened. The port offers all the necessary facilities for passenger and cargo ships that do not need to enter the Persian Gulf.
The emirate of Sharjah has modern design waterfront hotels, lakeside apartment complexes, restaurants, beautiful parks, lush gardens and well-maintained museums. The emirate is also known for its souks (open-air markets), which are among the best places in the region for bargain-hunters.
Khor Fakkan Cruise Terminal
Khor Fakkan cruise port is part of a large container cargo area. The port has a natural deep water channel. Free buses are provided to transfer cruise ship passengers to the port entrance, as walking is prohibited in the area.
At the entrance to the port are two souks (open-air markets), one for fish (open only in the morning) and another for fruit and vegetables. There is also a taxi rank. From there, the walking distance to the town center is about 20 minutes, along the corniche road and the beach.
Keep in mind that temperatures are generally high (there are no shaded areas on the course) and bathing suits are not permitted on the beach.
Opposite the cruise ship pier is a duty free shop and cafe with good WiFi coverage.
An $82 million project involved reclaiming over 150,000 m2 (1.6 million sq ft) to increase the port's cargo storage capacity (space increased to 450,000 m2 / 4.84 million sq ft) summer
