Kholaiban Dam Hike

The Kholaiban Dam Hike is a 7 km loop with 250 m of elevation gain around Kholaiban Dam in Masfout, Ajman, graded Beginner Plus. Masfout is a small mountain exclave of Ajman near Hatta, and this loop explores the hills around a dam close to the Oman border. You may also see it spelled Khulaiban or Kolaiban.

Trail Highlights

• Good for: newer hikers with basic fitness who want a step up
• Best season: October to April
• Kholaiban Dam, built in 2002 to hold back flash floods and recharge groundwater
• Wadi Al Khulaiban, which drops from about 634 m to 332 m over 2.5 km
• Signposted Masfout hiking trails
• Hills close to the Oman border

What to Expect

The loop starts in the dam area and climbs into the surrounding hills on signposted trails before returning to the dam. How much water sits behind the dam depends on recent rain.

The dam area has camping huts and a play area, which make it an easy place to gather before and after the walk.

FAQs

Is there water at Kholaiban Dam?

It depends on recent rain. The dam was built to catch flash floods, so water levels rise and fall through the year.

Where is the Kholaiban Dam Hike?

In Masfout, a mountain exclave of Ajman near Hatta, close to the Oman border.

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes with good grip
• Sun protection, including a cap and sunscreen
• Spare clothes to change into after the hike
• Hygiene items
• Personal items you need for the day
• A portable charger for your phone
• Any personal medicine you take
• Optional: trekking poles

Meeting Point and Timing

Once you book, Trekaline creates a WhatsApp group for your trip and shares the meeting location, timing and all trip details there. The group is open for any questions you have before the hike.

• Water
• Snack Pack
• Certified First Aid Trail Guide
• Snack, Juices, and Soft Drinks
• Live Cooking BBQ Dinner