The United Arab Emirates is best known for deserts and coastlines, but it also contains a surprising variety of waterways — from seasonal wadis to planned canals that shape cities and irrigation. Knowing their names and where they flow helps with travel, research, or land management in an arid region.
There are 30 Rivers in United Arab Emirates, ranging from Al Qasba Canal to Wadi Zikt. For each entry you’ll find below the data organized with columns: Emirate(s),Flow type,Notes (max 15 words). This gives a clear, comparable snapshot of location and behavior you’ll find below.
Which of these are natural rivers versus man-made canals?
Many entries are wadis — natural, often seasonal channels — while others are engineered canals or drainage channels. The Flow type column in the list marks perennial, seasonal, or artificial to help you distinguish them quickly.
When is the best time to see flows or visit these waterways?
Seasonal wadis usually flow after winter rains, so visit in cooler months or after storms; urban canals and marina channels are accessible year-round, with safety and access rules varying by emirate.
Rivers in United Arab Emirates
| Name | Emirate(s) | Flow type | Notes (max 15 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Creek | Dubai | tidal | The historic heart of Dubai, separating Deira and Bur Dubai. Approx. 14 km long. |
| Dubai Water Canal | Dubai | artificial | A 3.2 km man-made waterway connecting Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf. |
| Dubai Marina | Dubai | artificial | An entirely man-made canal city, one of the largest in the world. |
| Khor Al Maqta | Abu Dhabi | tidal | The historic waterway that separates Abu Dhabi island from the mainland. |
| Ras Al Khor | Dubai | tidal | An urban wildlife sanctuary at the end of Dubai Creek, famous for flamingos. |
| Khor Kalba | Sharjah | tidal | A protected nature reserve with the oldest mangrove forest in Arabia. |
| Wadi Ham | Fujairah | seasonal | One of the UAE’s longest wadis, flowing from the Hajar Mountains to the coast. |
| Wadi Bih | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | A major wadi system shared with Oman, famous for an annual ultra-marathon. |
| Wadi Shawka | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | Popular for its dam and network of hiking and mountain biking trails. |
| Wadi Hatta | Dubai | seasonal | Features the iconic Hatta Dam, a major tourist destination for kayaking. |
| Wadi Wurayah | Fujairah | seasonal | UAE’s first Mountain Protected Area, known for its waterfalls and unique biodiversity. |
| Khor Fakkan | Sharjah | tidal | The scenic bay of the east coast city, its name means “Creek of Two Jaws”. |
| Khor Al Beida | Umm Al Quwain | tidal | An extensive, shallow tidal wetland that is a globally important bird area. |
| Khor Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain | tidal | A large, serene lagoon system surrounded by one of the UAE’s largest mangrove forests. |
| Khor Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah | tidal | The main creek in Ras Al Khaimah city, lined with historic sites and mangroves. |
| Al Qasba Canal | Sharjah | artificial | A 1 km long canal featuring tourist attractions like the Eye of the Emirates wheel. |
| Wadi Helo | Sharjah | seasonal | Name means “Sweet Wadi”; area contains archaeological sites and restored old villages. |
| Wadi Ghalilah | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | A rugged wadi near Jebel Jais known for its steep, challenging hiking trails. |
| Wadi Al Hayl | Fujairah | seasonal | Home to the historic Al Hayl Fort, a restored 19th-century defensive structure. |
| Wadi Siji | Fujairah | seasonal | Site of the large Siji Dam, which is crucial for recharging local aquifers. |
| Wadi Asimah | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | A fertile valley known for its traditional farms, old settlements, and petroglyphs. |
| Wadi Naqab | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | A remote and dramatic wadi offering challenging treks to abandoned mountain villages. |
| Wadi Tayyibah | Fujairah | seasonal | A scenic drive through a wadi with heritage villages and old falaj irrigation systems. |
| Khor Al Khan | Sharjah | tidal | A calm lagoon in Sharjah, home to historic watchtowers and Al Khan beach. |
| Madinat Jumeirah Waterway | Dubai | artificial | A 3 km network of canals within the Madinat Jumeirah resort, used by abras. |
| Khor Al Mamzar | Dubai, Sharjah | tidal | A natural inlet that forms the border between Dubai and Sharjah at Al Mamzar. |
| Wadi Al Qor | Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah | seasonal | A vast wadi system draining a large catchment area of the Hajar Mountains. |
| Wadi Muna’i | Ras Al Khaimah | seasonal | A historical area near Hatta known for its agricultural fertility and hiking trails. |
| Wadi Sidr | Fujairah | seasonal | A wadi in northern Fujairah known for its greenery after rainfall and local farms. |
| Wadi Zikt | Fujairah | seasonal | A wadi near Dibba Al-Fujairah noted for its dam and agricultural areas. |
Images and Descriptions
Dubai Creek
A tidal creek that splits old and new Dubai. It serves as a natural harbor and historic trading channel. It is a key urban watercourse and a classic example of a UAE khor.
Dubai Water Canal
A man-made canal that cuts through central Dubai to the sea. It creates new waterfronts and bridges. It counts as an artificial river-like waterway in the city.
Dubai Marina
A large, engineered marina and waterfront canal system in Dubai. It holds yachts, promenades and high-rise housing. It functions as a major artificial watercourse for recreation.
Khor Al Maqta
A tidal inlet near Abu Dhabi city with bridges and mangroves. It links coastal waters and supports marine traffic. It is a coastal khor rather than a freshwater river.
Ras Al Khor
A tidal wetland and creek on Dubai’s edge. It hosts mangroves and wintering flamingos. It is important as a coastal khor and wildlife site.
Khor Kalba
A tidal inlet on the Gulf of Oman at Kalba. It contains mangrove forests and shallow channels. It ranks as an east-coast khor with ecological value.
Wadi Ham
A seasonal wadi running from the Hajar foothills to lower plains. It fills after rains and makes pools. It represents the common seasonal streams of the UAE interior.
Wadi Bih
A long mountain wadi in the Hajar range near Ras Al Khaimah. It offers pools, cliffs and hiking routes. It flows only after rainfall and is seasonally active.
Wadi Shawka
A seasonal wadi with a small dam and natural pools. It lies in the foothills and attracts hikers. It is included as a typical UAE seasonal watercourse.
Wadi Hatta
A seasonal wadi around Hatta with dams and natural pools. It holds archaeological sites and a village setting. It supplies local irrigation after rains.
Wadi Wurayah
A protected mountain wadi in Fujairah with springs and pools. It holds rare freshwater habitats and year-round pools in places. It is one of the few UAE sites with permanent water.
Khor Fakkan
A coastal inlet and natural harbour on the east coast. It serves the town of Khor Fakkan and its port. It is a tidal khor rather than a freshwater stream.
Khor Al Beida
A coastal khor on the UAE shoreline with tidal channels. It supports mudflats and birdlife. It represents another example of a tidal inlet included as a ‘river-like’ feature.
Khor Umm Al Quwain
A tidal creek near Umm Al Quwain with shallow channels. It supports mangroves and small fisheries. It is a coastal khor used by local communities.
Khor Ras Al Khaimah
A tidal inlet and estuary near Ras Al Khaimah city. It contains mangrove patches and tidal flats. It forms part of the UAE’s coastal watercourse network.
Al Qasba Canal
A short urban canal at Al Qasba in Sharjah. It creates a visitor promenade and small boats. It is an artificial canal counted among city waterways.
Wadi Helo
A seasonal valley and wadi in Sharjah with old farms and ruins. It fills after rains and forms pools in the lower reaches. It exemplifies the UAE’s seasonal drainage lines.
Wadi Ghalilah
A mountain wadi draining to the west coast region near Ras Al Khaimah. It fills during rain events and forms stream channels. It ranks as a seasonal wadi important for local drainage.
Wadi Al Hayl
A seasonal wadi in the Hajar foothills with ancient sites. It runs into lower plains and floods after storms. It fits the post as a typical inland watercourse.
Wadi Siji
A seasonal wadi with a dam and pools in the Hajar region. It captures runoff and feeds terraces. It is included as a managed seasonal stream area.
Wadi Asimah
A mountain wadi that carries seasonal runoff down steep slopes. It forms pools and narrow valleys after heavy rains. It represents the common flash-flooding wadis of the UAE.
Wadi Naqab
A seasonal drainage valley in the northern Hajar range. It channels rainwater toward the coast during storms. It serves as a local seasonal stream channel.
Wadi Tayyibah
A steep wadi on the east coast with farms and pools. It fills during rains and supports local agriculture. It is a typical seasonal mountain watercourse.
Khor Al Khan
A shallow tidal inlet and mangrove area near the coast. It forms mudflats and supports shorebirds. It is a coastal khor included as a river-like feature.
Madinat Jumeirah Waterway
A hotel-linked artificial waterway in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah. It creates channels, islands and small bridges. It is an engineered urban canal for recreation.
Khor Al Mamzar
A tidal creek and beach area at the Dubai–Sharjah border. It supports mangroves and coastal wildlife. It acts as a local khor rather than fresh river flow.
Wadi Al Qor
A deep mountain wadi near Ras Al Khaimah and Jebel Jais. It carries heavy runoff in storms and forms steep canyons. It is notable as a dramatic seasonal watercourse.
Wadi Muna’i
A seasonal valley in the Hajar foothills with narrow channels. It flows briefly after rain and forms small pools. It fits the list as a local seasonal wadi.
Wadi Sidr
A well-known mountain wadi that fills with strong flows after storms. It has pools and steep canyon walls. It serves as a classic example of a UAE seasonal wadi.
Wadi Zikt
A seasonal wadi draining parts of the northern Hajar range. It forms gullies and temporary pools after rain. It is included as another inland watercourse common to the UAE.
