Al Miqsar Village (Najd Al Miqsar) – From Abandoned Village to Heritage Hotel in Khor Fakkan
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Al Miqsar Village
When I first wrote about Najd Al Miqsar in 2019, it was an abandoned mountain village above Khor Fakkan, weathered by time and rich in stories. Just a short drive from the town and within walking distance of the popular Al Rafisah Dam, it was then one of those quiet, tucked-away places that felt lost in time.
Today, it’s been carefully restored and transformed into something just as special -a heritage-style adults-only retreat under Sharjah Collection by Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority).
The village of Najd Al Miqsar dates back around 300 years and is perched on a small mountain in Wadi Shie. At the highest point is Wadi Shie Castle, a small fort built for defence, with narrow rifle slits that also served for ventilation. The strategic location offered sweeping views of the valley and coast, which are still part of its charm today.
The fort was part of a wider defence network around the town of Khor Fakkan and the local inhabitants warned those in other areas by firing gun shots. The network included Al Rabi Tower, on another mountain near the coast and Al Adwani Tower on ground level near the sea.
Now a Boutique Retreat
Najd Al Miqsar Retreat opened its doors in 2024 after restoration was complete along with some redevelopment. The rooms are set in the old stone houses and stores, carefully refurbished and furnished in traditional style, but all with an en suite and sweeping views over Wadi Shie to Khor Fakkan and out to the Indian Ocean.
Sustainability and Heritage in Practice
Repurposing these buildings is part of Shurooq’s wider commitment to sustainable tourism, restoring heritage architecture instead of replacing it.
Across the Emirate of Sharjah, similar projects have turned abandoned or underused sites into boutique hotels, museums and cafés, preserving the past while giving it a meaningful new purpose.
This allows visitors and residents alike the chance to enjoy a heritage experience without giving up their need for comfort.
Other sustainable aspects of the project include creating local employment, buying fresh produce from local farmers and supporting small businesses, such as tour guides, adventure activity companies and food businesses.
(Sharjah Art Foundation also does an excellent job of repurpose old buildings into art spaces across the emirate.)
Wishi – A Café with a View
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can still enjoy the location by visiting Wishi Café and Restaurant, which offers the same great views over Wadi Shie. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot to stop for coffee or a meal any time of year.
Then and Now
I’ve included a mix of photos from my earlier visits in 2019 and 2020, along with recent images to show how the site has evolved. Much has changed in terms of comfort and facilities, but Najd Al Miqsar still retains its quiet, atmospheric feel, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
See more photos of the village before the redevelopment further down.
Planning a Stay?
If you’ve ever dreamed of sleeping in a mountain village under the stars but with all the comforts of a boutique hotel, this might be just the place. Najd Al Miqsar is peaceful, beautifully restored, and designed for adults looking to unwind while immersed in heritage.
With an ‘Exceptional’ rating on Booking and also on Agoda, it’s quickly becoming one of the most unique and sought after and places to stay in the UAE.
Final Thoughts on Najd Al Miqsar
Najd Al Miqsar is more than just a scenic place to stay. It’s part of a wider story about preserving the past while offering something new for today’s travellers.
If you’re planning an overnight stay or just dropping in to the café to enjoy the view, Al Miqsar offers a unique way to experience the heritage and natural beauty of the Khor Fakkan mountains. It’s also a reminder that sustainability can include creating new experiences from old foundations.
✅ Book a stay at Najd Al Miqsar here
For more of Shurooq’s retreats in repurposed buildings, see:
- Nozol Al Rayaheen By Sharjah Collection, Khor Fakkan
- Chedi Al Bait and Al Serai Wing, Sharjah
- Al Faya Retreat, Sharjah Central Region
More Old Photos of Najd Al Miqsar
The mihrab of the old mosque was built into a large rock at the back. The mihrab faces inland towards the mountains.
Wadi Shie Castle and an old stone building with a thatched roof. Notice how thick the walls are.
There were different types of structures. Some would have been stores.
Sea shells and shards of pottery near Shie Castle on the mountain.
This post was first published in December 2019 and rewritten in May 2025.
To get to Al Miqsar Village, take the signposted exit on the Khorfakkan Road. Or walk through the underpass under the Khorfakkan Rd by taking The Walk on the dry side of Al Rafisa Dam.
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