Hanging Gardens in Kalba: Entry Fee, Hours & Parking
A car trip to the Hanging Gardens in Kalba costs AED 25 for one adult over two hours: AED 5 at the gate plus AED 10 an hour for parking. A family of four staying three hours pays AED 44.
The park climbs a mountainside off the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Dubai. It has been open since March 2024 and covers terraced flower beds, a waterfall that is lit at night, a garden train and two restaurants.
Hanging Gardens in Kalba quick overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alhafia area, Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), Kalba |
| Opened | March 2024 |
| Size | 1.6 million sq ft, 281 m above sea level |
| Opening hours | Daily, 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM |
| Entry | AED 5 adults, AED 2 children, free for senior citizens and people of determination |
| Parking | AED 10 per hour, 262 spaces |
| From Dubai | About 1.5 to 2 hours by car |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
| Not allowed | Pets, barbecues |
Entry fee, parking & total cost
Adults pay AED 5 and children pay AED 2. Senior citizens and people of determination enter free.
Parking is a separate charge. The paid parking rate at the gardens is AED 10 per hour, up from AED 5 before paid parking started across Kalba in February 2025. You can pay by SMS to 5566, through the Digital Sharjah app or through the Mawaqif app.
Parking is the bigger cost for most visits, so the length of your stay sets the total:
| Visit | Entry | Parking | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 adult, 2 hours | AED 5 | AED 20 | AED 25 |
| 2 adults, 2 hours | AED 10 | AED 20 | AED 30 |
| 2 adults and 2 children, 3 hours | AED 14 | AED 30 | AED 44 |
Opening hours & best time to visit
The gardens open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, including the waterfall lighting in the evening.
October to April is the comfortable season for the stairs and uphill paths. Summer visits work best before the midday heat or after sunset, when the mountain air is cooler.
Time of day changes what you get:
- Early morning: quiet paths and soft light for photos.
- Late afternoon: golden light on the terraces.
- After sunset: the multi-level waterfall is lit up, and walking is cooler.
How to get there
From Sharjah, the route is one road:
- Join the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) heading toward Kalba.
- Drive through the Kalba tunnel. The gardens appear on your right straight after it.
- Park in the upper or lower car park. Together they hold 262 spaces, including disabled bays and electric vehicle charging.
The Kalba Hanging Gardens map pin lands on the E102 at the right spot, which saves second-guessing the exit.
From Dubai, allow 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Public transport does not stop at the gardens. Without a car, a taxi or ride-hailing trip is the practical option, and the return leg is the hard part because taxis are scarce in Kalba.
What to see & do
- Waterfall: an artificial cascade drops down several levels into a small lake and is lit at night.
- Terraces and trails: mountain climbing routes in three difficulty levels run past terraced beds, trees and flowers, with a lot of stairs on the way up.
- Running track: a 760-metre loop circles the landmarks inside the park.
- Garden train: it carries 55 passengers over an 820-metre track with four stations. One station is at the upper cafeteria and three are inside the garden.
- Children’s areas: three play sections are split by age group.
- Skate area: the skateboard area suits beginners through to experienced skaters.
A full loop with a meal takes 2 to 3 hours.
Lower or upper section
Stay in the lower section if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair. Its paths are smooth enough for wheelchairs.
The upper section means climbing. It rewards the effort with the widest views across the gardens and the mountains, plus the upper restaurant and cafeteria. The train is the shortcut for toddlers, older relatives or anyone whose legs have had enough, since one of its four stations sits at the upper cafeteria.
Where to eat
| Venue | Food | Where | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Habib Beirut | Lebanese: mezze, grills, soups | Centre of the gardens, in a round building | 215 |
| La Brasseria Bistro | Mediterranean, indoor and outdoor seating | Upper area, 270 m above sea level | 100 |
| Upper cafeteria | Light meals and coffee | Upper area, next to a train station |
Habib Beirut is the casual midday choice. La Brasseria Bistro suits a late afternoon, because its floor-to-ceiling windows face the gardens and the waterfall from the top of the park.
Rules & facilities
Pets and barbecues are not allowed. Dress modestly, since Kalba is a more traditional part of Sharjah.
On site you will find:
- Restrooms
- Prayer rooms for men and women
- Disabled parking
- Electric vehicle charging
- Cafeterias and full-service restaurants
Nearby stops
Al Hefaiyah Lake sits on the same road after the Al Hiyar tunnel, with an 11.7 km network of mountain trails around it. The Kalba Birds of Prey Centre has flying demonstrations.
In Kalba town, the Kalba Clock Tower has viewing decks at 33 m and 46 m. Further along the E102, the hike at Wadi Al Helo passes a free heritage village and a Bronze Age copper site.
FAQ
Is the Hanging Gardens in Kalba free?
No. Entry is AED 5 for adults and AED 2 for children. Senior citizens and people of determination enter free, and parking costs AED 10 per hour.
How much is parking at the Hanging Gardens in Kalba?
Parking is AED 10 per hour. Payment works by SMS to 5566, the Digital Sharjah app or the Mawaqif app.
What time does the Hanging Gardens in Kalba open?
It opens daily at 6:00 AM and closes at 12:00 AM.
How far is the Hanging Gardens in Kalba from Dubai?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours by car via the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), depending on traffic.
Can you bring pets or barbecue at the Hanging Gardens in Kalba?
No. Neither pets nor barbecues are allowed.
Is the Hanging Gardens in Kalba suitable for wheelchairs?
The lower section is, with smooth, accessible paths. The upper section involves stairs and hiking routes.
Plan your visit
- Pick October to April, or an evening slot in summer, for comfortable walking.
- Budget AED 25 to AED 44 depending on group size and a 2 to 3 hour stay.
- Save the map pin before you leave, and pay parking by SMS to 5566 or in the Digital Sharjah app.
- Wear shoes made for stairs and carry water for the climb.
- Add Al Hefaiyah Lake, the Kalba Clock Tower or Wadi Al Helo to fill the rest of the day.
