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The town of Daftah is mostly populated by the Naqbi tribe that also inhabits the Khatt area. Nowadays, Daftah is clearly defined into old and newer parts. The older village has a large number of small houses, some constructed with stone, some with mud, while others are more modern built from concrete. Most of them were designed in the traditional way and consist of one of several dwellings surrounded by a wall with courtyard. This old part is largely abandoned and its inhabitants have moved to new luxurious homes situated on the east side of the settlement.
 
The Wadi Daftah’s track leads through a narrow gorge and abundant palm gardens. It is one of the most unique places in Ras Al Khaimah. It is not only scenic but it is rich in fauna and flora. Numerous insects and some reptiles can be spotted on the way, and a variety of plants will surprise anyone. You will also have a chance to see many water pools. They are a permanent feature of the place created by water streams that often flow through the rocky wadi bed.
Having sufficient supply of water and fertile soils, this area has been popular with farmers for centuries. The remains of several stone villages are situated between the extensive palm gardens and orchards. You will also find many terraced fields, a few watch towers situated on top of the surrounding hills, and many graveyards. You can see the falaj system, which was the traditional way of getting water to the date palm trees. Interestingly, this old, but still working irrigation method, is now combined with modern pumps and pipes and continues to supply water. If you have never seen mango, banana or other fruit trees, it is a really great area to see them, as here they are cultivated in great numbers.
If you visit this area on Friday, you should experience a peaceful and quite atmosphere, despite the fact that the wadi is situated close to the road. However, during the weekdays, the character of this place is somewhat different. In the vicinity of Wadi Daftah and also partially in the wadi itself, a road construction is taking place. The government of Sharjah is connecting Daftah with Khor Fakkan by a new road, which will also have a tunnel under the mountains and is due for completion in 2010. Most certainly, this road will be one of the picturesque passages in the UAE, but it will also change the surroundings of this wadi.
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LOCATION: around 12km from the Masafi town.
Head towards RAK Airport and then to Masafi and at the Masafi R/A turn right towards Fujairah. After 4km from the roundabout take a U-turn and almost immediately turn to the right entering the village of Daftah. Drive along the main tarmac road and after 1km (you should see a modern mosque on the right side of the road) take an off-road to the left. Drive towards the old village and then park your car. Descend on foot into the wadi along one of many defined paths and continue your trip in the north-east direction. When the wadi broadens take the left path towards the gardens, while the right track is the new under construction road.
GPS: old village of Daftah - N25o16’ 27.19“ E56o11’ 02.90“
NOTE: since this wadi is be mostly covered on foot, you do not need a 4WD, unless you want to try to drive along the road, which is under construction.
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