We will tell you how to relax and what to see in Fujairah - the Arab Emirate on the shores of the Ottoman Gulf. Read about the weather, location and resort activities.

140 thousandth Fujairah is a famous Arab resort located in the Emirates on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Its peculiarity is that it can boast of a moderate amount of rain for the Arabian Peninsula and the originality of the environment: an abundance of greenery, mountain ranges and virgin beaches.

Where is located on the map of the UAE

There are no megacities with modern high-rise architecture here, instead of them there is a powerful agro-industrial complex, the presence of monuments of ancient oriental culture and objects of the recreation industry. Moreover, oil is not produced here.

To be extremely correct, this emirate and the settlement of the same name are officially called Fujairah. However, rarely anyone calls them that (our compatriots for sure).

Climate

Since this emirate is predominantly a mountainous area, the coast of the Arabian Sea is protected from the dry wind of the Rub al-Khali desert. Therefore, Fujairah is somewhat wetter, although there is no rainy season in the usual sense.

• Guidebooks recommend visiting the resort in September-November and March-April.
• In winter, the temperature drops to +15°C.
• In summer, the thermometer sometimes reaches + 50 ° C. The water is respectively + 18 ° C and + 26 ° C.

How to get from Moscow or Dubai

Russian travelers in most cases fly to Dubai with Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ural Airlines (flight duration 5.5 hours). From the Dubai airport, it's within easy reach - some hundred kilometers along the isthmus. The easiest way to overcome it is by taxi in an hour and a half. The price of the service is acceptable and constant, because gasoline in this Muslim state is relatively inexpensive, and the entire transportation market is under the control of the government.

Are you planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help save money at the stage of preparation for the trip.

In addition, comfortable buses run from the largest air harbor of the Emirates from early morning to midnight every half hour.

By the way, the UAE is a miniature country by our standards, where everything is nearby, and almost 2/3 of its territory is occupied by a deserted desert. The Tver region is even bigger.

What is the distance and how much to travel from Fujairah to Dubai?

The length of the path is 120 kilometers. The journey takes an hour and a half.

Description of the emirate

The urban area with a population of 50,000 is divided into parts - Al-Badiya, Dibba, Kalba, Khor-Fakkan. There are no criminally problematic or environmentally unfavorable areas in Fujairah, with the exception of the mountains, where there are active quarries. Closer to the sea are prestigious hotels. And if oil products in the Middle East are really cheap, you can't say the same about hotels.

The ensemble of architectural monuments of the 17th century deserves attention. Notable among them is the medieval Portuguese fort Dibba al-Hisn in the Old City, which was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its existence. Today it is an imposing castle with massive towers. The village of Dibba owes its name to him. A unique microclimate reigns here, attracting onlookers from all over the world like a magnet.

Al-Badiya is famous for one of the oldest mosques in the area of ​​the 15th century for 30 parishioners, which is made in the Yemeni style.

Unique mangrove forests with bizarre fauna grow in Kalba. And here, perhaps, the best beaches in the area.

Khor Fakkan is a godsend for fans of a Spartan vacation with exquisite diving.

Transport connection

There is no municipal electric transport, buses are mostly custom-made and school buses. It can be stated that auto communication is poorly developed here: there are no more than 10 routes for the entire emirate, moreover, they are laid without taking into account the direction of the main passenger flows. You will have to move on foot or by car, which are in abundance here. Renting a scooter or a bicycle is unlikely to succeed: due to the heat, they are mostly idle, and this type of service brings only losses to unlucky entrepreneurs.

So it turns out that for visitors the only means of transportation is the state taxi and motorists. Private traders do not always have a meter, so it is better to agree on a price at the beginning of the trip.

Maritime transport is adapted for cruises.

Communication and Internet

There are 2 mobile operators in the UAE - Du and Etisalat. Buying a SIM card will cost 75 local dirhams (the web services package is already included here). The coverage area is small, there are enough towers, so the connection is stable. If necessary, sales consultants will select a package exclusively with mobile Internet. It is convenient, although not cheap. Confident free Wi-Fi is supported everywhere - in airport terminals, hotels, cafes, commercial centers.

Sea and beaches

According to local concepts, Fujairah is considered a relatively remote periphery with the longest coastline in the Emirates (90 km). As elsewhere in the Arab world, the beaches are distributed to the nearest hotels, and the entrance for tourists living in them is free. For "strangers" the entrance is carried out at an acceptable rate - 20-35 dirhams.

The beaches are distinguished by almost sterile cleanliness, and this applies not only to sand (there are almost no pebble beaches in the UAE), but also to water. In addition, fresh water pools operate at separate beach facilities, where you can spend time carefree with your children. The entrance to the Strait of Hormuz from the Indian Ocean is replete with corals, curious cetaceans, turtles and even rare, peaceful species of sharks often come here.

There are ideal conditions for snorkeling, for relaxing with the whole family, and for passive pastime alone.

What is the sea or ocean in Fujairah?

The emirate is washed by the Gulf of Oman, which belongs to the Arabian Sea. This sea is part of the Indian Ocean.

Diving

In Fujairah there is a well-known to any local hotel "Oceanic", where a powerful diving club is based. Its instructors recommend diving at Martini Rock, which is picturesquely covered with corals. At its foot cuttlefish, stingrays, scorpion fish, lion fish are found. Surrounded by the hills of Khor Fakkan, local beaches resemble a secluded paradise, from where it makes sense to start a voyage to sunken ships and reefs, and in the coastal waters of Dibba a fantastic picture of coral heaps and a turtle kingdom opens up.

The sought-after dive sites of Fujairah are not limited to this. At the service of foreign tourists are the islands of Shark, Dibba, Spuppi, the cave of the Abyss of the World, the so-called Three Rocks and the Cemetery of Cars.

Wellness

There is an opportunity to heal at the Al Ain Gomur thermal springs rich in sulfur in a picturesque rocky valley (20 km from the administrative center of the emirate). Healing underground fluid has antiseptic properties, heals rheumatism and dermatitis.

The mentioned springs appeared as a result of a volcanic eruption many years ago. Swimming in them is often combined with a thematic excursion: a trip to one of the low peaks of the Khadzhar mountains and a visit to the nearest exotic camel bazaar, where, in addition to desert ships, donkeys and horses are also offered.

Purchases

To be frank, Fujairah is not meant for shopaholics. However, in this part of the UAE you can also buy silk carpets, perfumes made from natural raw materials, cashmere dresses, sheepskin coats, jewelry and Turks with trays and hookahs.

For exclusives and antiques, it is better to go to the Friday Market. True, its name is not true: the market operates all week, and on Fridays it was open in the last millennium. The choice here is sufficient; with a successful deal, beneficial for both the seller and the buyer, you can save half the amount.

Malls of various brands with boutiques, cinema halls, cafeterias and children's playgrounds are in high demand among visitors. The malls sell textiles, shoes, products made of precious metals, electronic equipment, and cosmetic products. By the way, bargaining is appropriate in similar stores.

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• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Kitchen

Eastern Arabic cuisine is dominated by lamb and beef meat, southern vegetables, fruits, fish and sweets. Moreover, in Fujairah you can find such dishes that are not found anywhere else on the Arabian Peninsula. This, for example, applies to “al madruba” - marinated seafood cooked with a lot of spices and seasoned with flour, “guzi” - lamb in nuts and with rice as a side dish, “hummus” - chickpea paste-like mass, “kebbe” - balls of meat for roast with vegetables. And for dessert, they serve the curd dish "Esh-Asayu" with Turkish coffee.

Shawarma is sold in the same way as in the Caucasus - right on the street, but it is called "shuarma" and tastes noticeably different from the Russian version, because it is prepared according to a different recipe.

There are a couple of hundred restaurants throughout the emirate. Beach establishments are well adapted for daytime meals. Eating directly on the shore causes additional appetite and promotes healthy digestion. Recall that the Arabs adhere to an extremely balanced diet.

There are few nightclubs, dance floors and pubs in these parts, they are mainly concentrated in hotels where tourists from far abroad stay. There, in the heat, you can knock over a mug or two of beer while watching the broadcast of a football match on TV.

What to see from the sights

There is a false stereotype that there is no civilization in the UAE, except perhaps the capitals of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In fact, modern business life is in full swing everywhere in this country. The exception is perhaps the Bedouin villages in the desert, although elements of progress have already arrived there.

In this country, their own history is highly respected and cultural monuments are jealously protected. No wonder the pride of the locals is the archaeological museum, whose exhibits (coins, utensils, models of dwellings) tell about the development of the emirate.

Fort El-Kheil was once the residence of the ancestor of the current emirs. Visitors have access inside to inspect the premises. In the courtyard, the owners offer to watch the laborious process of preparing and cleaning date molasses.

The national treasure of this state is the Wadi Wuraiya nature reserve. It is impossible not to visit it, if only because the river flowing through it has been turned into the main object of local water supply. Its valley is located in the middle of the mountains (the highest point is Jabal-Ibir - 1527 m). There are many wild animals hiding in the green zone, so you should not lose your vigilance. Arab scientists are engaged in excavations in the reserve. They have already discovered ritual burials and the ruins of settlements founded in the early Middle Ages.

Every Friday evening in Fujairah, bullfights are organized along the road that leads to neighboring Kalba. However, they do not look like a Spanish bullfight, but resemble a show of skillful circus tricks. Camel racing is especially popular. If you wish, you can also participate in them as a rider yourself. So those who are a supporter of a healthy lifestyle will not be bored: in addition, participation in competitions in a number of water sports, mountain tourism and educational trips along the "wadis" - the beds of dried up rivers - are offered.

Excursions

Here are the most popular excursions from Fujairah and their approximate cost:

• To Dubai - $100;
• To Dubai with a visit to the tallest building in the world - $160;
• Jeep safari - $80;
• To Sharjah - $65;
• To Oman - $130;
• In Abu Dhabi - $100;
• Fishing or crab hunting - from $140;
• Water parks - from $ 90.

Vacation with children

Yes, we have to admit: there is not enough entertainment for the whole family here yet, but the authorities are trying to fill this gap. Attraction complexes are available only at individual luxury hotels, as well as shopping and entertainment centers. Therefore, the little ones, not without pleasure, stare together with the elders, for example, at the Heritage Village, where replicas of dwellings in the desert with all household trifles are recreated. But that is not all! Tourists are taught ayala folk dances and demonstrated the ancient technology of water extraction. In the village bazaar, children gorge themselves on fresh fruit, and their parents absorb fragrant Arabica, prepared according to a special recipe.

And for some reason, children adore the gardens of Ain Al Madhab. Apparently, this corner of nature brings a certain order and meaning into consciousness. The park with well-groomed lawns and flower beds, luxurious alleys and fountains leaves no one indifferent!

Things to do

1. Enjoy the originality of the local coffee and dessert.
2. Buy a traditional handmade silk product.
3. Feel like a camel driver and rider.
4. Take a picture in front of the unique mini-mosque of Al-Badiya.
5. Go with a local guide to the spurs of the Hajar mountains, or at least to the foothills.
6. Visit a folklore and ethnographic concert with classical Arabic musical and choreographic creativity.

Swimming and diving here is much safer than in Egypt. Divers occasionally encounter blacktip reef sharks off the coast of Fujairah. They are not dangerous to humans unless they are specifically teased. Sharks swim along the coast for numerous schools of fish and turtles.

Transport

In the capital of Fujairah, as in any emirate of the UAE, there is. It is located about 3 km south of the city center, has been operating since 1987 and is the only one on the eastern coast of the Emirates. In addition to cargo transportation, it carries out business flights, and also accepts private flights.

Intercity buses run to major airports and the city from Fujairah. As such, there is no city here, tourists mainly use taxis: this service works flawlessly. The cost of services is controlled by the state, and you don’t have to worry about cheating kilometers and costs. The price is fixed everywhere.

The service in Fujairah is very developed: you can rent a car of any class (the choice is large). This gives you the opportunity to travel around the entire UAE without excessive time and financial costs, as well as visit the capital and largest city in the Emirates - Dubai. The roads here are smooth, and gasoline is much cheaper in comparison with the countries of Europe and the CIS.

How to get to Fujairah?

Despite the fact that Fujairah (UAE) has its own airport, it is used more often as a cargo terminal or for receiving charters. There are no direct flights here from the territory of the countries of the former USSR, only with a connection through Europe or a transfer in Dubai. It is not always fast and convenient.

Since the distance from Dubai to Fujairah is 128 km (1.5 hours by car), most tourists land in Dubai. From any airport in the UAE, you can order a transfer to your hotel. If this service has not been agreed or is not available, then you can use the local taxi service. Regular buses run from Dubai Airport to all the Emirates from 5:00 am to 24:00.

It is also worth considering the option of arriving at the Air Arabia airport in Shaju. The distance from Sharjah to Fujairah is 113 km, it is overcome in 1 hour by taxi.

The Emirate of Fujairah is located in the east of the country. This is the only emirate in the country that does not have access to the shores of the Persian Gulf. It stretches for 90 kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman) and differs from others in mountainous terrain, a larger area covered with greenery and trees, as well as a milder and less arid climate. In addition, Fujairah is the youngest emirate, having gained independence from Sharjah in 1953.

Features of climate and nature.

Fujairah is the only emirate in the UAE that is almost entirely mountainous, with the mountains coming very close to the coast. All other Emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are located on the west coast, and their significant territory is desert. Fujairah has more rainfall than the rest of the UAE, allowing farmers in the region to enjoy good harvests. Tourists who come to rest in this emirate in the summer months can count on daytime temperatures not exceeding +40 degrees.

Sights of Fujairah.

The capital of the emirate is an ordinary provincial city. One of the most interesting places in the city is the embankment. By the way, in the evenings, on the outskirts of the city near the embankment, bullfights are held. Tourists are interested in the old fort, located in an ethnic village, the local museum and Madhab Park, at the foot of Mount Hajar. The waters of the hot sulfur springs of this oasis fill the pools in which you can swim and strengthen your health. Not far from the city is an ancient mosque built in 1446 from clay and brick. It is similar to other mosques found in Yemen, Oman and Qatar. The mosque has four domes (unlike other similar mosques, which have seven to twelve) and no minaret.

Modern shopping centers have been built in the city, but tourists are attracted by the famous Friday market all over the country. Despite its name, the market is open every day, delighting many tourists with an abundance of goods, low prices and a unique oriental flavor. And the gorge in which the market is located is very picturesque.

Beaches and recreation areas in Fujairah.

On the coast of the Indian Ocean, the sand is multi-colored. City beaches are not all well equipped. It is better to go to the north of the emirate to the town of Dibba. There are magnificent beaches and there is an opportunity to go snorkeling or scuba diving. It is believed that these places are the best in the country for diving. You can take a boat trip to one of the many islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman. These are really wonderful places for their beauty, they are also good for fishing.
The coastline of the bay from Dibba to Khor Fakkan is home to some of the best local hotels with great beaches and great mountain views.

Nature and local landscapes.

Fujairah is interesting because the most beautiful mountains rise next to the sea. You can go on an excursion to the ancient Arab settlement in Hatta, and then drive to the mountain lakes. And you can not go far, very close to the city is the bay of Khor Kalba, which contains the oldest mangroves in all of Arabia. The beauty of the local nature is extraordinary: you can see huge sea turtles or watch rare species of birds.

Holidays in Fujairah will appeal to everyone. Someone will be interested in going on excursions in the surroundings, someone will enjoy the beautiful beaches and clear water of the ocean, and someone will go fishing, diving, or just want to take a boat along the coast among the numerous islands of the Gulf of Oman. In any case, everyone will be happy!

Fujairah has a subtropical dry climate. Rains here are not frequent guests, if they happen, then in winter and not for long (7-10 days for the whole year). As a resort, Fujairah is wealthy at any time of the year, because the water here is never lower than +17˚С. However, in the very sun, when the air even in the shade warms up to + 50˚С, and this is the months of July-August, it is better to refrain from traveling. The optimal time for a holiday in Fujairah is the end of September - May, when the water is not lower than + 20˚С, and the air is + 25˚С.

How to get to Fujairah

The city has an airport, which is located 3 km from the city - south of the center. Fujairah Airport is the only one on the eastern coast of the UAE, has been operating since 1987 and is focused mainly on cargo transportation, private and business flights (unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports). Tourists are often taken from the airport to the city by representatives of hotels in which rooms are booked, but if you are not offered such a service, you will have to take a taxi. Here, in general, everyone actually travels by car. Taxi services, by the way, are moderate in cost - about 2 dirhams or half a dollar per kilometer. By the way, for comfortable movement around the city (if you plan to make excursions, and not just bask on the beach), there are an abundance of car rental options at your service at an average price of 100 dirhams or $ 27 per day. Gasoline in Fujairah is much cheaper than ours, and the roads are much smoother, so driving will be to your liking.

Fujairah, unlike other capitals of the emirates, is rich in historical monuments and architectural masterpieces - there is something to see here.

First of all, visit the famous Fujairah Fort, which is located 2 km from the main city. It is dilapidated in appearance, but magnificent in its grandeur. In 2000, a large-scale reconstruction took place here, so the port became even more amazing. The local castle was built back in 1670 and consists of 3 parts, divided into halls. In addition, the territory of the port is decorated with a picturesque tower.

The Museum of Ancient Settlements also deserves the attention of the guests of Fujairah, because historical relics of ancestors and numerous finds of archaeologists are collected here. Museum coordinates: Al-Salam Rds and Al-Nakheel intersection. Open door hours: Sun-Thu - 8.30-13.00; 16.30-18.30; Fri - 14.00-18.30. The entrance fee is democratic: 5 dirhams (less than $ 1.5), and for children it is completely free.

Of interest to tourists is the local mosque of Al-Bitiya, built more than 400 years ago and is a feat for the engineering and architectural industry of those times. This mosque is one of the oldest on Earth and the oldest in the country, so many Arabs make pilgrimages here. Of course, all travelers who arrived in the UAE also want to visit here. The structure's four domes are miraculously supported by a single central pillar, and the interior is finished with ornate stone carvings. settled 30 km from Fujairah - in the direction of Sharjah, and it is worth visiting it, especially since tourists, as a rule, combine this trip with a visit to the legendary Friday Market, located nearby (you will learn more about it in the "Shopping" section ).

Where else to visit? What is worth seeing in the city?

Al-Kheil Fortress, the former residence of the Emir of Fujairah, located 8 km southwest of the capital;
El Bitna Fort (1735), the easternmost of the UAE forts;
a fort with palm groves in Wadi Dafta;
Al-Wurraya waterfall, a rarity for the nature of the country;
sulfuric mineral geysers of Ain Al-Ghamur, curing rheumatism and gout;
Gardens with mineral springs Ain Al-Madhab (by the way, there are hotels in the park for those who want to get medical treatment);
Marine Club;
a source of hot water "Ain Gomur", which beats out of the ground 20 km from Fujairah to the southwest;
bullfights.

And, of course, let's not forget the main thing - nature: in Fujairah you can do mountain climbing, water sports, including the local famous diving and snorkeling. Coral reefs, golden beaches, crystal clear waters, turtles - all this makes a holiday in Fujairah special. By the way, if you have not been diving yet, then there are schools that are ready to teach everyone the underwater tricks. In addition, there are 2 international diving centers on the coast of Fujairah. Everyone who is fond of scuba diving is simply obliged to visit here at least once. Experienced divers recommend diving at Martini Rock, they say it’s a miracle - how beautiful colorful corals are, and the depth reaches 20 m. Here you can also admire such underwater inhabitants as scorpion fish, cuttlefish, and lion fish. Among diving enthusiasts, such centers and places as Shark Island, Auto Cemetery, Snoopy Island, World Chasm Cave, Dibba Island and dive clubs near the Oceanic Hotel are popular.

Fujairah Restaurants

If your travel budget is modest, eat at eateries: "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and "Pizza Hut" - there you will be quickly, cheaply and tasty fed with no less hospitality than in restaurants.

On average, a hearty meal for two costs about 60 dirhams, or $16. Often, service tips are already added to the bill, but if you add “tea” on top of them, you will certainly receive a compliment from the chef on your next visit.

Shopping in Fujairah

Undoubtedly, of great interest to all tourists arriving in the UAE is the Friday Market or Friday Market, which offers a huge selection of souvenirs, handmade carpets, dishes, jewelry, silk, ceramics, daggers and other colorful local products. You can also buy exotic fruits and local sweets here. The market is located 30 km from the city towards Sharzhd - in the mountains and operates from 8.00 to 22.00 (however, during the prayer period, sellers can close their shops). Getting to Friday Market is easy, all taxi services are ready to take tourists there at almost any time for 18-37 dirhams (5-10 dollars).

The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE, although it occupies only 1.5% of the total area of ​​the country, is one of the most interesting and has many attractive places. This Emirate has retained the traditional Arab atmosphere, which is why it is most associated with the real East.
We dedicate this article to the description of Fujairah as a resort with hotels, interesting sights and entertainment ... We will look at Fujairah, first of all, as a resort, and secondly, as an emirate.

Fujairah on the UAE map

Fujairah is one of the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates and is the only emirate. Just 90 minutes by car takes you from cosmopolitan Dubai to an Emirate that is truly Arabic in character. Compared to other Emirates, Fujairah has a rather hilly terrain. Because of this, the amount of precipitation here is greater than in other Emirates. However, the climate here is warm and dry for most of the year. Between October and March, the average daily temperature is about 25°C, and the thermometer rarely goes beyond 30°C. In summer, the thermometer sometimes goes over 40°C.
You will definitely be fascinated by the incredible underwater world of the Gulf of Oman, on the shore of which the Emirate of Fujairah is located. Here you can discover the incredible diversity of the four nature reserves and be enchanted by the long sandy beaches. Fujairah offers original desert and mountain scenery, traditional Bedouin villages, fantastic beaches with modern resorts and numerous attractions. The emirate is the ideal destination for those looking for sun, sea and adventure, diving or snorkeling or just wanting to relax in a good beach hotel.
In addition to natural beauty, the Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE also offers cultural attractions. These include the Fujairah Fort, the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, and the city of Dibba, which is famous for being in Oman and Fujairah.

Fujairah hotels on the Indian Ocean

The Emirate of Fujairah has experienced rapid growth in economic and social development. Tourism here is also developing at a rapid pace, as evidenced by the constant emergence of new hotels. The main resort area of ​​this Emirate is Al-Aqa, located between the Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean (or rather, the Gulf of Oman, which belongs to the Indian Ocean). Coral reefs off the coast of this village are home to rare and exotic fish species. This makes Al Aqa a magnet for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Experienced divers can explore other sites, including shipwrecks offshore. The resort area of ​​Al-Aqa is located about 140 km from Dubai International Airport and is the place where such famous hotels among Russian tourists as Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, Sandy Beach Resort and newly built InterContinental Fujairah Resort. These resorts offer private sandy beaches and large pools, as well as extra amenities. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has a good diving center, as well as a water sports center that offers not only standard water activities, but also deep sea fishing. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch tuna, king mackerel, barracuda or perhaps a small shark. Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa offers a nice beach with a volleyball court, a water sports center and massage cabins on the bay. This hotel also offers diving courses taught by certified professionals. As for the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, its highlight is the restaurant located right on the beach.

At the southernmost end of Al Aqa Beach is the Sandy Beach Resort, next to which is the famous Snoopy Island, named for its striking resemblance to Charles Schulz's character. This is a diver's paradise, an ocean sanctuary known for its coral reefs and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Here you can see bright and colorful fish like parrot fish and even barracuda. Sandy Beach Resort Diving Center is a professional training center that offers a variety of diving courses for beginners and advanced divers, rental and sale of modern equipment, including scuba gear.
There are other Fujairah hotels on the Indian Ocean. To the north of Al Aqa lies the city of Dibba, the second largest and northernmost city in the emirate of Fujairah. Surrounded by mountains, Dibba Beach is known for its clear, serene waters. Diving and snorkeling are also very popular here. The coral reefs off the coast are among the rarest in the world and have a variety of marine life. Beach hotels such as Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah and lesser known Royal Beach Hotel & Resort. Both hotels have good beaches and offer the opportunity to go diving or snorkeling.

Al-Aqa

To the north of the city of Fujairah is the beautiful Al Aqa Beach with its luxurious hotels. It is about 40 km north of Fujairah, on the E99. The charming small coastal towns of Khor Fakkan and Bidiya are about halfway between Fujairah and Al Aqah.
On the way from Kor Fakkan to Al Aqa, you can make a short stop in Bidiya, especially if you are traveling on a Thursday. Every Thursday, when the market day comes, many baskets of bananas and various other fruits appear in Bidiya, which the locals buy up at the moment. But the real highlight of Bidia is waiting for you at the end of the village. Here stands the oldest mosque in all of the United Arab Emirates. It is made entirely of stones and clay and is estimated to have been built between the mid 15th and mid 17th century. If it had been made of wood, it would probably have fallen apart. However, don't expect any magnificent building here, as it is a nice mosque with four small domes only a few meters high. It is still used for prayers, so non-Muslims are forbidden de jure, but not de facto. You need to ask the relevant information center if you can go inside. In some cases, it is allowed to go inside, but do not forget to take off your shoes.

As for the village of Al Aqa, there is nothing unusual about it, except for a few luxury hotels, a good beach and the famous Snoopy Island.
On the 3 km Al Aqa beach you will find 5 luxury hotels, if you count separated by breakwaters from the main beach of Sandy Beach Resort. There is a section of beach between this hotel and Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort which is public but never crowded. A few locals often rest here, which, however, can sometimes create a lot of noise. For example, when they come here on ATVs and start driving them along the beach.
Now it's time to briefly introduce Al Aqa hotels, which are considered the most popular in the Emirate of Fujairah.

Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort
Especially famous is the hotel chain Le Meridian, surrounded by an artificial oasis of palm trees and pools. Its location between the mighty Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman gives it an impressive appearance.

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort
The five-star Miramar Hotel also boasts a fantastic location and a high level of service. Designed in the Moroccan style, the hotel resembles one of the mountain villages of the Atlas Mountains, but inside it hides the splendor of a thousand and one nights.

Sandy Beach Resort
This hotel makes good use of its proximity to Snoopy Island, considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the UAE. Sandy Beach Resort also welcomes guests to a fish restaurant and a stunning terrace with panoramic views.

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
This colonial-style hotel has a luxurious spa and very green grounds. Here you can enjoy a soothing massage overlooking the sea, or take a dip in the cool waters of the pool.

City of Fujairah

Located on the east coast of the UAE, Fujairah is the ideal starting point for trips to the Hajar Mountains, fertile plains and beautiful beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah. El Fujairah is the capital of this Emirate of the UAE, independent since 1903 and the only one that is not washed by the Persian Gulf. Unlike other Emirates, Fujairah is not dominated by deserts, but has fertile valleys that have been able to form due to heavy rainfall. These plains are used for agriculture.
There is no oil in Fujairah, but fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and poultry are supplied from here to the rest of the Emirates. The city of Fujairah also has a large port that allows large merchant ships to unload their goods in the UAE without having to enter the Persian Gulf. Fujairah has also had an international airport since 1987, which has given the local economy another boost.

The city of Fujairah offers classically small tourist attractions, but its skyline is slowly being overshadowed by huge skyscrapers. Next to the container port, in the Gurfa area, not far from the central market, there is also a fishing port where everyday bustle prevails. There can be a strong smell here, because, as is often the case on the east coast of the UAE, fish is dried right on the sand in this place.
The Fujairah Museum is an interesting place to see historical weapons, jewelry, costumes and handicrafts typical of the region. Under a colorful patterned ceiling, historical finds from the areas of Dibba, Bitna and Bidya are displayed here.
The fortress of the city of Fujairah is located in close proximity to the museum. Previously, the rulers of Fujairah lived here, on the edge of a spacious palm garden. In this area, the historic Old Town is gradually being restored with clay houses and defensive towers around the fort.

It is planned to create a so-called "Heritage Zone", which, in addition to the renovated clay buildings, will also have restaurants, green areas and a museum.
Even if the sights of the city of Fujairah seem uninteresting to you, you can go to many other places from here, because the city is an ideal starting point for trips to the Hajar mountains and the many fertile valleys in the area. Many excursions are best done in an off-road vehicle, but even in a regular car, you can reach fabulous places such as the palace of the former rulers of Al Hain in the lush green Wadi Hail valley, which also contains rock paintings, or the Bitna fortress in the Wadi Kham valley. To the north of the city of Fujairah is the picturesque Khor Fakkan with a beautiful sandy beach. Further north is the famous city of Dibba.

Food prices in cafes and restaurants in Fujairah

You can enjoy oriental delicacies and a variety of Arabic cuisine at Fujairah's many restaurants and cafes. Souk Al Juma (Friday market in Masafi village) is the perfect place to try local dishes or explore the interesting oriental bazaar. But, of course, it is not at all necessary to go to this market to taste delicious Arabic cuisine.
The cost of food in Fujairah is mainly of interest to those tourists who decide not to take the all-inclusive concept of food. A wide range of restaurants and cafes can be found near the hotels in cities such as Fujairah, Dibba and Khor Fakkan. As for Al-Aqa, there are practically no establishments near the hotels, so we advise tourists who decide to go to Al-Aqa to choose all-inclusive meals.
Food prices in restaurants and cafes in the emirate of Fujairah are low. On average, they are lower than in Dubai. In order not to be verbose, I will simply present you the menu of one of the cafes in the city of Fujairah, located near the Hilton Fujairah hotel. Prices are in dirhams.

As you can see, the prices are quite low. Appetizers and salads cost AED 8-14, Iranian dishes - AED 35-42 (portions are quite large), seafood dishes - AED 40-60, desserts - AED 12-14, soft drinks - AED 3, coffee - AED 5, fruit juice - 12 dirhams.

About Emirate

The Emirate of Fujairah has a population of about 200,000 people. Most of the emirates of the UAE are located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and have a warm, subtropical climate. Fujairah, however, borders the Gulf of Oman. While Arabic is the official language in the UAE and Fujairah in particular, English is also widely spoken and widely used.
The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Oman in the east and borders on the Hajar Mountains in the west. It is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the UAE with beautiful beaches and mountains that almost reach the bay. The weather in Fujairah from October to March is ideal for relaxing, as at this time clouds rarely appear in the sky, and the air temperature mostly hovered around 25 degrees Celsius.
While the other six emirates of the UAE are located on the shores of the Persian Gulf, the emirate of Fujairah is located on the eastern edge of the country, on the shores of the Gulf of Oman. Also unlike the other emirates of the six, Fujairah is almost entirely mountainous and not desert. This emirate receives relatively high rainfall, which is enough for farmers to enjoy a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.
Although it is a very beautiful region that has some beautiful luxury resorts, Fujairah is not booming like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and even Ajman. The economy in Fujairah is mainly based on federal government grants and subsidies. The local industry includes the extraction and crushing of stone. The recent construction boom in Dubai, and to some extent Abu Dhabi, has helped Fujairah build its nascent industries.

The unemployment rate in Fujairah is high. By some estimates, almost half of the working-age population is unemployed. Most workers work in the service industry or for the government. The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE has a free zone that surrounds the port of Fujairah and greatly contributes to attracting foreign investment in the banking sector and trade.
The city of Fujairah is considered one of the safest in the UAE and has cinemas that show Indian films and "cleaned" versions of films from the United States. For tourists there is a choice of several beautiful, modern luxury hotels.
Due to its location in the east of the UAE, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman, and not on the coast of the Persian Gulf, the climate in Fujairah is more temperate than in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The weather attracts thousands of visitors who wish to escape the sweltering heat in the major cities of the UAE. Due to the mountain range between Fujairah and the Persian Gulf, this emirate has less hot and dry weather than the rest of the UAE.
Off the coast of Fujairah, there is a small island that has been named "Snoopy" because of its resemblance to the iconic comic book dog when viewed from certain angles. The area around Snoopy Island is good for snorkeling as there are many rays, sharks, turtles and various colorful fish.

The beaches of Fujairah are less crowded than the beaches of big cities, and food and accommodation prices are lower than in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
One of the most famous sights of Fujairah is the Fort. Perched on a hill on the outskirts of the city, the Fort is said to be over 350 years old. Nearby is the Heritage Village, where visitors can see traditional houses and fishing boats made from palm leaves. Fujairah also has a small museum filled with artifacts found during archaeological excavations in the surrounding regions.
Ain al-Mazhab Gardens National Park is located on the western side of the city of Fujairah. It includes a playground, a heritage replica village, and a fort ruin where traditional tools and pottery can be seen.
The Emirate of Fujairah is a quieter area of ​​the UAE than the more famous areas of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Although the nightlife in Fujairah is less attractive than in Dubai, in terms of beach holidays this emirate is not inferior to its neighbor. In addition, in terms of weather, this emirate may appeal to many tourists, as there is no such intense heat as in Dubai.