Fujairah is one of the most beautiful and green emirates. Its shores are washed by the Indian Ocean. There is a lot of greenery, excellent diving and magnificent beaches with golden white sand. Fans of scuba diving and a serene beach holiday go to Fujairah to relax.
Beaches
The coastline of Fujairah stretches for 90 km. The sand on the beaches is white, the entrance to the water is smooth. The water in the sea is very clear, there are conditions for diving and snorkeling. Most of the beaches are owned by hotels.
Diving
Diving is one of the main "chips" of Fujairah. This is the only emirate where there are all conditions for a bright underwater trip. Near the coast of Fujairah there are coral shallows, as well as several interesting dive sites with sunken ships.
In the waters of Fujairah you can see sea turtles, sharks, bright ripples. Most often, tourists go diving to the Snoopy Islands and Dibba. Also interesting for diving will be Shark Island, Three Rocks, Martini and the cave "Abyss of the World".
Attractions
Among the popular attractions of Fujairah are the ancient forts that have been rising above the desert for hundreds of years. The most interesting are Fujairah, El Heil, El Bitna and Wadi Dafta. Also worth seeing is the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is over 500 years old. You can look into the Archaeological Museum with curious exhibits or the Heritage Village, where they will not only tell you how the Arabs lived a couple of centuries ago, but also show you in interactive performances with national dances and refreshments.
An interesting and quite unexpected entertainment is bullfighting. Unlike bullfighting, this is a completely bloodless action. You can see them on Friday evenings in the Kalba area. Fujairah also has a camel race track, the schedule of which must be specified in advance.
Outdoor enthusiasts go hiking in the Hajar Mountains. The routes are well equipped, the observation deck offers a marvelous view of the mountains and the coastline.
You can stay alone with nature on Korfakan (Khor-Fakkan) beach. This is one of the most deserted stretches of the coast, and diving or snorkeling here is just excellent.
Near the city, in a beautiful green valley, there is a hot mineral spring Ain Gomur. Its waters treat diseases of the skin, nervous system, and joints.
shopping
There are several large shopping centers in Fujairah where tourists like to go shopping: Safeer Mall, Fujairah Tower Mall, Fujairah City Center and others. Safeer Mall is the largest one, here you can find literally everything your heart desires, as well as go to the cinema, the arcade or one of the many restaurants.
The Friday Market (Suq al-Jumaa) is open daily. There you can buy handicrafts, handmade carpets, jewelry, food, spices and much more. Unlike shopping centers, here you can and should bargain: sellers can drop up to half the price.
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, 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 Bidia 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, 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 valley of Wadi Hail, where you can also find 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 - 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.
Fujairah is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The climate here is very mild, which attracts tourists. It is the only emirate that borders the Indian Ocean.
The Fujairah resort is the youngest, so it is suitable for those who want privacy and tranquility. The population is about 137 thousand people.
Nature is considered the most colorful. It is very clean here, as there are no industrial enterprises, and the inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture.
According to some data of this mosque over 500 years but no one knows for sure. The history of its origin is also a mystery. We can say with confidence that at the moment it is a functioning mosque. It is small - 53 sq. m. During the service it can accommodate 30 people. This mosque will be of interest even to travelers who are far from Islam.
Of particular interest are the walls of Al-Bidiya, they are made as if from sand on the outside, and the elegant finish is striking inside.
Al-Bidiya Mosque is located in the village of Al-Bidiya, 30 km north of Fujairah.
This fort is called floating fortress”, since it is located on a hill and is not visible as it touches the ground. Built by the Portuguese back in 1670, it has survived to this day in very good condition, despite the bombardments and wars that it has seen.
El-Kheil is interesting because it was the residence of the emir. Tourists can explore the bedrooms, exquisite living rooms, huge storage rooms and even see the watchtower. And if you go out into the courtyard, you can admire the production of date molasses.
Al-Kheil Fort is located 8 km southwest of Fujairah.
Initially, it was built as a defensive building. He defended the city from sea and land. Therefore, it consists of towers that are directed in different directions. So, the square tower of Mirab looks at the city, and the round towers look at the sea and mountains.
This fort is not a museum, admission is completely free. Its visit guarantees you a walk through the past, during the times of great battles, and also introduces you to the life and customs of that time.
Fujairah Fort is located in the center of the old city, 2 km from Fujairah .
It is a maritime city famous for its picturesque landscapes. Its location makes it unique. On one side are the Hajjar Mountains, and on the other, the coast of the Gulf of Oman. It is the beauty that attracts hundreds of tourists to this amazing city.
Dibba is also a historical center. During the excavations, it turned out that it was inhabited in the Iron Age and was a major trading center. Merchants from all over the Middle East, as well as China and India, came here.
The city of Dibba is 52 km from Fujairah, which is 1 hour drive.
Friday Market (Suq Al Jumaa)
It used to work only on Friday, but now it works every day. This is a traditional oriental market where you can find everything your heart desires. They mainly sell goods of their own production (dishes, vessels, sweets, jewelry, carpets and much more). You won’t leave without a purchase, just don’t forget that the Arabs love to bargain. In some cases, the price tag can be lowered to 50% of the originally declared amount.
The Friday market is located in Masafi, next to the highway on the border between Fujairah and Sharjah.
This is a nature reserve, on the territory of which there is a water valley that provides fresh water to the entire emirate. The park covers an area of 127 sq. m. More than a hundred species of fauna and more than three hundred species of flora live there. Arabian tigers (which are considered an endangered species), leopards and wild caracal cats roam freely here. Also on the territory of the reserve there are 29 monuments of historical heritage.
Wadi Wuraiya National Park is located north of Fujairah in the center of the ring of the cities of Korfakkan and Al-Bidiya.
Since the island resembles a shark's fin in its appearance, it was nicknamed the Shark. It attracts divers from all over the world. The water is clear, so diving is very educational. In fine detail, you can see the coral reefs. Swim with shoals of small fish, see sea turtles and octopuses.
Shark Island is famous for its Underwater Car Graveyard. This is an amazing sight, as marine inhabitants live in flooded cars.
The diving depth is from 4 meters to 30 meters, so both beginners and experienced divers will feel comfortable.
Shark Island is opposite Khor Fakkan, which is a 30-minute drive from Fujairah.
If you look at the island from a certain angle, you can see its resemblance to the cartoon character, in part of which it was named.
An ideal island for beginner divers. The diving depth is only 5 meters. But the underwater world is striking in its exotic beauty. You will see the largest number of sea turtles here. Snoopy Island is a 45 minute drive from Fujairah.
This peninsula in the past had a bad reputation, as it was believed that pirates lived in the Omuz Bay, which washes Musandam. They robbed and destroyed ships. Nothing reminds them today. The peninsula is very beautiful, and for its steep cliffs it is called Arabian Norway. Here you can fish and ride a dhow. The way on the dhow passes through the rocks and ends with a meeting with dolphins - a very impressive sight.
The journey to the Musandam Peninsula takes almost 3 hours, and the distance from Fujairah is 189 km.
The hot spring appeared due to a volcanic eruption. It cures many diseases - rheumatism, various skin diseases and other ailments. This is possible thanks to sulfuric mineral springs. The water temperature is very comfortable and is 55 degrees. Medical tourism has just begun to develop here, but has already gained sufficient fame.
The hot spring of Ain Al Gomur is located 20 km from Fujairah.
The sculpture consists of seven jugs, which symbolize the seven emirates of the UAE. The three largest jugs of the composition are the oil-producing emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi). Fujairah is presented in the form of a small jug, but despite this, the standard of living in this emirate is quite high. "Pitchers" is located near the airport.
The sculptural composition "Jugs" is located on the road from Fujairah to Dibba.
Spread out at the foot of Mount Hajar. This place is considered the most picturesque corner of Fujairah. It is famous for its hot springs. On the territory there are two swimming pools with medicinal waters - for men and women.
But of greater interest among tourists are the gardens, where you can hide from the scorching daytime sun. The national park has many paths, so every corner of the park is accessible to pedestrians. On weekends, national bands perform here, so you can come and enjoy Arabic dances and listen to music.
Ain Al Madhab Gardens is located next to Fujairah Airport .
The club regularly holds windsurfing competitions, races on yachts, scooters and boats. Getting membership in the club is very simple - you need to become a member of one of the competitions. But mostly people come here for “gambling fishing” (whoever has the most catch wins). Here you can catch tuna, barracuda and other inhabitants of the water element. You can cook the caught fish, right in the open ocean on a boat, there is everything you need for this.
The club has an excellent restaurant where live music is played. The International Maritime Club is located on the coast of Fujairah.
This is the most spectacular sport that attracts not only local residents, but also tourists. They are held every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00. There are no fights in the summer, as it is very hot.
The essence of the competition is to identify the most stubborn bull, who at the end must fight with the winner of the previous week. There is no bloodshed, as in the Spanish bullfight. The fight lasts an average of eight minutes, and then the owners separate the bulls. The winner is determined by the judge. Before the fight, all the bulls are on a rigid diet of dates, milk and honey.
Bullfights are held in Fujairah between Ocean Road and Corniche Road.
The village is an open-air museum. It was opened for tourists in 1996. Once there, you can get acquainted with the traditional life of the Arabs, their crafts, crafts, see houses and preserved mosques. The village is surrounded by a wall with watchtowers. Such an excursion will be very interesting for children.
Folk dances (al-ayala) are performed especially for tourists. Water is obtained from a well there and bulls help people in this. On the territory of the village there is a market of sweets and souvenirs. Anyone can choose a suitable memorable gift.
The traditional heritage village is located in the center of the old city, 2 km from Fujairah.
This is an indoor museum, opened to the public in 1991. It was during this period that archaeological excavations began in the city. The first exhibits were coins, jewelry, household items and tools.
Now the museum exposition consists of several halls. There are clothes, outfits and their changes over time. There is a hall of spices and even a hall of medicine, where medicinal herbs are presented, which have been treated since ancient times. The most extraordinary exhibit is an ostrich egg, which was used as a bowl for food. Its age is more than 2 thousand years.
The Fujairah National Museum is located in the center of Fujairah.
If you drive along the streets of the city, you can pay attention to interesting monuments, and they are dedicated not to people, but to animals and household items. One of these is the "Golden Falcon", which is reminiscent of the traditional entertainment of the Arabs - falconry. "Sharks" and "Dolphins", which do not allow tourists to forget about the inhabitants of the local waters. But the composition "Perfume" speaks of the ability of the Arabs to produce perfume oils. "Kerosene lamp" reminds of past times.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Fujairah is an amazing city that will appeal not only to history lovers, but also to spectacle lovers.
The western coast of the United Arab Emirates, where most of the country's resorts are concentrated, is well studied by tourists. But the resort of Fujairah, on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula, travelers are just mastering.
Meanwhile, this emirate has many differences - the sea is different here, the climate is milder, and nature is closer. The capital of the emirate - Fujairah - looks like a cozy resort town: bright wide streets, a green embankment, brand new hotels along the coast and no noisy entertainment. That is why the youngest emirate of the UAE is recommended for family holidays.
When to go, where to sunbathe, how to have fun, where to stay - you will read all the most important things about holidays with children in Fujairah in our article.
Fujairah on the UAE map
The city of Fujairah is the administrative center of the emirate of Fujairah, a major seaport. The city is located in the east of the United Arab Emirates, on the coast of the Gulf of Oman of the Indian Ocean. From the west, the Hajar mountain range approaches the coast. The distance from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi is 255 km, to Dubai - 120 km, to Ras Al Khaimah - 113 km, to Sharjah - 108 km.
Tourists have only recently begun to find out where Fujairah is located. This calm emirate will appeal to those who like to warm their sides on the soft sand and enjoy all inclusive.
Vacation with children
Traveling to Fujairah is an intrigue. How is it: a city without skyscrapers, without amusement parks, without curiosities and without pathos? Exactly. Rest in Fujairah is a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, and for this all you need is a good hotel and a beach nearby. This is where the first difference between Fujairah and other resorts in the UAE appears.
Resort life is not concentrated only in the capital. There are good hotels with their own beaches in Fujairah and several resort towns of the emirate.
The second difference is slightly less heat than on the western coast of the country. Thanks to this, it is possible to come to Fujairah with children already at the end of September, and in the spring they can stay until the beginning of May. Interestingly, in winter the resort is as warm as in Sharjah or Dubai: you can come to rest with a baby.
The third difference is the popularity of the all-inclusive system in hotels. Agree, it is good to have a rest with the child, without breaking the head, where and what to feed him. Only Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah can boast of such convenience in the UAE.
The main disadvantage of the resort is that there are almost no entertainments for children in Fujairah. More precisely, there is definitely not such an abundance of entertainment here as in Dubai, but there are several options for interesting leisure activities (look at the "Things to do" and "What to see" sections).
When is the best time to go
The opening of the season in Fujairah is a gift for those who, during the first month of autumn, managed to get tired and miss the summer warmth. If you want to forget about the impending rains and cold weather, you need to come to this resort in October-November.
The spring season in Fujairah starts in the second half of March. Hurry up the summer and soak up the beach in March-April. By the middle of spring, the water in the sea becomes so warm that you don’t even want to get out of it. Meanwhile, winter is also the right answer to the question of when is the best time to go to Fujairah. The moderate warmth of the winter months is suitable for relaxing with a baby.
Weather and climate
The east coast of the UAE is just as hot as the entire Arabian Peninsula. But the climate of Fujairah is a little milder because the mountains protect the resort from the hot wind from the desert. But next to this plus there is also a minus - high humidity, about 60-66%. This makes the air feel hotter.
The hottest period is from May to September. At this time, the air temperature reaches +40°С (and in Dubai, for comparison, it happens even +50°С). At the end of September the air temperature drops to +35-36°C.
To organize the best holiday in Fujairah with children, we recommend waiting for October-November. The air temperature drops to + 28-33 ° C, stuffiness subsides, and the sea remains luxuriously warm.
Winter in Fujairah is also good for families with children. The air temperature is kept within + 24-26 ° С, the weather is most often sunny (it rains very rarely in the United Arab Emirates).
True, swimming will have to be excluded from the list of entertainment, because the sea cools down in winter. On a trip, you need to take light jackets with you: in the evening the air temperature drops to + 17-20 ° С.
In the second half of March, the beach season opens again on the east coast of the UAE. The air warms up to + 26-28 ° C, and this is a reason to plan a vacation in Fujairah.
In April, the air temperature rises to + 30 ° C, but the summer heat is still far away, so this period can be chosen for a trip with a baby to Fujairah. In May, Fujairah is empty: the heat up to + 40 ° C is not suitable for a family holiday.
Sea water temperature
One of the most important advantages of the UAE is a very warm sea. And although Fujairah is on the shores of the Gulf of Oman, and the rest of the resorts are on the shores of the Persian Gulf, the situation here is no different.
The highest water temperature in Fujairah, of course, is in the summer. From May to September, sea water has time to warm up to + 30-33 ° С. Is it surprising that in October-November the sea keeps the temperature +27-30°С?
In December, the sea temperature still allows you to swim: in the water + 23-25 ° C it is comfortable even for kids. But in January-February, the sea cools down to + 21-22 ° С, and this is not to everyone's liking. Already in March, the water temperature begins to rise: at the beginning of the month it is +22°C, and at the end of the month it is +25°C. In April, the sea warms up to +28-29°С.
Transport
There is no urban public transport in Fujairah - both because the city is quite small and because of the UAE people's habit of driving.
It is most convenient for tourists to rent a car: this is the most convenient way to go to the best beaches and visit the sights of the emirate. Good roads are a pleasure to drive, and in cities there are always free parking spaces.
Car rental offices operate at Dubai and Fujairah airports, in large hotels. Within the city, you can take a taxi. Traveling in Fujairah by municipal taxi costs 3 AED per kilometer, the amount is calculated by the meter. There are also private taxis in the emirate, in which you need to negotiate with the driver about the fare.
Intercity transport in Fujairah is buses going to other emirates. Most often, about once an hour, there are buses to Dubai. The timetable is only available at the bus station located next to the Plaza Cinema. Tickets for children must be purchased regardless of the age of the child. The fare to Dubai is about 25 AED.
Fujairah is one of the popular resorts of the UAE, an emirate with the capital of the same name, which is very different from other regions of the country. The only one of all, it is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean (unlike other emirates, washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf) and boasts a relatively large amount of precipitation by local standards and nature atypical for the UAE - green valleys, majestic mountains and wide beaches with golden sand.
About 140 thousand people live in Fujairah, there are no skyscrapers and bustle of million-plus cities, but agriculture is well developed here, interesting historical monuments have been preserved and all conditions for a calm and secluded vacation have been created. And it is also the only emirate that does not produce hydrocarbons, which is only good for tourists.
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How to get to Fujairah
Fujairah has its own airport, but it is mostly used for cargo and private flights. Moreover, there are no direct flights from Russia, you can get either with a connection somewhere in Europe (from 400 USD one way) or via Dubai. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
Tourists usually fly to Dubai, since it is just over 100 km from Fujairah. In particular, you can fly directly from Moscow to Dubai on the flights of Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ural Airlines. The one-way trip will take 5.5 hours and will cost about 256 USD. You can also fly from the Russian capital in 5 hours and 340 USD on a direct Air Arabia plane to Sharjah, but getting from here is a little longer and more expensive.
From airport to city
Getting from Dubai airport to Fujairah is easy. The most comfortable and quick way to get there is by taxi, the cost is fixed for all services, as it is controlled by the state. Depending on the location of the hotel, it will cost 348-440 AED and take about 1.5 hours.
Also from all terminals of the Dubai airport from 5:00-6:00 until midnight there are buses every half an hour. The fare is 22-41 AED, you can check the schedule and route number at the office. carrier's website (in English). There is also a route map and a smartphone app to help you navigate Dubai's public transport world.
Search for flights to Dubai (nearest airport to Fujairah)
Districts of Fujairah
The most popular tourist areas, which is logical, are coastal ones. Among them are El Fujairah, Dibba, Al Badia, Kalba and Khor Fakkan. Here, on the first beach line, the best hotels are located. The capital of the emirate, lurking in the bay of the Gulf of Oman, is small (only 50 thousand inhabitants), modern and European in mood. On the wide bright streets there are residential skyscrapers and business centers, on the picturesque coast there are hotels and beaches with all kinds of activities: from diving to snorkeling.
In the vicinity of El Fujairah, an old Portuguese fort and a complex of architectural monuments from the 17th century are noteworthy.
Dibba is split into three parts, two of which belong to the UAE, and one to neighboring Oman. The city owes its name to the Portuguese fortress of Dibba al-Hisn, which has survived to this day, and its tourist popularity is due to its peaceful atmosphere, fresh mountain air and stunning beaches.
The main attraction of the village of Al Badia, which is 30 km from El Fujairah, is the mosque of the same name, one of the oldest in the Emirates. Built in the 15th century, it can accommodate no more than 30 people and is very different from the religious buildings characteristic of the region, resembling more traditional Yemeni temples.
The town of Kalba is known for its mangrove forests with outlandish inhabitants, as well as for ancient Portuguese architecture and - like, in fact, the whole of Fujairah - excellent beaches. And Khor-Fakkan - translated as "the bay of two jaws" - is a paradise for lovers of secluded relaxation and first-class diving: corals, fish, turtles, stingrays - what treasures are hidden under the local water surface.
There are no dangerous or dirty areas in Fujairah, but it is still recommended not to stop in the highlands, as there is active quarrying.
Transport
In Fujairah, urban transport is not developed. There are no subways and trams, and if a bus flashes on the road, it most likely belongs to a private company or delivers students from one of the local schools home. Officially, there are about 10 bus routes throughout the emirate, and even those are not laid in the most popular tourist places. So far, intercity communication has been established only with Dubai. Water transport is used mainly for organizing cruises; renting a motorbike or a bicycle will not work either: due to hot weather, they are not in demand. You can only move around the city by car or on foot.
In fact, the only public transport is taxis, so there are no problems with cars here. In places of mass congestion of tourists, there are a lot of private traders who are always ready to take you in the right direction. To stop the car, just raise your hand along the road. However, private cab drivers do not always have taximeters, which means that it is better to agree on the cost of the trip right away.
Another option is to take a municipal taxi, whose fares are fixed and regulated by law. During the day, 1 km costs 1.50 AED, at night - 2.50 AED. Drivers speak English more or less clearly and use a meter.
Maps of Fujairah
Rent a Car
Renting a car is a great alternative to walking and constantly looking for taxis on the streets of Fujairah. The roads here are of high quality, the drivers are polite, the urban layout is simple, and gasoline is inexpensive. There are local and international car rental offices at the airport and many hotels. To rent, you will need a driver's license (driving experience - at least 1 year), most often you do not need to leave a deposit. You can rent a small car for 120 AED, an economy class car for 130 AED, a standard model for 180 AED, an SUV from 213 AED per day. Gasoline will cost 3.80 AED per 1 liter.
Traffic in Fujairah is right-handed, road signs are understandable, all signs are duplicated in English. The sanctions for violating traffic rules are severe here: if for speeding (the limit in cities is 60 km / h) only a serious fine threatens, then for driving while intoxicated - imprisonment. Traffic jams in the emirate are rare, there are many parking lots, and most of them are free.
Communication and Wi-Fi
In Fujairah, as in all the UAE, there are only two mobile operators - Etisalat and Du. Tariffs and rules for using the services they have are about the same. The cost of a local SIM card is approximately 75 AED, this amount already includes a package of Internet traffic, SMS and calls. You can also choose a tariff only with a mobile Internet package.
Internet coverage is very good here, with connections almost everywhere except for the remote desert and the open sea. In public places - airports, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers - free Wi-Fi is provided. And experienced tourists are advised to use it to the maximum, since mobile Internet is quite expensive here.
Fujairah beaches
The emirate of Fujairah has the longest coastline - about 90 km. All beaches belong to hotels, the entrance to which is free for guests. Guests from other hotels can get to the "foreign" beach for a small fee - 20-35 AED. This amount includes the use of sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets and other beach infrastructure.
Regardless of the "star" of the hotel, all the beaches are very clean, they can boast of clear water and white sand without any garbage. Some beaches have open-air freshwater pools where you can safely swim with children. The Gulf of Oman itself is distinguished by picturesque corals and rich marine life; inquisitive dolphins, huge turtles and even sharks that are safe for humans often swim up to the shores.
The beaches of Fujairah are ideal for diving and for a relaxing, measured family vacation.
Treatment
Diving in Fujairah
Most of the standing Fujairah dive sites are located near the Oceanic Hotel, a 15-20 minute boat ride. For example, it is worth diving at Martini rock, covered with multi-colored soft corals (depth from 3 to 19 m). Here you can meet lion-fish, beautiful cuttlefish, scorpion fish and others. In Khor Fakkan, surrounded by mountains, you can relax on beautiful beaches and go on a trip to coral reefs and shipwrecks, and in the surrounding waters of Dibba you can see accumulations of hard corals, many turtles and even sharks.
Other popular dive sites include Shark Island, Car Graveyard artificial reef, Three Rocks, Spuppy Island with a shallow depth of 3 to 7 m, Dibba Island and the Underwater Cave World Chasm.
Diving off the coast of Fujairah
Fujairah Hotels
The choice of hotels in the emirate of Fujairah is not as great as in Dubai or Sharjah, but nevertheless, there is still a room for any budget. Some of the most prestigious hotels are the five-star Hilton Fujairah Resort, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Radisson Blu Resort. A day in a double room here will cost 450-1100 AED.
Prices in good "three rubles" start from 200 AED per night. The Sandy Beach Hotel (from 400 AED) is popular due to its excellent diving conditions: the hotel has a diving center, and not far from the coast there is Snoopy Island, where it is convenient and interesting to dive underwater.
shopping
Fujairah is far from the main emirate of shopaholics, but famous silk carpets, perfumes based on plant extracts, cashmere clothes, fur coats, pearls, gold, hookahs and Turks are also sold here.
Authentic items and handicrafts are best purchased at the Friday Market, which actually works on any day of the week. The choice of goods here is really huge, you can and should bargain for every thing: with a gambling deal that is pleasant for both parties, you can save up to 50% of the original cost.
Popular malls with many chain and local shops, cinemas, coffee houses, food courts and children's towns are Fujairah City Center, Century Mall, Dana Plaza, Fujairah Tower Mall. It sells clothes, shoes, jewelry, gadgets, perfumes. And yes, bargaining even in stores is appropriate.
Cuisine and restaurants of Fujairah
Arabic cuisine is based on meat dishes, fresh vegetables, seafood, fruits and delicious desserts. And almost all of them do not have significant differences in different cities and emirates. However, some things can only be tasted in Fujairah. These are “al madruba” - salted fish boiled with spices and served with flour, “guzi” - lamb with nuts and rice, “hummus” - chickpea paste, “kebbe” - meat balls and other options for roast meat and vegetables . We recommend finishing the lunch with the curd dessert “Esh-Asaya” with a cup of fragrant coffee, which is prepared here exclusively in Turks, and not in coffee machines.
Be sure to try the street shawarma made from fresh meat, it bears little resemblance to the Russian "brother".
There are over 200 restaurants in Fujairah, but not every hotel is within walking distance. For afternoon snacks and full meals, beach restaurants are great: seafood or grilled fish right on the ocean will be even tastier than usual. The cost of the main course is 60-100 AED, a glass of beer or a shot is 35 AED.
There are quite a few bars and nightclubs in Fujairah, but hotels have discos with dances and pubs where you can drink beer for the same 404-50 AED and watch a football match broadcast.
Entertainment and attractions
Fujairah will appeal to lovers of history and ancient cultural monuments. The hallmark of the city is the fort in the Old City, which was built back in 1670, and then destroyed several times during the British bombardments. Now it is a huge restored castle with towers and loopholes. Not far from it is the Archaeological Museum with expositions showing the history of the emirate from ancient times - here are coins, utensils, examples of residential buildings.
Another fort - El-Kheil - is known for being the residence of the ruler of the Arab Emirates (the grandfather of the current emir) for a long time. Tourists can go inside and see the living rooms, bedrooms, corridors, pantries, and then go out to the courtyard and see the production of date molasses.
Even tourists who are far from Islam should look at the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is over 500 years old. It is built in the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire and looks like it was sculpted from sand, but behind the external roughness lies a very elegant interior decoration.
Wadi Wuraiya National Park is an open-air reserve. The river that flows here is one of the few sources of fresh water in the country. The river valley is surrounded by rocky mountains, there is a lot of greenery and a variety of animals - including Arabian leopards and caracals. Archaeological excavations are underway in the park, during which Islamic ancient cemeteries, petroglyphs, and the remains of ancient human settlements have already been discovered.
Fujairah is also famous for the bullfights that take place every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00 along the road leading towards Kalba (Kalba). These fights are not bloody, but rather spectacular, so you should not be afraid of scary scenes. If you wish, you can also visit camel races, and at the same time ride a two-hump. In addition, the emirate has something to offer active tourists: a lot of water sports, mountain climbing, exotic trips along dry riverbeds.
6 things to do in Fujairah
- Swim to the island of Snoopy and see all the marine life.
- Try real Arabic Turkish coffee and unusual pudding-based desserts.
- Attend bullfights that always end without bloodshed.
- Go on a jeep safari in the desert.
- Buy a handmade silk carpet at the Friday Market.
- Visit the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is over 500 years old, and make sure that nothing threatens its safety and beauty.
Fujairah for kids
Quiet, cozy Fujairah cannot yet boast of an abundance of entertainment for the whole family. Playgrounds and standard amusement complexes are only in some hotels and shopping centers. However, young tourists will surely like many "adult" attractions. Among them is the Heritage Village in El Fujairah, where traditional Arab dwellings with all elements of everyday life are accurately reproduced: from dishes to mats. The entertainment program includes ayala folk dances and getting well water using ancient technology.
At the mini-market in the Heritage Village, kids can enjoy fresh fruit, and their parents can enjoy strong aromatic coffee brewed according to an ancient recipe.