Holidays to Fujairah

Fujairah, a tiny Emirate located on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates occupying only 1.4% of the entire UAE area. Sitting on the coast of Gulf of Oman which is branded as one of the most picturesque parts of the UAE, Fujairah is almost entirely covered by mountains. It has no deserts like the other Emirates, and due to its mountains, Fujairah has a higher than average yearly rainfall ensuring more vibrant colours of nature and strong agriculture. Although the weather is warm and pleasant throughout the year, the temperatures drop to 25°C in the winter and climb over 40°C in the summer. The rainy season is in the winter when the prevailing winds bring the wetter weather from the Indian Ocean - however, the rainfall is minimal compared to the other parts of the world. The city of Fujairah is a major bunkering port with flourishing cement, stone crushing and mining industry. It is not a tourist city as such and most of the foreign visitors head to the Khor Fakkan and Badiyah regions where most of the resort hotels are located on the pretty coastline with the best snorkelling and diving in the United Arab Emirates. The city centre is growing rapidly - the new 105 unit shopping centre opened in 2011 featuring brands that the city has never seen before. A new, highly anticipated, highway from Fujairah to Dubai is under construction cutting the current 90 min journey time to 30 min when the project is ready improving the northern Emirates’ infrastructure and making them more accessible.

Fujairah is home to the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, Al Bidyah Mosque. This charming mud and brick mosque, which was built in 1446, only features four domes (usually similar mosques have seven to twelve domes) and lacks a minaret making it rather unusual. For nature lovers, take a boat trip to one of the small islands in the Gulf of Oman (ideal for fishing) or visit the nearby Oman (remember that separate Visas are required for UAE and Oman). For a spot of traditional market and souk shopping, visit the infamous Masafi’s Friday Market which is located en route to Dubai about 30 km from Fujairah. Unlike its name suggests, the market is open every day until 10pm featuring wonderful Arabic rugs, fresh fruit and vegetables and some souvenirs. You might end up buying nothing, but the experience is fantastic!

The area of Dibba (about 30 km from the city of Fujairah) boasts lovely clean shell covered beaches - ideal for sunbathing in the relaxing and peaceful surroundings. A wealth of water sport activities including water skiing, jet skiing to scuba diving are available. Other local activities include thrilling deep sea fishing or quad bike safaris along the rugged coastline. Most of the resorts are located in this area with a magnificent backdrop of Hajar Mountains and delightful panoramic views of the shimmering Arabian Sea. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, the extravagant Dubai is located nearby (90 min drive) with its hundreds of shops and other entertainment options.