The city of Fujairah is a modern industrial city and the main establishment of the east coast. The emirate is separated from the rest of the United Arab Emirates by the jagged line of the Hajar Mountains and, although the city itself is a knit together of high-rise office buildings with little to offer visitors, the beaches of The Emirate of Fujairah to the north are some of the most beautiful of the United Arab Emirates. This beautiful slice of coastline is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and diving.
Away from the sand, Fujairah is an ideal base for exploring the Hajar Mountains and the series of small forts and historic buildings, such as the Al-Bidyah Mosque, which marks the coast. For ideas on the best things to do, check out our list of Fujairah's top attractions.
Al-Bidyah Mosque
Located about 35 kilometers north of Fujairah City, the Al-Bidyah Mud brick mosque is the oldest in the United Arab Emirates. It bears the name of the city that surrounded it. The technical features are a major achievement for the construction period. The mosque consists of a prayer hall decorated with arches, ventilation openings and a mihrab (prayer niche pointing to Mecca). A central pillar divides the internal space into four squares of similar dimensions, covered with domed ceilings.
The site surrounding the mosque has been excavated to reveal that it has been inhabited for 4000 years. A large Islamic cemetery, located just to the north, contains a vast Iron Age tomb that, during its excavation, revealed fragments of pottery, metal arrowheads and other artefacts dating back at least 1000 years BC.
Fujairah Fort
Built in 1670, Fujairah Fort was severely damaged by a British attack in the early 20th century. Regarded as the oldest fort in the United Arab Emirates, it has served as both a defensive building and a home for the ruling family. And for many centuries, it was the only stone building on the Fujairah coast. The fort comprises three main sections, several halls, a square tower and two round towers. In recent years, it has been fully restored to its former glory.
The area surrounding the fort is now part of a heritage village created by Fujairah's Department of Archeology and Heritage. Here you can see old restored houses, exhibitions on traditional life and an exhibition of the Al Yazrah irrigation system used by Emirati farmers in their fields.
Al Aqah Beach
About 45 kilometers north of Fujairah City, Al Aqah Beach, dominated by the rocky outcrop of "Snoopy Island" just offshore, is the emirate of Fujairah's largest seaside resort. This coastline, located on the Gulf of Oman, offers the best opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling in the United Arab Emirate. She is a must for submarine enthusiasts.
The many hotels that line the shore are all laid out for water activities, with dive operators and many other water sports, but do not worry if you just want to laze on the beach, this strip of sand has everything you want for an easy tanning day.
Bithnah Fort
Outside the city of Fujairah, 13 kilometers from the main highway, Bithna Fort once oversaw strategic routes through the mountains of Hajar through Wadi Ham. Built in 1735, the fort was considered of vital importance for the defense of the eastern region of the United Arab Emirates. The voluminous structure of the fort with the thick golden stone walls, bordered by a thick circular watchtower, makes it particularly photogenic, while the view from the ramparts on the countryside of palm groves and jagged mountains is spectacular.
Hajar Mountain Wadis
The Hajar Mountains separate the west coast of the United Arab Emirates from Fujairah, making this emirate an excellent starting point for further exploration of rocky and arid terrain. This mountain area is well known for its wadis (a wadi is essentially a dry river bed that can contain water after a heavy rain, but can also designate any oasis valley), as well as to cut down wadis) is one of Fujairah's main activities for visitors.
Wadi Siji, Wadi Saham and Wadi Maidaq are some of the most beautiful wadis in the region. Wadi Ham is the longest valley, and Wadi Al Taiwan is a pleasure to visit, as well as the amazing mountain road that must be taken to get there.
North of Fujairah, Wadi al-Wurayah is the most famous wadi in the United Arab Emirates, although the authorities have banned the public from preserving it to preserve its sensitive and unique ecology in recent years.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah occupies a site the size of three football fields and six minarets 100 meters high. The mammoth prayer room can accommodate 32,000 worshipers. Its white facade has made it one of the most important monuments in the city and ranks as the second largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates after the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Unfortunately, the interior of the mosque is not accessible to non-Muslims, but you can take pictures of the outside of the mosque.
Fujairah Museum
Just south of Fujairah Fort, the Fujairah Museum has an excellent collection of early Bronze Age artifacts that were discovered during archaeological excavations in Qidfa and Bithnah. Exhibits include Iron Age and Bronze Age weapons, painted pottery, carved soapstone vases and pre-Islamic silver coins.
Discovered in Qidfa, one of the museum's treasured pieces is an 2,200-year old ostrich egg bowl. There is also a good ethnography section, with exhibits from the UAE's traditional daily life and craftsmanship.
Al-Hayl Castle
Al-Hayl Castle was once used as the headquarters of the ruling family of Fujairah. Built about 250 years ago, it played an important role in defending the region, serving as a base for surveillance and patrolling to protect Fujairah from attack. There is not much left today - the original fortifications have been demolished for a long time - except for a two-storey tower on the hill to recall the days when these forts were scattered over strategic hillsides in the present United Arab Emirates.
Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs
At the foot of the Hajar Mountains, on the outskirts of Fujairah City, the hot springs of Ain al-Madhab are a popular retreat. Mineral springs here produce hot sulfuric water that is pumped into two pools. There are separate bathing areas for men and women. It's a family place that's packed on weekends. If you have traveled and need some downtime, this is a great place to relax and let the warm, mineral-rich waters relieve all the pains.
Masafi
About 33 kilometers northwest of Fujairah, the village of Masafi lies on the edge of the Hajar Mountains near Fujairah. It was originally a trading post and a refueling stopover before the construction of the region's modern highways in the 1970s. Masafi is on the border between two emirates, with most of the city, Fujairah, and the smaller part belonging to the emirate of Ras al-Khaimah.
Masafi is famous in the United Arab Emirates for its natural springs. The main mineral water producer in the Gulf (named after the city) is nearby. On the Dubai-Fujairah road near Masafi, the excellent local market is a great place to trade carpets, terracotta products, antiques and local handicrafts.
Awhlah Fort
This distinctive village of Aouhlah, with its thick, high walls, is one of the best preserved forts in the emirate of Fujairah. It lacks the "restored look" of most of the other forts in the UAE and is therefore an ideal place for history buffs to come and capture a sense of Emirati heritage. It is 30 kilometers from the city of Fujairah itself, on a hill, in an excellent strategic position to keep the countryside. Inside, the circular watchtower is 20 meters high and features small windows in the wall to allow archers to enjoy excellent views.
Bull Butting
The bull was introduced in the United Arab Emirates by Portuguese colonizers. In Fujairah, the bull is held every Friday during the coldest months and is a popular family event. The day begins with 20 bulls fighting each other and the numbers go down slowly as the winners move on to the next round.
The prize for the winning bull is to increase its value. For the tourists, the competition presents an additional thrill of danger, because even if the bulls are attached and manipulated by the attendants, they sometimes free themselves and were known to charge the spectators.
Where to Stay in Fujairah for Sightseeing
Most visitors to Fujairah stay in coastal resorts rather than in the city itself. Most resorts are luxury, while Fujairah offers more business-style hotels.
Luxury Hotels: These upscale accommodations located on Al Aqah Beach, about a 55-minute drive north of Fujairah city center, are all large family-friendly resorts with a spa. They are about a 10-minute drive from Al Badiyah Mosque.
The InterContinental Fujairah Resort is a sprawling five-star property known for its exceptional service and many activities for children. The architecture and interiors are elegant and contemporary. The pool and the beach are exceptional.
Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort features an on-site PADI Dive Center and eclectic Middle Eastern style in all its interiors. There is a slice of pristine beach. Ideal for active travelers, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort offers many water sports, a PADI dive center, great pools and newly renovated rooms.
Mid-Range Hotels: Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort is located on Al Aqah Beach, overlooking Snoopy Island (popular dive site) and features an on-site PADI dive center and two-bedroom suites. for families. Located north of Al Aqah in Dibba Al Fujairah, Radisson Blu Resort offers a variety of facilities including a spa, pools, a private beach and bright, modern rooms with balconies overlooking the sea.
Cheap hotels: If you are looking for affordable accommodation, the hotels in Fujairah city tend to be cheaper than the major seaside resorts of the coast. The Ibis Fujairah offers excellent value for money in the city center, with a pool, mountain-view rooms and a restaurant.
Next door, the Novotel Fujairah is one of the city's most popular choices for its large, contemporary-style rooms, including breakfast, restaurant and rooftop pool. Nour Arjaan Fujairah, located opposite the hotel, offers contemporary rooms and suites, ideal for families or longer stays. It offers a pool, spa and breakfast included.
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