Fujairah travel tips. Open left fujairah menu
In the United Arab Emirates, this island is very popular among divers. The water here is very clean, and therefore transparent, which allows you to see the underwater world in all its glory when scuba diving: here you will find colorful flocks of small fish swimming among corals, lobsters, and electric stingrays. Here you can also see octopuses and sea turtles.
Those who do not yet know how to scuba dive should not be upset either, as experienced diving instructors train beginners for a moderate fee.
The depth off the coast ranges from five to thirty meters. The water temperature is more than comfortable - on average it is 25 degrees. The sandy beaches of Shark Island combined with the rocky shores look just great.
Coordinates: 25.35628100,56.36721600
Musandam Peninsula
On the one hand, this peninsula is surrounded by the lands of the United Arab Emirates, and on the other, the legendary Omuz Strait, once famous for its large concentration of pirates. Today, the Musandam Peninsula is called Arabian Norway thanks to the impressive coastal cliffs in their size, which are located in the form of an ornate labyrinth, which gives a certain resemblance to the Scandinavian fjords. It is difficult to list all the local beauties and attractions: secluded bays with clear turquoise water, grottoes in the rocks, mountain ranges whose peaks are hidden high in the clouds, and many ancient architectural structures such as mosques or ancient citadels. These places are also very popular with divers and fishing enthusiasts - many of the most different types fish. Souvenir lovers are offered a wide selection of works by local craftsmen: from hand embroidery to beautiful forged iron products. The most favorable time in terms of weather is the autumn-winter period.
Coordinates: 26.04691300,56.24404900
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Fujairah Fort
The Fujairah Fort is located in the hills, a few steps from the Castle Road, which runs along the northern side of the emirate. The attraction is a huge ancient fortress. It appeared in the middle of the 16th century. The fort looks like three two-story buildings, which are connected by a wall. They have a conical shape, the top of which is decorated with pyramid-shaped turrets, used earlier as guard posts, as well as shelters during shelling. One of these buildings stands out noticeably for its cubical walls, dotted with small viewing windows. Despite their tiny size, these holes served as both ventilation and lighting.
Fujairah Fort is a unique historical site of the city. Tourists are brought here every time. The fort is carefully watched. More recently, the fortress has been restored.
Coordinates: 25.11666700,56.33333300
Friday Market is located in the UAE along the road in the mountains between Sharjah and Fujairah. It is called the Souq Al Jumaa Market, or Friday Market.
To get to the market, you will have to call a taxi, because there is no public transport in Sharjah at all, the cost will be $ 5.5-15, the time of day will play a big role in the price.
In the market you will find products, exotic sweets, you can also buy souvenirs. Many travelers come for Iranian, Arabic, Afghan and Indian carpets made with my own hands with traditionally beautiful patterns, you can also buy silk carpets, various ceramics, daggers, and jewelry.
Prayers are held from 11 30 to 13 00, and therefore some shops may be closed, despite the fact that the market is called the Friday market, it accepts people from 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
Coordinates: 25.29110000,56.11880000
snoopy island
The area here is exotically beautiful - vast sandy shores and rocks of impressive size wash the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Due to the purity of the local waters and the optimal temperature, Snoopy Island attracts a large number of diving enthusiasts. Those who like to admire the underwater beauty - coral reefs, sea turtles and countless unusual fish - are provided with all the conditions for a bright and memorable vacation. There are hotels and cafes, and, of course, there is a diving school. Even a novice diver will be able to learn the most necessary skills in a short time, which will make it possible to experience simply unique sensations from diving near Snoopy Island.
Coordinates: 25.49281100,56.36406500
Ain Al Madhab Gardens
Ain Al Madhab Gardens is a national park with mineral springs, located in the Al Ain Valley at the foot of the mountains.
warm mineral water springs filled two pools (for men and women). It is believed that by plunging into the local water, you can be cured of many diseases.
During the holidays, going to the green theater for a show with traditional Arabic songs and dances, you can feel the spirit of the Arab East.
There are good hotels on the territory of the park for those who wish to undergo a course of treatment in the springs.
In the vicinity of Fujairah, the Al-Bitiya Mosque, the former palace of the Emir of Fujairah, the Al-Kheil fortress, the ancient Dibba, the famous Suk-al-Jumaa (“Friday Market”) on the border of Sharjah and Fujairah attract attention.
Divers Down Diving Center
The real professionals and masters of their craft work here, capable of very carefully and clearly presenting the necessary details to a diver of any level, including beginners. Dives take place at different times of the day - both near coastal cliffs and near sunken ships (the latter is of the greatest interest). They will also teach underwater videography. Even children are accepted for education here - there would be money to pay for services. The basic course costs $400, then the price varies depending on your appetite for learning new intricacies and nuances of diving. The first few dives are done in the Oceanic Hotel pool before the instructors entrust you with deep sea excursions. Diving in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates guarantees a lot of unique experiences: here you will find coral reefs, a wide variety of sea creatures, and sunken ships. That is why the Divers Down Diving Center is very popular among tourists.
Coordinates: 25.40358500,56.34590100
Hot springs of Ain Al-Ghamur
Sources beat throughout the year, but it is better to come here in October-May, when the heat is not so depressing. When approaching hot springs, a strong smell of sulfur is felt, therefore it is not recommended to spend a long time taking baths. Fortunately, the springs are located in the middle of a picturesque park with impressive landscapes.
The most popular attractions in Fujairah with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Fujairah on our website.
Individual and group
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.
lovers active rest go on a hike in the Hajjar 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.
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.
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 - to its peaceful atmosphere, fresh mountain air and stunning beaches.
The main attraction of the village of Al-Badiya, 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 - great 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 here, 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- Taxi, so there are no problems with cars. 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 constant search taxi 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 operator- 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, as Mobile Internet 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 are 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.
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 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, there are many baskets of bananas and various other fruits 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 in the appropriate information center ask if you can come 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 in it, except for a few luxury hotels, 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 the best places for snorkeling 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. Although Arabic is the official language in the UAE and Fujairah in particular, English language also widespread 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.
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.
