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Fujairah Arab. Open left Fujairah menu. Entertainment and attractions

Fujairah is one of the popular resorts in 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 the other emirates, washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf) and boasts a relatively large amount of precipitation by local standards and a 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 the bustle of cities with a population of over a million, but agriculture is well developed here, interesting historical monuments have been preserved and all conditions have been created for a calm and secluded holiday. It is also the only emirate that does not produce hydrocarbons, which is good for tourists.

How to get to Fujairah

Fujairah has its own airport, but it is used most often for cargo transport and private flights. Moreover, there are no direct flights from Russia; you can get there either with a connection somewhere in Europe (from 400 USD one way) or through Dubai. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Tourists usually fly to Dubai, since it is a little more than 100 km from Fujairah. In particular, you can fly directly from Moscow to Dubai on flights of Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, and Ural Airlines. The one-way journey will take 5.5 hours and 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 fastest 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 will take about 1.5 hours.

Also, buses run every half hour from all Dubai airport terminals from 5:00-6:00 until midnight. 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 application that will help you navigate the world of public transport in Dubai.

Search for flights to Dubai (the nearest airport to Fujairah)

Districts of Fujairah

The most popular areas among tourists, which is logical, are coastal. Among them are Fujairah, Dibba, Al Badiya, Kalba and Khor Fakkan. Here, on the first beach line, the best hotels are located. The capital of the emirate, hidden in a 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 high-rises 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 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, 30 km from Fujairah, is the mosque of the same name, one of the oldest in the emirates. Built in the 15th century, it seats no more than 30 people and is very different from the typical religious buildings of the region, more reminiscent of traditional Yemeni temples.

The town of Kalba is famous for its mangrove forests with strange inhabitants, as well as ancient Portuguese architecture and - like, in fact, all 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 - all kinds of treasures are hidden under the local water surface.

There are no dangerous or dirty areas in Fujairah, but it is still recommended not to stay in the mountainous areas, as there is active quarrying there.

Transport

In Fujairah, urban transport is not developed. There are no metro or trams here, and if there is a bus on the road, most likely it belongs to a private company or carries students from one of the local schools to their homes. Officially, there are about 10 bus routes throughout the emirate, and even those are not routed to the most popular tourist spots. Intercity communication has so far been established only with Dubai. Water transport is used mainly for organizing cruises; renting a motorbike or bicycle is also not possible: due to the 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 a taxi, so there are no problems with cars here. In places with large concentrations of tourists, there are a lot of private owners 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 it is better to agree on the cost of the trip right away.

Another option is to use a municipal taxi, whose tariffs are fixed and regulated by law. In the daytime, 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 an excellent alternative to walking and constantly searching for a 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 rental offices at the airport and many hotels. To rent, you will need a driver's license (at least 1 year of driving experience); 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 for 213 AED per day. Gasoline will cost 3.80 AED per 1 liter.

Traffic in Fujairah is on the right, road signs clear, all signs are duplicated in English. The sanctions for violating traffic rules here are severe: while speeding (the limit in cities is 60 km/h) only results in a serious fine, driving while intoxicated means imprisonment. Traffic jams are rare in the emirate; there is a lot of parking, most of which are free.

Communications and Wi-Fi

In Fujairah, as in all of the UAE, there are only two mobile operator- Etisalat and Du. Their tariffs and rules for using services are approximately the same. The cost of a local SIM card is approximately 75 AED, this amount already includes an Internet traffic package, SMS and calls. You can also choose a tariff only with a mobile Internet package.

Internet coverage here is very good, with connections available almost everywhere except in remote deserts and the open sea. Public institutions - airports, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers - provide free Wi-Fi. And experienced tourists advise using it to the maximum, since mobile Internet here is quite expensive.

Fujairah beaches

The emirate of Fujairah has the longest coastline - about 90 km. All beaches belong to hotels, entry to which is free for guests. Guests from other hotels can get to the “foreign” beach for small fee- 20-35 AED. This amount includes the use of sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets and other beach infrastructure.

Regardless of the star rating of the hotel, all the beaches are very clean, boasting clear water and white sand without any garbage. Some beaches have open-air freshwater pools where children can safely swim. 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 to the shores.

The beaches of Fujairah are ideal for diving and for a calm, measured family holiday.

Treatment

Diving in Fujairah

Most of Fujairah's worthwhile dive sites are located near the Oceanic Hotel, a 15-20 minute boat ride away. For example, it is worth diving at Martini Rock, covered with colorful soft corals (depth from 3 to 19 m). Here you can find 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 sunken ships, and in the surrounding waters of Dibba you can see clusters of hard corals, many turtles and even sharks.

Other popular dive sites include Shark Island, Graveyard Artificial Reef, Three Rocks, Spuppy Island with shallow depths of 3 to 7m, Dibba Island and Chasm of the World underwater cave.

Diving off the coast of Fujairah

Fujairah Hotels

The choice of hotels in the emirate of Fujairah is not as wide as in Dubai or Sharjah, but nevertheless there is still a room for every budget. Some of the most prestigious hotels are the five-star Hilton Fujairah Resort, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, and 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 shore 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 is actually open every day of the week. The selection of goods here is really huge, you can and should bargain for every item: in a gambling transaction that is pleasant for both parties, you can save up to 50% of the original cost.

Popular malls with many chain and local stores, cinemas, coffee shops, food courts and children's playgrounds are Fujairah City Center, Century Mall, Dana Plaza, Fujairah Tower Mall. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, gadgets, and perfumes are sold here. And yes, bargaining is appropriate even in stores.

Cuisine and restaurants of Fujairah

Arabic cuisine is based on meat dishes, the freshest vegetables, seafood, fruits and delicious desserts. And almost all of them do not have significant differences in different cities and emirates. However, there are some things you can only try in Fujairah. These are “al madruba” - salted fish, which is boiled with spices and served with flour, “guzi” - lamb with nuts and rice, “hummus” - chickpea paste, “kebbe” - meat balls and other types of roast meat and vegetables. . We recommend finishing your lunch with the esh-asaya curd dessert with a cup of aromatic coffee, which is prepared here exclusively in Turks, and not in coffee machines.

Be sure to try street shawarma made from fresh meat; it bears little resemblance to its Russian “brother.”

There are over 200 restaurants in Fujairah, but not every hotel is within walking distance. Beach restaurants are perfect for daytime snacks and full meals: seafood or grilled fish right on the ocean will be even tastier than usual. The cost of a 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 dancing and pubs where you can drink beer for the same 404-50 AED and watch a broadcast of a football match.

Entertainment and attractions

Fujairah will appeal to lovers of history and ancient cultural monuments. The visiting card of the city is the fort in the Old Town, which was built back in 1670 and then destroyed several times during English bombing. Now it is a huge restored castle with towers and loopholes. Not far from it is the Archaeological Museum with exhibitions showing the history of the emirate from ancient times - coins, utensils, and examples of residential buildings are presented here.

Another fort - Al-Kheil - is known for the fact that for a long time it was the residence of the ruler of the Arab Emirates (the grandfather of the current emir). Tourists can go inside and explore the living rooms, bedrooms, corridors, storage rooms, and then go out into the courtyard and see the production of date molasses.

Even tourists far from Islam should look at the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is more than 500 years old. It is made in the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire and looks as if it was sculpted from sand, but behind the external roughness there is a very elegant interior decoration.

Wadi Wurayya National Park is an open-air nature 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 ancient Islamic cemeteries, petroglyphs, and the remains of ancient human settlements have already been discovered.

Fujairah is also famous for its bullfights, which take place every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00 along the road leading towards Kalba. These fights are not bloody, but rather spectacular, so you shouldn’t be afraid of scary scenes. If you wish, you can also visit camel racing, and at the same time ride a double hump. In addition, the emirate has a lot to offer active tourists: many water sports, mountain climbing, exotic trips along dry river beds.

6 things to do in Fujairah

  1. Swim to Snoopy Island and see all the marine life.
  2. Try real Arabic Turkish coffee and unusual pudding-based desserts.
  3. Attend bullfights that always end without bloodshed.
  4. Go on a jeep safari through the desert.
  5. Buy a handmade silk carpet at the Friday market.
  6. Visit the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is more than 500 years old, and make sure that its safety and beauty are not in danger.

Fujairah for children

Quiet, cozy Fujairah cannot yet boast of an abundance of entertainment for the whole family. Playgrounds and standard amusement complexes are found only in some hotels and shopping centers. However, young tourists will certainly enjoy many “adult” attractions. Among them is the Heritage Village in Fujairah, where traditional Arab dwellings with all household elements, from dishes to mats, are accurately reproduced. The entertainment program includes Ayala folk dances and extraction of well water using ancient technology.

At the mini-market in 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 preserved the traditional Arabic atmosphere, which is why it is most associated with the real East.
We dedicate this article to describing Fujairah as a resort with hotels, interesting attractions and entertainment... We will look at Fujairah, first of all, as a resort, and secondarily as an emirate.

Fujairah on the map of the UAE

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 Arab in character. Compared to other Emirates, Fujairah has quite hilly terrain. Because of this, the amount of rainfall here is greater than in other Emirates. However, the climate here is warm and dry for most of the year. In the period from October to March, the average daily temperature is about 25°C, and the thermometer rarely goes above 30°C. In summer, the thermometer sometimes goes beyond 40°C.
You will definitely be enchanted by the incredible underwater world of the Gulf of Oman, on the shores of which the Emirate of Fujairah is located. Here you can discover the incredible diversity of four nature reserves and be enchanted by long sandy beaches. Fujairah offers original desert and mountain landscapes, traditional Bedouin villages, fantastic beaches with modern resort hotels and numerous attractions. The emirate is the ideal destination for those seeking sun, sea and adventure, wanting to go diving or snorkeling or simply wanting to relax in a nice beach hotel.
In addition to natural beauty, the Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE also offers cultural attractions. These include Fujairah Fort, the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, and the city of Dibba, which is famous for being located 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). The 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 located just offshore. The resort area of ​​Al Aqa is located approximately 140 km from Dubai International Airport and is home to 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 resort hotels offer private sandy beaches and large pools, as well as additional amenities. Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort has a good diving center as well as a water sports center that offers not only the standard water activities but also deep sea fishing. Anglers will have the opportunity to catch tuna, king mackerel, barracuda or perhaps a small shark. Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa offers a nice beach with a volleyball court, a water sports center and bayside massage cabins. The 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, adjacent to which is the famous Snoopy Island, named for his striking resemblance to the Charles Schulz character. It 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 such as parrotfish and even barracudas. The Sandy Beach Resort diving center is professional training center, which 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. North of Al Aqa is 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 some of the rarest in the world and contain a diverse range of marine life. Beach hotels in this area include: Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah and lesser known Royal Beach Hotel & Resort. Both hotels have good beaches and offer diving or snorkeling opportunities.

Al-Aqa

Just north of Fujairah city is the beautiful Al Aqa Beach with its luxury hotels. It is approximately 40 km north of Fujairah, on the E99. The charming small coastal towns of Khor Fakkan and Bidiya are located approximately halfway between Fujairah and Al Aqa.
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 market day arrives, Bidiya is filled with baskets filled with bananas and various other fruits, which the locals snap up at the drop of a hat. But the real highlight of Bidiya awaits you at the end of the village. Here stands the oldest mosque in all of the United Arab Emirates. It is created entirely from stones and clay and is estimated to have been built between the mid-15th and mid-17th centuries. If it were made of wood, it would probably fall apart. However, don't expect any grand building here as it is a cute mosque with four small domes only a few meters high. It is still used for prayer, so non-Muslims are prohibited from entering it de jure, but not de facto. You need to ask the relevant information center if you can go inside. In some cases you are allowed to go inside, but be sure 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-kilometer long Al Aqa beach you will find 5 luxury hotels, if you count the Sandy Beach Resort separated by breakwaters from the main beach. Between this hotel and the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort there is a section of the beach that is public but never gets crowded. A few local residents often rest here, but they can sometimes create a lot of noise. For example, when they come here on ATVs and start racing 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
Particularly famous is the Le Meridian hotel, surrounded by an artificial oasis of palm trees and swimming 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 high level of service. Designed in 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 features a seafood restaurant and a stunning terrace with panoramic views.

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

Fujairah city

Located on east coast The UAE city of Fujairah is an ideal starting point for trips to the Hajar Mountains, the fertile plains and beautiful beaches of the Emirate of Fujairah. Fujairah is the capital of this Emirate of the UAE, independent since 1903 and the only one not bordering the Persian Gulf. Unlike other Emirates, Fujairah is not dominated by deserts, but there are fertile valleys that were able to form due to heavy rainfall. These plains are used for agriculture.
Fujairah has no oil, 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. Since 1987, Fujairah has also had an international airport, which has given the local economy another boost.

The city of Fujairah offers small, classically tourist attractions, but its skyline is gradually being overtaken by huge skyscrapers. Next to the container port, in the Gurfa area, close to the central market, there is also a fishing port where the daily bustle prevails. There can be a strong smell here because, as often happens on the east coast of the UAE, fish are dried right on the sand here.
The Fujairah Museum is an interesting place to see historical weapons, jewellery, costumes and handicrafts typical of the region. Historical finds from the areas of Dibba, Bitna and Bidya are displayed under the colorful patterned ceiling.
The fortress city of Al 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 mud houses and defense towers around the fort.

There are plans 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 attractions of Fujairah city do not seem interesting to you, you can go to many other places from here because the city is an ideal starting point for trips to the Hajar Mountains and the many fertile valleys in the area. Many excursions are best undertaken by 4x4, but even with a regular car you can reach fabulous sites such as the palace of the former rulers of Al Hain in the lush green Wadi Khail valley, which also contains rock art, or the Bithna fortress in the Wadi Ham valley. Just north of Fujairah city is picturesque Khor Fakkan with a beautiful sandy beach. Even further north is the famous city of Dibba.

Prices for food in cafes and restaurants in Fujairah

You can enjoy oriental delicacies and a variety of Arabic cuisine in many restaurants and cafes in Fujairah. Souk Al Juma (Friday market in Masafi village) is the ideal place to try local dishes or explore an interesting oriental bazaar. But, of course, you don’t have to go to this market to try 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. A large selection of restaurants and cafes can be found near 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 to you the menu of one of the cafes in the city of Al Fujairah, located near the Hilton Fujairah hotel. Prices are indicated in dirhams.



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

About the Emirate

The Emirate of Fujairah has a population of about 200,000 people. Most of the UAE emirates are located on the southern shore of the Persian Gulf and have a warm, subtropical climate. Fujairah, however, borders the Gulf of Oman. Although Arabic is an official language in the UAE and Fujairah in particular, English language is also widespread and widely used.
The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE is bordered by the Gulf of Oman in the east and bordered by the Hajar Mountains in the west. It is considered one of the most beautiful areas of the UAE with beautiful beaches and mountains that almost reach the bay. The weather in Fujairah from October to March is ideal for a holiday as during this time there are rarely clouds in the sky and the air temperature generally hovers 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 six emirates, Fujairah is almost entirely mountainous rather than desert. The emirate receives relatively high rainfall, which is enough for farmers to reap bountiful harvests of fruits and vegetables.
Although it's very beautiful region, which has several beautiful luxury resorts, Fujairah is not experiencing a booming economy like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and even Ajman. The economy in Fujairah is mainly based on federal government grants and subsidies. Local industry includes quarrying and stone crushing. The recent boom in construction in Dubai and to some extent Abu Dhabi has helped Fujairah build its nascent industries.

The unemployment rate in Fujairah is high. According to some estimates, almost half of the working 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 showing Indian films and "cleaned up" versions of US films. Tourists here have a choice of several beautiful, modern luxury hotels.
Due to its location in the eastern UAE, on the Gulf of Oman rather than on the Persian Gulf, Fujairah's climate is more temperate than Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The weather attracts thousands of visitors who want to escape the sweltering heat of the UAE's major cities. Due to the mountain range between Fujairah and the Persian Gulf, the emirate experiences less hot and dry weather than the rest of the UAE.
There is a small island off the coast of Fujairah that has been named "Snoopy" due to 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 stingrays, sharks, turtles and a variety of colorful fish.

Fujairah's beaches are less crowded than those in larger cities, and prices for food and accommodation are lower than in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
One of Fujairah's most famous landmarks is the Fort. Situated 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 Fujairah city. It includes a playground, heritage replica village and fort ruins 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 night life 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, since it does not have such intense heat as in Dubai.

We'll tell you how to relax and what to see in Fujairah, an Arab emirate on the shores of the Ottoman Gulf. Read about the resort's weather, location and activities.

Fujairah, population 140,000, is a famous Arab resort located in the Emirates on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. Its peculiarity is that it boasts a moderate amount of rain for the Arabian Peninsula and a unique environment: an abundance of greenery, mountain ranges and pristine beaches.

Where is it located on the map of the UAE

There are no megacities with modern high-rise architecture here; instead, there is a powerful agro-industrial complex, the presence of monuments of ancient Eastern culture and recreational facilities. Moreover, oil is not produced here.

To be extremely correct, this emirate and the locality of the same name are officially called Fujairah. However, rarely does anyone call them that (certainly our compatriots).


Climate

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

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


How to get there from Moscow or Dubai

Russian travelers in most cases fly to Dubai on Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ural Airlines (flight duration 5.5 hours). It’s just a stone’s throw from Dubai airport – about a hundred kilometers along the isthmus. The easiest way to overcome it is by taxi in an hour and a half. The price of the service is acceptable and constant, because gasoline in this Muslim state is relatively inexpensive, and the entire transportation market is under government control.

Planning a trip? That way!

We have prepared some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money while preparing for your trip.

In addition, comfortable buses run from the largest airport of the Emirates every half hour from early morning until midnight.

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

What is the distance and how long does it take to travel from Fujairah to Dubai?

The length of the route is 120 kilometers. The journey takes one and a half hours.

Description of the emirate

The urban area with a population of 50 thousand is divided into parts - Al-Badiya, Dibba, Kalba, Khor Fakkan. There are no crime-prone or environmentally unfavorable areas in Fujairah, with the exception of the mountains where there are active quarries. Closer to the sea there are prestigious hotels. And while petroleum products are really cheap in the Middle East, the same cannot be said about hotels.

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

Al-Badiya is famous for one of the oldest mosques in the area, dating back to the 15th century and housing 30 worshipers, which is made in the Yemeni style.

Kalba is home to unique mangrove forests with bizarre fauna. And here, perhaps, are the best beaches in the area.

Khor Fakkan is a godsend for lovers of a spartan holiday with exquisite diving.

Transport connection

There is no municipal electric transport; buses are mainly chartered and school buses. It can be stated that road transport here is poorly developed: there are no more than 10 routes for the entire emirate, and they were laid without taking into account the direction of the main passenger flows. You will have to travel on foot or by car, of which there are plenty here. It is unlikely that you will be able to rent a scooter or bicycle: due to the heat, they are mostly idle, and this type of service brings nothing but losses to unlucky entrepreneurs.

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

Sea transport adapted for cruises.

Communication and Internet

In UAE 2 mobile operator– Du and Etisalat companies. Purchasing a SIM card will cost 75 local dirhams (this also includes a package of web services). The coverage area is small, there are enough towers, so the connection is stable. If necessary, sales consultants will select a package exclusively with mobile internet. It's convenient, although not cheap. Reliable free Wi-Fi is supported everywhere - in airports, hotels, cafes, and commercial centers.


Sea and beaches

By local standards, Fujairah is considered a relatively remote periphery with the longest coastline in the Emirates (90 km). As elsewhere in the Arab world, the beaches are distributed to nearby hotels, and entry is free for tourists staying there. For “outsiders”, entry is provided at an acceptable rate - 20-35 dirhams.

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

There are ideal conditions for scuba diving, relaxation with the whole family, and passive leisure time alone.

What kind of sea or ocean is there in Fujairah?

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

Diving

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

Fujairah's popular dive sites don't stop there. The islands of Shark, Dibba, Spuppy, the Chasm of the World Cave, the so-called Three Rocks and the Car Cemetery are at the service of foreign tourists.

Health improvement

There is an opportunity to receive treatment at the sulfur-rich thermal springs of Al Ain Gomur in a picturesque rocky valley (20 km from the administrative center of the emirate). The healing underground liquid has antiseptic properties and cures rheumatism and dermatitis.

The mentioned springs appeared as a result of a volcanic eruption many years ago. Swimming in them is often combined with a thematic excursion: a hike to one of the low peaks of the Khajar Mountains and a visit to the nearest exotic camel market, where, in addition to desert ships, they also offer donkeys and horses.


Purchases

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

For exclusives and antiques, it is better to go to the Friday market. True, its name does not correspond to the truth: the marketplace is open all week, and on Fridays it was open in the last millennium. There is plenty of choice here; with a successful transaction, beneficial for both the seller and the buyer, you can save half the amount.

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

  • Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
  • Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.
  • Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
  • Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.
  • Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so as not to worry on the road.
  • AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

Kitchen

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

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

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

There are few nightclubs, dance floors and pubs in these parts; they are mainly concentrated in hotels where tourists from foreign countries stay. There, in the heat, you can drink a glass or two of beer while watching a football match broadcast on TV.

Sights to see

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

This country has great respect for its own history and jealously preserves cultural monuments. It is not for nothing that the archaeological museum is considered the pride of local residents, the exhibits of which (coins, utensils, models of dwellings) tell about the development of the emirate.

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

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

Every Friday evening in Fujairah, bull fights are organized along the road that leads to neighboring Kalba. However, they are not like Spanish bullfights, but resemble shows of skillful circus tricks. Camel racing is especially popular. If you wish, you can take part in them yourself as a rider. So those who are supporters of a healthy lifestyle will not be bored: in addition, they offer participation in competitions in a number of water sports, mountain tourism and educational hikes along “wadis” - the beds of dried up rivers.

Excursions

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

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

Vacation with children

Yes, it is worth admitting: there is not yet enough entertainment for the whole family here, but the authorities are trying to fill this gap. Attraction complexes are available only at certain luxury hotels, as well as shopping centers. Therefore, the little ones, not without pleasure, stare along with the elders, for example, at the Heritage Village, where replicas of desert dwellings with all the everyday little things are recreated. But that is not all! Tourists are taught Ayala folk dances and demonstrated the ancient technology of water extraction. At the village market, children gorge themselves on fresh fruit, and their parents devour aromatic Arabica beans prepared according to a special recipe.

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

Things to do

  1. Enjoy the uniqueness of the local coffee and dessert.
  2. Buy a traditional handmade silk product.
  3. Feel yourself in the role of a camel driver and rider.
  4. Take a photo in front of the unique Al-Badiya mini-mosque.
  5. Go with a local guide to the spurs of the Hajar Mountains or at least to the foothills.
  6. Attend a folklore and ethnographic concert with classical Arabic music and choreography.

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

Features of climate and nature.

Fujairah is the only emirate in the UAE that is almost entirely mountainous, with the mountains coming very close to the coast. All other Emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are located on the west coast, and their large territory is occupied by desert. It falls in Fujairah large quantity rainfall than the rest of the UAE, which allows farmers in the region to receive good harvests. Tourists arriving on holiday in this emirate in the summer months can count on daytime temperatures not exceeding +40 degrees.

Sights of Fujairah.

The capital of the emirate is an ordinary provincial city. One of the most interesting places in the city is the embankment. By the way, in the evenings, on the outskirts of the city near the embankment, bullfights are held. Of interest to tourists is the old fort located in an ethnic village, the local museum and Madhab Park, at the foot of the Hajar Mountain. The waters of the hot sulfur springs of this oasis fill the pools where you can swim and improve your health. Not far from the city there is an ancient mosque, built in 1446 from clay and brick. It is similar to other mosques found in Yemen, Oman and Qatar. The mosque has four domes (unlike other similar mosques, which have seven to twelve) and does not have a minaret.

The city has modern shopping centers, but tourists are attracted by the country's famous Friday market. Despite its name, the market operates every day, delighting numerous tourists with an abundance of goods, low prices and a unique oriental flavor. And the gorge in which the market is located is very picturesque.

Beaches and recreation areas in Fujairah.

On the coast of the Indian Ocean, the sand is multi-colored. City beaches are not all well equipped. It is better to go to the north of the emirate to the town of Dibba. It has stunning beaches and opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is believed that these places are the best in the country for diving. You can take a boat trip to one of the many islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman. These are truly wonderfully beautiful places, and they are also good for fishing.
The gulf coast from Dibba to Khor Fakkan offers some of the best local hotels with stunning beaches and stunning mountain views.

Nature and local landscapes.

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

Everyone will enjoy a holiday in Fujairah. Some will be interested in going on excursions around the area, others will enjoy the beautiful beaches and clear ocean waters, while others will go fishing, diving or just want to take a boat ride along the coast among the many islands of the Gulf of Oman. In any case, everyone will be happy!

The Emirate of Fujairah is the “youngest” emirate in the Arab state. It is located almost in the eastern part of the country and is the only emirate in the UAE that does not have access to the Persian Gulf and has access to the Indian Ocean. Nature Fujairah It is considered the most colorful in the state, and for good reason: the Khajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean and golden beaches with lush green vegetation are surprisingly harmoniously combined here. This vacation spot is chosen by those tourists who want to “get away” from the noisy everyday days and enjoy the picturesque views of nature.






First you should get to Fujairah beach. From this place you will see a magnificent panorama: mountains, birds and the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman. The most popular beaches in the emirate are Al Aqah Beach and Sandy Beach.





Many tourists choose the nearby islands: Snoopy, Musandam and Shark Island as a starting point for diving and underwater excursions.

Snoopy Island will amaze you not only with lush vegetation, but also with many sea turtles.



Shark Island is known not only for its year-round optimal water temperature and depth off the coast of up to 30 meters, but also for its “Underwater Car Graveyard.”





And the Musandam Peninsula was generally considered “criminal”: it used to be inhabited by pirates.


In addition to diving, you can also go fishing in Fujairah. This requires a boat excursion. By the way, crab fishing is the most popular in the emirate.




The underwater world is not the only thing the emirate can boast of. Rich vegetation and interesting landscapes are the main “trump card” Fujairah. In the village of Siji, 3 main natural attractions of the emirate are concentrated: the Al-Waria Valley, the Ain Gomur hot spring and the Ain Al-Madhab gardens.

The Al Wariya Valley is rich in mineral springs and waterfalls.




The waters of the Ain Gomur hot spring have the ability to cure various skin diseases and rheumatism.


And the gardens of Ain Al-Madhab surprise with their vegetation, for which they are popularly called the “National Park”.



In general, there are many places to visit and many attractions to see in Fujairah. For example, a museum Fujairah Open Air - Traditional Heritage Village located in the suburbs of Madab. Here you can look at traditional Arab dwellings, household tools once used by the Arabs, and traditional Arab dances “al-ayala” are shown especially for tourists.



The Historical Museum is also famous in the emirate. This time the museum is indoor. To enter it, an adult will have to pay $1.4, a child can enter for free. The museum displays archaeological finds found as a result of excavations in the villages of Kidfa and Bitna (Bithna).




Most of the museum exhibits were found in the village of Bitna (Bitkhna). This village was once the site of a battle between warring factions of Oman (1745), and then came under bombardment by the British (1925), as a result of which the Fort was practically destroyed Fujairah(Old Fort). Now the Fort has been restored and is a unique medieval monument of the emirate, and the village of Bitna is abandoned.





Another abandoned village in Fujairah is Wadi Daftah. True, this village was the least fortunate - it was practically wiped off the face of the Earth. But despite this, the ruins of a destroyed fort that once guarded a stone village have been preserved on its territory.


And southwest of Fujairah Fort (Old Fort) there is another well-known fort throughout the emirate, called El-Kheil. The fortress was originally (since 1670) the “residence” of the Portuguese, until the mid-20th century it was the residence of the ruler of the emirate, and now it has become a landmark of Fujairah and also a small factory for the production of date molasses.


Near Al Khail Fort is the Al Bidiyah Mosque or Ottoman Mosque. It is the oldest mosque in the UAE (about 5 centuries old) and the most visited place in Fujairah.




It is worth noting that Fujairah is not the smallest emirate in the country, and in order to see all the attractions scattered throughout its territory, you will have to constantly travel from place to place. The only means of transportation in Fujairah is a taxi.


U Fujairah It also has its own “calling card” - this is a huge sculpture of the “Falcon”. It is a symbol of the Arabs’ favorite pastime for centuries – falconry.


All the sculptures in Fujairah mean something, are associated with something or symbolize something. The most significant for the emirate and for the UAE as a whole are the sculptural compositions “Pitchers” and “Dolphins”. They have a common feature: seven sculptures in one monument, which symbolizes the unity of the seven emirates.



While in the emirate, do not forget to attend the Arabian bullfights. This spectacle is popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents Fujairah. Arabian fights differ from Spanish ones, firstly, in the absence of a matador and the nature of the fight - here they pit two bulls against each other, the main criterion for their battle is stubbornness; and secondly, because the struggle here is less bloody. Bullfights are held on the city embankment on Fridays (except the summer season) from 16:00 to 19:00.





Well, you can complete your tour of Fujairah by visiting the famous Souq al-Jumaa market. It is most often called the Friday Market, despite the fact that it operates daily. Here tourists can be offered any product: from food and ceramic dishes to jewelry and handmade carpets.






As for places where you can have a tasty and inexpensive meal, you won’t have to look for them for long in Fujairah. Go to Al-Meshwar - a cafe with Lebanese cuisine, or to the Sadaf restaurant, offering Iranian dishes. Well, if you are a vegetarian, then the Saffron Vegetarian Restaurant is best for you.




Don’t worry about hotels either - the emirate is not deprived of them. The most popular 5-star hotel is the One to One - Concorde Fujairah Hotel. It is located in the very center Fujairah. Here you may be offered to visit the spa, swimming pool and restaurant at the hotel.




A beautiful view of the Hajar Mountains will open to you from your room at the 4-star Millennium Hotel Fujairah.




At the 5-star Hilton Fujairah Resort you will be accommodated in a luxurious room and will be invited to visit the hotel's spa, swimming pool and gym. And 25 km from the hotel is the hot spring of Ain Gomur.




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