Fujairah: Top Places To Visit And Things To Do

Fujairah’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern facilities has made it a popular destination. It’s a good place to spend time with friends or family with kids. There is a wide range of things to do and places to visit. 

The beaches and clear water of the Emirates are popular with people who like to swim, snorkel, or dive. The Hajar Mountains are beautiful and have hiking and exploring opportunities. Fujairah has old buildings from the 15th century and new ones made by humans.

Why is Fujairah a must-go emirate for adventurers and nature lovers?

Let’s explore the top reasons:

Three more facts about Fujairah

• Fujairah is the only emirate in the UAE that is on the eastern side of the country, near the Gulf of Oman. The other six emirates are on the Persian Gulf coast.
• This is the only place in the UAE that is mostly made up of mountains. The Hajar Mountains form about 80% of its total area.
• Every year, the Fujairah International Arts Festival shows art from different countries, like painting, sculptures, photography, and calligraphy.

Getting to Fujairah

Avoid traveling in the summer because it can be very hot and humid. The best time to go to Fujairah is between October and March.

From other countries, you have several options to get to Fujairah. You can fly to Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport, then take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation to get to Fujairah. You could also take a direct flight to Fujairah International Airport, which is served by regional airlines from neighboring countries like Qatar and Oman. There are cheap flights on Mytickets.ae.

Abu Dhabi to Fujairah is around 300 kilometers away, and the driving time is around 3 hours. The Hajar Mountains, the desert, and the Gulf of Oman can be seen along the way.

From Dubai to Fujairah, the distance is approximately 130 km and the travel time is approximately 1.5 hours by car. During travel, one may enjoy the views of the Hajar Mountains, the desert landscape, and the coastline of the Gulf of Oman.

Dive into past

One of the most significant local tourist spots is the Fujairah Fort. It’s a 16th-century fortification that shows how important the region was. The fortification was built from local materials like mud, gravel, and mortar, and it has high walls, watchtowers, and a central tower that gives great views of the nearby landscape. As a visitor, you can learn about how the fort protected the area from invaders and rival tribes by exploring the fort’s various rooms and passages. 

Another essential place is the Al Bidya Mosque, which is the oldest in the UAE. It was built in the 15th century. Stone construction with a unique, four-domed design makes it stand out from other mosques in the area. Natural light streams in through tiny windows in the prayer rooms, making them simple but elegant. 

If you are keen to learn more about Fujairah’s past, you should visit the Fujairah Museum. The museum houses an assortment of artifacts and displays that showcase the region’s past, stretching back to prehistoric times.

Displays of traditional weapons, pottery, coins, and jewelry can be seen, as well as information about regional traditions, attire, and handicrafts. The museum has fossils and mineral specimens that highlight the unique natural landscape of Fujairah, as well as a section on the region’s geological history. 

Explore the marine life

Fujairah’s clear waters and diverse marine life make it a great place for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports. Dibba Rock is a great place to go scuba diving in the Emirate. The crystal-clear visibility and vibrant coral reefs that are home to a wide variety of marine life make it the best. At Dibba Rock, divers can see coral formations, schools of colorful fish, turtles, and even sharks or rays.

Shallow, calm waters and an abundance of marine life make Snoopy Island a popular spot for snorkeling. You can see fish, crustaceans, and coral too.  The island got its name because it looked like Snoopy lying on his back when seen from a certain angle.

The waters of Fujairah are also ideal for paddleboarders. The lagoons and bays are a perfect place for beginners to learn and practice, while more experienced paddleboarders can go further out to explore the coastline and see the Hajar Mountains in the distance. 

Eat and drink out 

If you want to eat fresh oysters after diving, there’s Dibba Bay Oysters near Dibba Rock. It is the first oyster farm, producing high-quality, sustainably farmed oysters at affordable prices. 

If you like eating seafood at gourmet restaurants, go to Salia at the Address Beach Resort. The restaurant has great panoramas of the Gulf of Oman and delicious food. And Gianluca Interrante, the chef, makes delicious seafood dishes with fresh, local ingredients.

Another classy option is the Orangery at the Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort. It has a great selection of teas and sweet and savory treats, all served in a beautiful setting overlooking the Gulf of Oman. A classic afternoon tea ritual can be enjoyed in the elegant atmosphere and friendly service.

For a friendly and fun atmosphere, McGettigan’s Irish Pub at the Fujairah Tennis & Country Club is a great place to have live entertainment, eat classic Irish dishes, and drink a lot of beers and cocktails. 

Of course, the must-try restaurant is at the Royal Beach Hotel. It has a multi-cuisine menu and 5-star dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Discover the beauty of nature

Fujairah’s natural beauty and exciting activities make it a top holiday destination.  There is a great deal of wonderful landscapes and exciting adventures for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. 

The Hajar Mountains are the first place to check out. They have rugged peaks, deep canyons, and amazing views. Hikers and adventurers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the mountains, taking in the lush greenery and diverse wildlife along the way. 

Another natural wonder in Fujairah is Rainbow Mountain, also called Jabal Al Doum. This geological formation is made up of layers of red, yellow, and orange rock. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain for views of the beautiful surrounding, or just admire its beauty from afar.

For a more laid-back adventure, take a kayak out on Al-Rafisah Dam. This man-made lake is surrounded by the picturesque Hajar Mountains and offers a peaceful and serene setting for a day on the water. During hiking or after kayaking, you can have a picnic on the shore.

Meet human-made wonders 

Fujairah’s artificial wonders are great for bonding with the kids. Umbrella Beach is one of the most popular beaches, where you can find over 800 colorful umbrellas. It’s a great spot to relax and take pictures. The beach also has food trucks, play areas for kids, and water sports activities.

If you like modern religious architecture, visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. It’s a beautiful example of Islamic design with white domes, minarets, and geometric patterns. This mosque is the second-biggest mosque, behind the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

To see something different, go to the Khor Fakkan Amphitheater on a mountain that reviews out the Gulf of Oman. You can watch the sunset at the amphitheater, which hosts live shows, concerts, and other activities throughout the year. Nearby, you can also see the Khor Fakkan Waterfall, which cascades down the rocks and creates a beautiful visual display when it’s lit up at night.

BONUS

You can’t miss out on the authentic market vibes at Masafi Friday Market. Despite its name, this market offers daily bargains on a diverse range of merchandise. It has a good selection of fruits and vegetables from local farms and gardens. Here you can also browse through handmade rugs, ceramics, and fresh produce.

The market is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, creating a fantastic contrast between the natural beauty of the surroundings and the bustling activity of the marketplace. The mountain backdrop adds an extra touch of charm and authenticity to the shopping experience.