Fujairah is one of the most beautiful and greenest emirates. Its shores are washed by the Indian Ocean. There is a lot of greenery, great diving and great beaches with golden-white sand. Fans of scuba diving and a serene beach holiday go to Fujairah.
Beaches
Fujairah's coastline stretches for 90 km. The sand on the beaches is white, the entrance to the water is smooth. The sea water 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 features of Fujairah. This is the only emirate that has all the conditions for a vibrant underwater trip. Near the shores of Fujairah there are coral shallows, as well as several interesting dive sites with wrecks.
In the waters of Fujairah you can see sea turtles, sharks, bright ripples. Most often, tourists go diving to the Snoopy Islands and Dibba. Shark Island, Three Rocks, Martini and the Abyss of the World cave will also be interesting for diving.
sights
Among the popular sights of Fujairah are ancient forts, towering over the desert for more than one hundred 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 interesting exhibits or the Heritage Village, where they will not only tell how the Arabs lived a couple of centuries ago, but also show them in interactive performances with national dances and food.
An interesting and very unexpected entertainment is bullfights. Unlike bullfighting, this is a completely bloodless action. You can see them on Friday evenings in the Kalba area. There is also a camel track on Fujairah, the schedule of which must be clarified in advance.
Fans of outdoor activities go hiking in the Hajar Mountains. The routes are well-equipped, from the observation deck, a wonderful view of the mountains and the coastline opens up.
You can stay alone with nature on the Korfakan beach (Khor-Fakkan). This is one of the most uninhabited parts of the coast, and diving or snorkeling is excellent here.
Near the city, in a beautiful green valley, there is the hot mineral spring Ain-Gomur. Its waters treat diseases of the skin, nervous system, joints.
Shopping
Fujairah has several large shopping centers where tourists like to go shopping: Safeer Mall, Fujairah Tower Mall, Fujairah City Center and others. Safeer Mall is the largest, here you can find literally everything your heart desires, as well as go to the movies, the slot machine room or one of the many restaurants.
The Friday market (Suk al-Jumaa) is open daily. There you can buy handicrafts, handmade carpets, jewelry, food, spices and much more. Unlike shopping centers, you can and should bargain here: sellers can drop up to half the price.
The emirate of Fujairah is the "youngest" emirate in the Arab state. It is located practically 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 picturesque in the state, and for good reason: here the Hajar Mountains are surprisingly harmoniously combined with the Indian Ocean and golden beaches with lush green vegetation. This vacation spot is chosen by those tourists who want to "get away" from noisy weekdays and enjoy the picturesque views of nature.
First, it is worth getting to Fujairah Beach. From this place, a magnificent panorama will open to your eyes: mountains, birds and 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 of Snoopy, Musandam and Shark Island as a starting point for diving and snorkeling.
Snoopy Island will amaze you not only with its lush vegetation, but also with its many sea turtles.
Shark Island is known not only for the year-round optimal water temperature and depth off the coast of up to 30 meters, but also for its “Underwater Car Cemetery”.
And the Musandam Peninsula was generally considered "criminal": earlier it was inhabited by pirates.
In addition to diving, Fujairah also offers fishing. This requires a boat tour. By the way, crab fishing is the most popular in the emirate.
The underwater world is not the only thing that the emirate can boast of. Rich vegetation and interesting landscapes - this is the main "trump card" Fujairah... In the village of Siji, 3 main natural attractions of the emirate are concentrated: the Al-Wariya valley, the hot spring Ain Gomur and the gardens of Ain Al-Madhab.
The Al-Warya Valley is rich in mineral springs and waterfalls.
The ability to heal various skin diseases and rheumatism is possessed by the waters of the hot spring Ain Gomur.
And the gardens of Ain Al-Madhab amaze with their vegetation, for which they were nicknamed by the people "National Park".
In general, Fujairah has many places to visit and many attractions to see. For example, a museum Fujairah open air - Traditional Heritage Village located in the suburb of Madab. Here you can look at the traditional Arab dwellings, at the household instruments used by the Arabs, as well as, especially for tourists, show the traditional Arab dances "al-ayala".
The Historical Museum is also known in the emirate. This time the museum is covered. To enter it, an adult will have to shell out $ 1.4, the child can enter for free. The museum presents archaeological finds found as a result of excavations in the villages of Kidfa and Bitna (Bitkhna).
Most of the museum exhibits are found in the village of Bitna (Bitkhna). Once this village was the site of the battle of the warring factions of Oman (1745), after it came under bombardment from 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 erased from the face of the Earth. But despite this, the ruins of a destroyed fort, which once guarded a stone village, have been preserved on its territory.
And to the south-west of Fort Fujairah (Old Fort) there is another fort known throughout the emirate, called El-Kheil. The fortress was originally (since 1670) the "residence" of the Portuguese, until the middle of the 20th century it was the residence of the ruler of the emirate, and now it has become a landmark in Fujairah and also a small factory for the production of date molasses.
Al Bidiyah Mosque or Ottoman Mosque is located near Fort El Kheil. 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 sights scattered throughout its territory, you will have to constantly travel from place to place. As a means of transportation in Fujairah, you can only be offered a taxi.
Have Fujairah there is also a "visiting card" - this is a huge sculpture "Falcon". It is a symbol of falconry, a favorite Arab occupation for centuries.
All sculptures in Fujairah mean something, associate with something or symbolize something. The most significant for the emirate and for the UAE as a whole are the sculptural compositions "Jugs" and "Dolphins". They have one thing in common: seven sculptures in one monument, which symbolizes the unity of the seven emirates.
While in the emirate, do not forget to catch the Arab bullfights. This spectacle is popular not only among tourists, but also among locals. Fujairah... Arab battles differ from Spanish ones, firstly, in the absence of a matador and in the nature of the struggle - here they pit two bulls against each other, the main criterion of their battle is stubbornness; and secondly, the fact that the struggle here is less bloody. Bullfights are held on the city embankment on Fridays (except for the summer season) from 16:00 to 19:00.
Well, you can finish your tour of Fujairah by visiting the famous Souk al-Jumaa market. Most often it is called the Friday Market, despite the fact that it is open on a daily basis. Here tourists can be offered any product: from food and ceramic dishes to jewelry and handmade carpets.
As for the places where you can have a tasty and inexpensive snack, you won't have to look for them for a long time in Fujairah. Go to Al-Meshwar, a cafe with Lebanese cuisine, or Sadaf restaurant, which offers Iranian dishes. Well, if you are a vegetarian, then Saffron Vegetarian Restaurant will suit you best.
Don't worry about hotels either - the emirate is not deprived of them. One to One - Concorde Fujairah Hotel is considered the most popular 5-star hotel. It is located in the very center Fujairah... Here you can be invited to visit the spa, 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, you will be invited to visit the spa, pool and gym at the hotel. Ain Gomur hot spring is 25 km from the hotel.
We will tell you how to relax and what to see in Fujairah - the Arab Emirate on the shores of the Ottoman Gulf. Read about the resort's weather, location, and activities.
The 140 thousandth Fujairah 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 the uniqueness of the environment: an abundance of greenery, mountain ranges and pristine beaches.
Where is located on the map of the UAE
There are no megacities with modern high-rise architecture, instead of them there is a powerful agro-industrial complex, the presence of monuments of ancient oriental culture and objects of the recreation industry. Moreover, oil is not produced here.
To be perfectly correct, this emirate and the eponymous settlement are officially called Fujairah. However, so rarely anyone calls them (our compatriots, for sure).
Climate
Since this emirate is predominantly mountainous, the coast of the Arabian Sea is protected from the dry wind of the Rub al-Khali desert. Therefore, Fujairah is somewhat wetter, although there is no rainy season in the usual sense.
- Travel guides 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. Water, respectively, + 18 ° C and + 26 ° C.
How to get from Moscow or Dubai
Russian travelers in most cases arrive in Dubai on board Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ural Airlines (flight duration 5.5 hours). It's just a stone's throw from the Dubai airport - some hundred kilometers across 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 the control of the government.
Planning a trip? That way!We've got some useful gifts for you. They will help you save money during the travel preparation phase.
In addition, comfortable buses run every half hour from the largest air harbor of the Emirates 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 much to travel from Fujairah to Dubai?
The length of the path is 120 kilometers. The journey takes an hour and a half.
Description of the emirate
The urban area with a population of 50 thousand is divided into parts - Al-Badiyu, Dibbu, Kalbu, Khor-Fakkan. Fujairah has no criminal or ecologically problematic areas, with the exception of the mountains where there are active quarries. There are prestigious hotels closer to the sea. And if petroleum products are really cheap in the Middle East, the same cannot be said for hotels.
The ensemble of architectural monuments of the 17th century deserves attention. Among them is the notable medieval Portuguese fort 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 of the 15th century for 30 parishioners, which is made in the Yemeni style.
Kalba is home to unique mangrove forests with bizarre fauna. And here, perhaps, the best beaches in the area.
Khor Fakkan is a godsend for fans of Spartan holidays with exquisite diving.
Transport connection
There is no municipal electric transport; buses are mostly ordered and school buses. It can be stated that auto communication is poorly developed here: there are no more than 10 routes for the entire emirate, and they have been laid without taking into account the direction of the main passenger flows. You will have to move on foot or by car, which are abundant here. Renting a scooter or bicycle is unlikely to work: because of the heat, they are mostly idle, and this type of service brings only losses to unlucky entrepreneurs.
So it turns out that the only means of transportation for visitors is the state taxi and car enthusiasts. Private traders do not always have a meter, so it is better to agree on the price at the beginning of the trip.
Sea transport is adapted for cruises.
Communication and Internet
There are 2 mobile operators in the UAE - Du and Etisalat. The purchase of a SIM card will cost 75 local dirhams (this includes a web service package). 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 is convenient, although not cheap. Confident free Wi-Fi is supported everywhere - in air terminals, hotels, cafes, commercial centers.
Sea and beaches
According to local concepts, 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 among the nearest hotels, and the entrance for tourists living in them is free. For "outsiders" the entrance is carried out at an acceptable rate - 20-35 dirhams.
The beaches are almost sterile, and this applies not only to the sand (there are almost no pebble beaches in the UAE), but also to the water. In addition, there are fresh water pools at selected beach facilities, where you can spend time with your children carefree. The entrance to the Strait of Hormuz from the Indian Ocean is replete with corals; curious cetaceans, turtles and even rare, peace-loving shark species often come here.
There are ideal conditions for scuba diving, family vacations and passive solitude.
What is the sea or ocean 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 a hotel known to any local "Oceanic", where a powerful diving club is based. Its instructors recommend diving at the Martini cliff, which is picturesquely covered with corals. At its foot there are cuttlefish, stingrays, scorpion fish, lion fish. Surrounded by the hills of Khor Fakkan, local beaches resemble a secluded paradise, from 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 a turtle kingdom opens up.
Fujairah's popular dive sites are not limited to this. To the services of foreign tourists are the islands of Akuliy, Dibba, Spoppi, the Abyss of the World cave, the so-called Three Rocks and the Car Cemetery.
Wellness
There is an opportunity to heal on the rich gray thermal springs of Al-Ain-Gomur in a picturesque rocky valley (20 km from the administrative center of the emirate). Healing underground liquid has antiseptic properties, heals rheumatism and dermatitis.
The mentioned sources 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 bazaar, where, in addition to the ships of the desert, donkeys and horses are also offered.
Purchases
Frankly, Fujairah is not meant for shopaholics. Nevertheless, in this part of the UAE, you can also buy silk carpets, perfumes 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 operates all week, and on Fridays it was opened in the last millennium. The choice is sufficient here; with a successful deal that is beneficial for both the seller and the buyer, you can save half the amount.
Malls of various brands with boutiques, cinemas, cafeterias and children's playgrounds are in high demand among visitors. The malls sell textiles, footwear, products from precious metals, electronic equipment, and cosmetic products. By the way, bargaining is appropriate in similar stores.
- Travelata, Level.Travel, OnlineTours - look for the hottest tours here.
- Aviasales - save up to 30% on airline tickets.
- Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
- Numbeo - see the order of prices in the host country.
- Cherehapa - take a reliable insurance so as not to worry on the way.
- AirBnb - Rent an apartment from locals.
Kitchen
East Arabian cuisine is distinguished by the predominance of lamb and beef meat, southern vegetables, fruits, fish and sweets. Moreover, in Fujairah you can find such dishes that are not found anywhere else on the Arabian Peninsula. This, for example, concerns "al madruba" - marinated seafood cooked with a lot of spices and flavored with flour, "guzi" - lamb in nuts and with rice as a side dish, "hummus" - a chickpea paste-like mass, "kebbe" - balls of meat for roast with vegetables. And for dessert, the cottage cheese dish "esh-asayu" with coffee made in the Turks is served here.
Shawarma is sold in the same way as in the Caucasus - right on the street, but it is called "shuarma" and tastes noticeably different from the Russian version, because it is prepared according to a different recipe.
There are a couple of hundred restaurants in the entire emirate. Beach establishments are well suited for daytime meals. Eating food directly on the shore creates additional appetite and promotes healthy digestion. Recall that the Arabs adhere to an extremely balanced diet.
There are not many nightclubs, dance floors and pubs in these parts, they are mainly concentrated in hotels where tourists from far abroad stay. There, in the heat, you can knock over a mug or two of beer, watching the broadcast of a football meeting on TV.
What to see from the sights
There is a false stereotype that there is no civilization in the UAE, except perhaps the capital of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In fact, modern business life is in full swing in this country. The only exceptions are the Bedouin villages in the desert, although elements of progress have already arrived there.
In this country, their own history is highly respected and cultural monuments are jealously cherished. No wonder the pride of local residents is the archaeological museum, whose exhibits (coins, utensils, models of dwellings) tell about the development of the emirate.
Fort El-Hale was once the residence of the ancestor of the current emirs. Visitors have access to the inside to inspect the premises. In the courtyard, the hosts offer to watch the laborious process of preparing and cleaning date molasses.
The national treasure of this state is the Wadi Vuraya 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 is Jabal-Ibir - 1527 m). There are many wild animals hiding in the green zone, so you shouldn't lose your vigilance. 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 do not look like a Spanish bullfight, but resemble a show 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 a supporter 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 trips along the "wadi" - the beds of dried 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, we have to admit: there is not enough entertainment for the whole family yet, but the authorities are trying to fill this gap. Amusement complexes are available only at some luxury hotels, as well as shopping and entertainment centers. Therefore, the little ones, not without pleasure, gaze with their elders, for example, at the Heritage Village, where copies of dwellings in the desert with all the household details have been recreated. But that is not all! Tourists are taught the ayala folk dances and are shown the ancient technology of water extraction. At the village bazaar, children gorge themselves on fresh fruit, while their parents devour aromatic Arabica prepared according to a special recipe.
And for some reason, children also adore the gardens of Ain Al-Madhab. Apparently, this corner of nature brings a certain order and meaning into consciousness. The park with manicured lawns and flower beds, luxurious alleys and fountains leaves no one indifferent!
What can you do
- Enjoy the originality of the local coffee and dessert.
- Buy traditional handcrafted silk goods.
- Feel like a camel driver and rider.
- Take a photo in front of the unique mini-mosque Al-Badiya.
- Go with a local guide to the spurs of the Hajar mountains or at least to the foothills.
- Visit a folklore and ethnographic concert with classical Arabic music and choreographic creativity.
Fujairah (Al-Fujairah) is one of the emirates that are part of the United Arab Emirates, and the only one located on the shores of not the Persian Gulf, but the Omani Gulf, but in fact already in the Indian Ocean. The name of this area clearly goes back to poetry, since the word "Fujairah" in Arabic means "dawn", and only a creatively gifted person could call this part of the earth's surface. The dawn is really beautiful here, because it is born right in the waves of the bay.
But besides her, there is something to please the eye in the emirate. The whimsically curving coastline stretches for 90 kilometers, and mountains, cut by deep fertile valleys, rise almost right up to the water of the bay. Mountain capes covered with evergreen bushes protrude far into the sea surface. A narrow strip of flat coast is one endless sandy beach, generously flooded with sun. The climate in this place is so warm that even in February the water temperature in the bay does not drop below +23 ° C, and together with the many mineral springs in the mountain valleys and the picturesque beauty of gorges and shallow bays, such natural conditions make Fujairah extremely attractive for tourists from all over the world.
Once upon a time, these places were ruled by the Portuguese colonialists, who left behind several well-fortified forts built in the 17th century. Today, however, they are in a dilapidated state, but they still represent historical value. The Portuguese were replaced by the British, who colonized the local lands until the middle of the 20th century. Fujairah became a separate emirate in 1953, and before that its territory was part of neighboring Sharjah. The process of gaining independence turned out to be bloodless and quite civilized, and in general, wars and political upheavals bypassed this paradise. Unlike neighboring emirates and neighboring Oman, Fujairah does not have oil fields, but the picturesque area, developed agriculture and marine fishing do not allow it to live in poverty against the background of oil relatives and bring not very large, but solid income from the resort and tourism business.
The tourist season in Fujairah begins in the fall, in October, and ends in the spring, in April. From May to September - one continuous summer, and too hot for our northern brother. The official language is Arabic, but many residents speak English. In addition, all advertising inscriptions and even road signs are duplicated on it, although this does not bring special dividends: traffic in the emirate is left-hand, and international driver's licenses are not recognized here. The local currency is called the dirham, and 3.7 dirhams are equal to 1 US dollar.
Current time in Fujairah:
(UTC +4)
Moving around the emirate of Fujairah
All trips around the emirate have to be carried out either by taxi or by a rented car. Automobile transport is well developed here in all its modifications, fuel prices are fixed at a low level, all emirates are connected by excellent four-lane highways, the main of which, starting at Esh-Sham, runs along the entire sea coast of Fujairah, turns to the left and through the desert goes further to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
A taxi ride around the city costs from 10 to 15 dirhams, it is better to choose cars of a state company, noticeable by the sandy color of the body, since the cabin of such cars has meters, air conditioning (however, it is available in absolutely any UAE car), and a driver dressed in uniform be sure to know English.
Car rental is possible with a driver's license, and this pleasure costs about 200 dirhams per day. The layout of Fujairah is so simple and convenient that it is simply impossible to enter the “wrong place”. The three main streets, named after local sheikhs, run parallel to each other along the coastline, while smaller streets intersect them at right angles, so there are usually no problems with orientation. Driving in a circle has specific features: the person entering the circle must skip the entire stream on the left and be the last to join, and when leaving the circle, he already has an advantage. Drunk driving in Fujairah ends in prison.
Air transport in the emirate is focused entirely on international transport, and this is not surprising, since Sharjah and Dubai are only three hours away by car and there is no need to use aircraft on domestic flights. Fujairah Airport, like the rest of the UAE's airports, is very modern, well maintained and equipped by the national airline Emirates with maximum passenger amenities, including carpeted floors, plasma screens for watching satellite TV channels in every hall, massage chairs and showers.
Well developed in Fujairah and water-sea transport, however, its own fleet is small and focused mainly on cruise tours. There is no internal water communication between the ports of the emirates, and foreign sea cargo transportation is carried out on leased vessels of foreign companies. Nevertheless, the port of Fujairah has a good cargo turnover and good prospects for further development, given the unstable political situation in the Gulf states.
Districts
The capital of the emirate of Fujairah bears the same name as itself - Fujairah. Europeans often do not quite correctly call it Fujairah, but, oddly enough, in this version both the emirate and its capital are better known among tour operators than in the original.
The city is small, with a little more than 50 thousand inhabitants, but it is extremely conveniently located in a cozy bay of the Gulf of Oman, due to which the local seaport is well developed and has a good cargo turnover. There is also a modern airport that receives aircraft from many international airlines.
The city itself is very bright, with wide streets and European planning. There is nothing typically Islamic in its architecture: high-rise buildings, paved streets, a long boulevard full of greenery along the coastline, dotted with calm and cozy seaside hotels with pleasant design and excellent service.
Numerous companies along the bay organize very high-quality diving and snorkeling, and many Mediterranean companies can envy their equipment.
In winter, the slopes of the Hajar mountain range, close to Fujairah, are colored with bright colors of flowering shrubs, against which the ruins of a Portuguese fort and the surrounding dilapidated buildings of the Old City look very exotic and colorful. This part of the capital is uninhabited, it is entirely a historical monument of the 17th century, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are regularly carried out, and the exhibits found as a result take place on the stands of the capital's museum of antiquities.
What to see in the emirate of Fujairah
The emirate is not as rich in sights as the old European cities, but even here lovers of various types of outdoor activities can find something to their liking. The main aesthetic value in Fujairah is the sea area with its rich underwater flora and fauna, small cozy bays and bays, rocky headlands with steep banks and underwater caves. In short, a real paradise for scuba divers.
For those interested in antiquity, right in the center of the capital are the picturesque ruins of a Portuguese fort built in 1670, and around it are the dilapidated buildings of the Old City. 12 km to the south-west there is another fort of a later construction - El Heil, which is a real medieval castle. Until the middle of the last century, it was the residence of the Emir of Fujairah, so the building has been perfectly preserved.
Of interest are the remains of two more ancient forts - Al Bithnah and Wadi Daftah, of which the first is the easternmost of all Portuguese military fortifications on the peninsula, and the second is located in a very picturesque valley, surrounded by a palm grove. on the shore of a small lake.
Lovers of antiquities will also find the hospitable Fujairah Museum, opened in 1991, which exhibits numerous historical finds from archaeological excavations on the territory of the Old City, as well as traditional products of local artisans from different eras. The opening hours of the museum are from 7.00 to 13.00 from Saturday to Wednesday and until 12.00 on Thursday, the day off, as in all Muslim states, is Friday, as well as the holy month of Ramadan. The entrance ticket costs 10.5 dirhams.
In the metropolitan suburb of Madab, another interesting museum has been operating since 1996 - open-air museum, surrounded by a high fake stone wall with watch towers. Among its exhibits are models of traditional Arab dwellings, artisan tools and household utensils. On the territory of this museum, tourists are offered the folk dance of al-ayyala and the original process of pumping out well water. The museum is open at the same hours as the rest of the state institutions, the entrance costs 10 dirhams.
Of the ancient architectural structures of the emirate, the only well-preserved relic is a small, very elegant and beautiful clay mosque in Biddiya, which, unfortunately, can only be admired from afar, since only Muslims are allowed to enter it. It was built at the very beginning of the 17th century and is considered the oldest in all the United Emirates. Tradition says that it was built by grateful fishermen in honor of a huge pearl found in the sea. It is located 30 km from the capital to the north along the seaside highway.
If you drive a little further along it, then in the small fishing village of Dibba you can see an ancient Muslim cemetery of the 7th century AD. e., on which the first Islamic warriors rest. There are two very picturesque valleys nearby: Al Wariya Valley with mineral springs gushing from rocky soil and beautiful waterfalls on rocky ledges and Al Siji, a fertile land cultivated for agricultural land and is a huge plantation of flowers and fruit bushes.
If you drive further along the highway, towards Sharjah, then in the mountainous part of Fujairah you can get to the traditional Friday market(although it is open on ordinary days), spontaneously arising right next to the roadway. Here you can buy a magnificent handmade carpet from local nomadic tribes or pottery made by local artisans, and, of course, enjoy the harsh nomadic exoticism.
People with various skin and musculoskeletal ailments are invariably attracted to a couple of tens of kilometers southwest of the capital. Its water has healing properties, and combined with the beautiful surrounding landscape, this place is a great pleasure and a lasting impression.
Well, in the capital itself you can find a very unusual sight, causing an involuntary association with Spain - this friday bullfights near the bridge at the exit from the city towards Kalba. Only, unlike the Spanish bullfighting, the local bull races are completely bloodless and not cruel. The bulls rest their horns against each other and try to forcefully bend the opponent's head to the ground to the cheers of the audience. The loosing bull simply runs away from the "battlefield" with shame, so even children can watch the spectacle.
Where to go in the Emirate of Fujairah
sights
Museums and galleries
Where to eat and drink
Entertainment
Transport
Shops and Markets
Private guides in the Emirate of Fujairah
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Emirate of Fujairah in more detail.
Registered on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru.
Shopping in Fujairah
Fujairah is famous primarily for its excellent beaches, quality hotel service and modern diving, but shopping here is not as well developed as in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, there are plenty of places to shop here too. First of all, these are the markets where, as usual in the East, you can buy almost everything. The most famous of them is Suk Al Jumaa, or the so-called "Friday", which is organized right next to the highway from Fujairah to Sharjah, on the border of these two emirates, in the town of Masafi. Once upon a time, it may have functioned only on Fridays, but now it can be visited every day, except for religious holidays, from 8 am to 8 pm. It sells fine handmade carpets brought here from all over the emirates, as well as various pottery, handicrafts, souvenirs and tableware made by local artisans.
For gold products, it is better to go to the Gold Souk. Here you can buy gold rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces made by local jewelers at a very attractive price - $ 8 per gram.
Security
Despite the fact that the resort industry is well developed in Fujairah and tourists, as a potential source of income for the emirate, are appreciated here, the government does not undertake to guarantee the complete safety of being on the territory of the principality. Of course, Fujairah is not as politically unstable and unpredictable as other Arab states, and the foundations of Islam here are not as orthodox as in neighboring Saudi Arabia or Oman, but here, due to the rather motley ethnic composition of the inhabitants, there are enough various renegades and religious fanatics.
Actually, Arabs make up only 46% of the population, about 30% are the largest Indian diaspora, about 20% are Pakistani, therefore, in case of any misunderstanding, representatives of different confessions are happy to dump the blame on each other, and the police are just as happy to leave the blame the affected tourists themselves. Basically, the latter's complaints relate to not too respectable hotel staff and drivers of rented cars, who are overwhelmingly represented here by representatives of the diaspora.
If the opportunity arises, these individuals can easily steal the thing left unattended, and the drivers, in addition, sometimes "forget" to return the change. However, the guarantee of the necessary security for the upcoming rest is still not in counteracting theft and deception, but in the necessary amount of knowledge of religion and customs of the state, to which you become a visitor, getting off the plane.
Rules of conduct in the emirate of Fujairah
The dominant religion in Fujairah is Sunni Islam, which is not as intolerant of violations of the commandments as Shiite. Nevertheless, any European needs to know and observe several immutable laws and rules of conduct on the territory of the emirate, directly related to the peculiarities of religion.
Especially a lot of nuances arise during the period of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is not "tied" to a specific date and each year begins at different times. For the period of Ramadan, even state institutions change their working hours, and solemn prayers take place right on the squares with a large crowd of believers. In this case, the guests of the country need to know that the worshipers cannot be bypassed in front, since this is a grievous insult to the faith. On the street in Ramadan, you cannot eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke and sing songs, for this you can easily end up in jail. It is not recommended to take video and photographs of the worshipers, as well as just stand and stare at them.
In the presence of Arabs, one should refrain from any comments regarding the appropriateness of their religion and certain rituals, as well as from questions about their wives, daughters or any other women. It is better not to talk about them with the Arabs at all, as well as to approach the fairer sex and, moreover, to shake hands with them or kiss her. If an Arab woman desires this, she herself will give her hand when meeting or saying goodbye, but touching her without her permission is considered an insult.
A very significant element for Muslims is the handshake. The longer it is, the more friendly your counterpart is. A handshake is also mandatory when parting, and if the interlocutor is inclined towards you, he does it with both hands. But try to look in the face at the same time, as averted gaze is regarded as bad intentions.
If an Arab has invited you to his home, then the refusal can be perceived as disrespect for the owner and a personal insult. It is better to go, especially since the Arabs do not practice any alcohol when meeting guests, and the obligatory treats include tea, coffee, soft drinks and fruits. When entering an Arab's dwelling, it is necessary to take off your shoes and leave them near the threshold, but if the owner himself goes inside without taking off his shoes, you can follow his example.
In a conversation with an interlocutor, if both of you are sitting face to face, you should not stretch your legs in his direction - the soles aimed at the Arab's face insult him. While at the guest table, one must remember that it is necessary to take food and pass it on only with the right hand, since the left hand is considered unclean by Muslims. It is better not to ask about the owner's household, confining himself to only a polite question about the health of the whole family - this will be perceived favorably. Well, and if a European guest can pronounce at least a few phrases in Arabic, respect and honor are guaranteed to him in full.
The cleanliness of the streets in Fujairah is strictly observed, so for throwing garbage or a cigarette butt on the sidewalk (even if you just missed the trash can), you can run into a fine of 500 dirhams and even a day in prison. The police strictly monitor this, as well as the photography. A prison can also end up accidentally entering the frame of state and military institutions, palaces of noble persons, police stations or simply Arab women.
On the streets it is not customary to eat on the go, use foul language, drink alcoholic beverages, drink water from water taps and fountains - for all this, you will have to fork out a minimum of several hundred, or even thousands of dirhams, and as much as possible end up behind bars. With alcohol in all the emirates, jokes are bad: here, although the "dry" law is being relaxed, tourists can buy and drink alcohol only in the restaurants of the hotels where you live, or in a hotel room. In public places, including beaches, it is highly discouraged to appear "tipsy" or with a bottle of beer in hand. And God forbid being drunk at the wheel - a decent prison term in this case is guaranteed.
It is better not to quarrel with police officers in Fujairah, as elsewhere in the world. The so-called “agents in civilian clothes” are widespread here, and they often arrange general checks of documents in crowded places. In order not to get into an awkward situation, it is recommended to make photocopies of your passport, visa and driver's license in advance and have them with you when you enter the city.
The presumption of innocence does not always work here, but nevertheless, it is better not to get into police cars without the guardians of the order presenting official documents and announcing your guilt, which can be protested in a polite manner without being on the territory of the police (which is considered to be the interior of a police car).
If you follow the above rules and listen to the advice of acquaintances who have already been in the region as tourists, then your vacation in Fujairah will turn into a pleasant and full of positive emotions.
Where to stay in the Emirate of Fujairah
Booking.com offers over 30 hotels in the Emirate of Fujairah for booking. You can select a hotel using various filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. ...
Swimming and diving is much safer here 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 coastline behind 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 operates business flights and also accepts private flights.
There are intercity buses from Fujairah to major airports and the city. 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 won't have to worry about the increase in kilometers and cost. The price is fixed everywhere.
The service in Fujairah is very developed: you can rent a car of any class (there is a large choice). This gives you the opportunity to travel around the entire UAE without unnecessary time and financial costs, as well as visit the capital and largest city in the Emirates - Dubai. The roads are smooth here, 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 more often used 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. There are regular buses from Dubai Airport to all emirates from 5:00 am to 24:00 pm.
It is also worth considering the option of arriving at Air Arabia Airport in Shaja. The distance from Sharjah to Fujairah is 113 km, it is covered in 1 hour by taxi.
