A bit about Fujairah
A tranquil oasis of calm on the glistening shores of the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah is a quieter alternative to its glamorous sisters of
Dubai and
Abu Dhabi. Modern resorts scattered along the coast provide the most appealing places for travellers to stay. As the only emirate to face UAE's eastern seaboard, it boasts the best beaches and waters for swimming, snorkelling, diving and other watersports.
The region's dramatic landscape is mostly mountainous, with the rugged peaks of the Hajar mountains sloping towards creamy sand beaches backed by a clutch of hotels. Deep ravines and wadis with waterfall oases carve into the hillsides. More frequent rainfall captured by the mountains also means Fujairah is greener than anywhere else in the
UAE and you can gaze out on date palm-studded valleys from the many high vantage points.
Fujairah City is the region's capital and a thriving business centre where you can find some souks and interesting cultural sights, as well as a string of beaches with hotels and an international marine club skirting the sea. The best places to stay in Fujairah are right by the shore, particularly in the picturesque areas around Al Aqah beach and Dibba. Inland you can discover a wealth of historic and natural attractions, including mosques, fortresses, scenic wadis and mountain springs.
Sightseeing and culture
For those who like to be close to souks, shopping malls and stores, cinemas, restaurants and cafes, Fujairah City is the ideal place to stay. There are a few international hotels dotted around the city including the Ibis and Novotel, but Fujairah City's seaside location means you can choose a waterfront hotel and enjoy beach bliss with all the attractions of the city just next door.
A collection of attractive low-rise buildings beside a private beach at the edge of Fujairah City, the Hilton Fujairah Resort boasts one of the best spots in Fujairah for travellers who want to combine relaxing on the beach with cultural exploration. The resort offers watersports and sundowner cruises from its beach and it's also a stone's throw from the seafront Corniche and the Fujairah International Marine Club, which is a good place to stop for refreshments, music and aquatic pursuits. Culture lovers can also explore the nearby souks, fortress, museum and heritage village.
Things to see and do in Fujairah
An exotic Arabian jewel with celestial mosques and ancient forts, idyllic beaches and glistening waters, Fujairah has preserved its fascinating heritage while embracing modern development. The emirate offers a quieter alternative to the hustle and bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but there is still plenty to see and do for the active traveller from safaris and watersports to sightseeing and souks.
The landscape ranges from golden beaches backed by a clutch of holiday resorts to the dramatic peaks of the Hajar Mountains and hidden desert ravines ripe for exploration. For travellers who want to explore by car, Fujairah has cheap fuel and an excellent road network plus it offers the chance for off-road adventures through rugged mountain valleys.