Overview

Nestled along the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Fujairah is a stunning emirate known for its natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. The city offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern attractions. It is the only emirate in the UAE that lies on the Gulf of Oman, boasting beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning mountainous landscapes.

With its rich history dating back thousands of years, Fujairah has been an important center for trade and commerce. The emirate's strategic location on ancient trade routes has left behind a legacy of historical sites and architectural treasures. Explore the ancient Al-Bidyah Mosque, believed to be the oldest mosque in the UAE, and discover its intricate design and spiritual significance.

Fujairah is also home to several natural wonders. The Hajar Mountains are great for hiking through the rugged trails and taking in the stunning views. Also be sure to discover the Wadi Wurayah National Park, home to fabulous waterfalls, freshwater pools, and diverse flora and fauna.

For beach lovers, Fujairah boasts beautiful stretches of coastline speckled with luxurious resorts and secluded coves. Unwind in the relaxing surroundings of the azure Arabian Sea or enjoy some water sports. Dive enthusiasts will love the vibrant marine life and the opportunity to discover numerous shipwrecks in the clear waters of the Gulf.

As you explore Fujairah, you'll be captivated by its natural wonders and rich history. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Fujairah has something to offer for every traveler.

Things to See and Do

Begin your visit to Fujairah by spending a couple of hours exploring the Fujairah Museum. Here, you’ll find artifacts found by archaeologists at dig sites within the Emirate of Fujairah. These include implements found in tombs, like pottery, arrowheads, and beads.

Other halls explain the local culture going back centuries. The first one is for occupations of the region; agriculture, fishing, and trade. The second one is for ancient weapons, utensils, and costumes of the region. The Antique Hall houses numerous artifacts that were excavated from various sites in Fujairah.

After you have gotten your fill of local history and culture, walk over to nearby Fujairah Fort. Built on a high hill about 65 ft above sea level, the Fujairah Fort is breathtaking even with its irregular design and gives a spectacular view of the city of Fujairah. While not fully confirmed, this castle is likely the oldest of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. Carbon dating places its construction in the mid-16th century. For centuries, it resisted one colonial attack after another until it finally fell to the British in 1925. Climbing the tower inside is fun and the sweeping views from the top of the tower are spellbinding.

For an excellent day trip from Fujairah, head out to Al Badiyah Mosque, also known as the Othmanian Mosque. It is situated more than 30 miles outside town, so you’ll need to rent a car for the day. Once you arrive, though, you’ll be in the presence of one of the oldest mosques in the UAE, built in 1446 AD. Not much is known about its past but it is a testimony of a bygone era, with the burned clay and stone-built structure providing magnificent views of the mountains and the sea.

Back in Fujairah, visit the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque, It is the second biggest mosque in the country – only Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque beats it. Architecturally, it is very stunning with ornate details similar to Islamic Ottoman architecture, and at 39,000 square meters, the mosque can accommodate 28,000 worshippers. Come back at night, as colorful spotlights illuminate this structure after dark.

While Fujairah is a city also known for its excellent shopping and beautiful beaches, the exhilarating water sports and marine life here will leave travelers with some of the most memorable experiences. Whether it be deep-sea diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, or parasailing, discovering the hidden secrets of the ocean will promise a magical and fantastic adventure!

Dibba Rock is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling, and if you are lucky you might be able to photo-capture turtle sightings. The beautiful coral with a wide variety of fish and great fun to watch too, and will entice you to explore the colorful life that exists under the sea!

Snoopy Island (named because it resembled Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s pet beagle in the comic strip Peanuts) is an exotic island getaway, and the crystal clear waters is also a habitat for sea urchins, jellyfish, sharks, and stingray.

A trip to the mountain village - Hatta Heritage Village - is an excellent way to spend a day! This magical village will take you back in time to one of the oldest human habitations in the UAE. Nestled in the Hatta Mountains, 100 km away from Dubai, this sweeping village gives a peek into the life that existed 2000 to 3000 years ago. The village offers glimpses into the social routines, traditions, culture, livelihood, and tribal customs of the Bedouins who inhabited the place.

Shopping

Fujairah is a haven for shoppers with a perfect balance of traditional and modern shopping experiences available. It is impossible to miss out on the colorful radiance of carpets, shawls, footwear, and fabrics along with the aroma of spices while taking a stroll in the Traditional Middle Eastern Souks.

Central Souk is where to go for meat, fish, dates, spices, herbs, and other essential food items as it is basically a food market. The aroma, colors, and activity is infectious.

Masafi Friday Market or Souk Al Jumaa is open all week and a perfect place to check out if you love to shop. They have it all, and if you are good at bargaining then this is the place to go for souvenirs, handicrafts, pottery, earthenware, and antiques.

The Safeer Market offers several traditional Arabic shops selling local clothing, perfumes, furniture, and special Iranian tea. You can also purchase traditional hookahs and flavored Shishas from here.

Fujairah has its share of shopping malls as well. We would suggest visiting the Fujairah City Benter for a great shopping experience. the mall offers several stores and retail outlets catering to something for everyone.

Cuisine

Fujairah is well-known for its wonderful culinary options with lots to offer culinary connoisseurs. From traditional Emirati cuisine to foreign fare. We highly recommend you explore the traditional markets, or souks, to sample local cuisine. Visit the Fish Souk to see fisherman unload their catch of the day or the Friday Market to buy fresh fruits, spices, and other local products.

Some favorite Emirati dishes are the Al Harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat, Al Majboos (Spiced rice with pork or shrimp), and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings). These delicacies provide a taste of the region's rich history.

Due to its position on the water, Fujairah is a seafood lover's dream. The emirate is known for its fresh seafood, so try meals like grilled hammour, spicy prawns, or a seafood platter. Restaurants along the harbor are excellent places to sample these dishes.

When it comes to international dining, Fujairah has plenty. You can sample cuisines such as Indian, Lebanese, Thai, and Italian. Many fine-dining restaurants provide a blend of flavors that appeal to visitors from all over.

Also, don't miss out on the street food vendors. Try a shawarma or falafel wrap - it's a quick, inexpensive, and delicious way to sample Fujairah's street food culture.

Because Fujairah adheres to Islamic traditions, it is important to observe local customs. When dining in public settings, dress modestly and observe local etiquette.