Travel Guide
Fujairah Travel Guide
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Travel Guide

Culture
Currency & Economy
History
Some Known Facts
Weather

Fujairah nestles with the Hajar Mountain range on one side, and the Gulf of Oman on the other. The Hajar Mountains act as a barrier between Fujairah and the other emirates of the UAE. Fujairah is an enchanting city - you’ll not find cleaner beaches and whiter sands anywhere else.

Religion

Islam is the official religion, and the UAE culture revolves around Islam and traditional Arab culture. You can perceive the influence both Arab and Islamic culture in the food, attire, lifestyle, architecture and music in Fujairah.

The call to prayer goes out from the mosques five times a day. Muslims can settle down to pray at the mosques, or wherever they happen to be at that time. The weekend in the UAE is Friday-Saturday, instead of Saturday-Sunday as it is in the rest of the world, since Friday is a holy day to Muslims.

Recreation

Many Fujairah residents travel either Dubai or Abu Dhabi for shopping and entertainment. The government has constructed highways that connect Fujairah by road to both these cities. People also enjoy visiting nearby towns and cities such as Dibba to explore the Wadis. Camping, hiking and trekking in the Hajar mountains are other favorite recreational activities.

Watersports have a certain charm for people in the UAE owing to the stifling heat. Jet skiing, windsurfing, swimming, waterskiing and diving are all very popular. Star hotels hire professional snorkeling and diving instructors, where people can train and obtain International Diving Licenses.

Lifestyle

Fujairah’s lifestyle is relaxed and laidback. The hurry and bustle that one finds in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are absent here. Local transport options are still limited, so the only traffic on the roads will be taxis and private cars. Most locals wear the traditional Arabian garb with headdress, or business suits.

The currency of Fujairah is the Dirham, just as it is in the rest of the UAE. Most of Fujairah's economy is based on federal government grants and subsidies from the UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi. Fujairah has its own industries, especially mining, cement manufacture and stone crushing. Foreign investors can enjoy full ownership of business here, which brings in plenty of exchange.

Foreign Investments

The federal government encourages foreign investment, but does not allow foreigners to own more than 49% of any business in Fujairah. However, there are ‘Free Trading Zones’ within the Emirate where these and several other federal rules do not apply. In these free zones, foreigners enjoy full ownership of their businesses, which helps the businesses flourish more readily. Having these free zones in place benefits the Emirate’s economy vastly, within federal government regulations.

Shipping Operations

Ships anchor at Fujairah before embarking on long journeys, to ensure everything is ship-shape. They dock to get repairs done, load up on fresh provisions, set up new bunkers and avail technical support. Ship-related services form a thriving business, as the city is geographically suited the activity.

Tourism

Tourism is only just taking off in Fujairah, but shows excellent potential. The traveling populace is becoming aware of Fujairah’s charms, lending credence to the government’s expectations of a booming tourism industry in the coming years.

Fujairah’s long and tumultuous history includes centuries-long domination by the Sharqiyin tribe, which ended in 1850. Until then, the city was under Muscat; post 1850, Fujairah was annexed by the Al Qasimi of Sharjah. The Al Qasimi dynasty ruled Fujairah till 1901, when the Sharqiyin tribe took arms again and declared themselves independent of Sharjah. Finally, in 1952, Fujairah signed a truce treaty with Britain. In 1971, Fujairah joined the United Arab Emirates as its 7th emirate.

The Youngest Emirate

Not much oil was ever found in Fujairah. The emirate depends on agriculture, boatbuilding and fishing for its economy. The city’s coasts were cleaned of landmines in 1987, and the ports were set up to provision and repair merchant ships. Shipping and boating are still relatively new industries.

Preservation Of History

The Fujairah Department of Archaeology allowed foreign archeologists to excavate parts of the city in 2002. Several important artifacts have since been unearthed, and stored in various museums in Fujairah. Visit the Fujairah Museum, the Fujairah Heritage Village and the Fujairah Fort to look at various aspects of the city’s history. You’ll find tools and pottery from the Bronze Age, and historic garments and currency from more recent times.

Here are some known, interesting and at times fascinating facts about the Emirate of Fujairah.
  • Modern city skyscrapers have not yet outshone Fujairah’s historical architecture. You can still explore and appreciate all heritage aspects here without being bowled over by glittering monuments.
  • Fujairah is only the Emirate that is located by the waters of the Indian Ocean, and not on the Persian Gulf coast. Fujairah doesn’t have sandy deserts to its name, but instead it has magnificent mountain peaks, picturesque valleys, waterfalls, hot springs and deep gorges.
  • Fujairah’s hot springs are appreciated by locals and visitors for their ability to treat skin and joint diseases.
  • The Indian Ocean coast along Fujairah is extremely clean and clear. Divers and snorkelers come here to explore the rich underwater world and coral reefs here.
  • Fujairah’s coast is shaped by fjords, grottos and dunes – an enchanting natural architecture that’s best enjoyed via a cruise.
  • Fujairah enjoys a milder climate when compared to that of the other Emirates.
  • Fujairah is home to the UAE’s most ancient mosque – the Al Badiyah, built in 1446. It has 4 domes and no minaret, which is unusual for a mosque.
  • Fujairah was the very last Emirate to Join the Trucial States and later, to become part of the UAE.
  • Fujairah is the easternmost of all of the Emirates; as such it is the only emirate to boast of an entire coastline located on the Gulf of Oman. The Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf.
  • Fujairah allows only local residents to buy land; foreigners can only rent apartments for the duration. Also, only residents belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council (from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia) can own land in Fujairah.

The climate in Fujairah is a typical desert climate, with annual temperatures averaging at 33.6 °C. The temperature can go up to 50°C in the peak of summer. July is the hottest month in Fujairah, and January the coldest, with averaging 19.3 °C, which is downright cold for Fujairah.

Even though the weather is seasonal, the heat is a constant feature and cannot be escaped. It cools down significantly during the months of December to March, when daytime temperatures average around 25 °C (77 °F), and 30 °C (86 °F). Nights are cool, with the possibility of dew formation towards morning.

Rains

If you’re lucky, you might see an average rainfall of 102 mm in a good year. This makes the region dry, with the driest month being June, with 0 mm of precipitation. If there are rains, they’ll fall in February, averaging 35 mm.The rains here are plentiful when compared to what the other emirates experience, the reason being the effect of the mountains surrounding Fujairah. Also, the easterly prevailing winds bring water-laden clouds off the heated Indian Ocean, causing ore precipitation. Even with all that, precipitation varies only 35 mm between the driest and the wettest month.

The best way to reach Fujairah is to avail of a direct or indirect flight to the Fujairah International Airport. The airport has direct flights to all Middle Eastern countries and indirect flights to international destinations. The airport is easily accessible from anywhere in Fujairah, being only 3.5 km away from the Fujairah city center.

Traveling To Fujairah From Other Emirates

If your city does not have a direct flight to Fujairah, then it’s best to take a flight either to the Dubai International Airport or Sharjah International Airport. From there you can take a flight to Fujairah, or travel by bus or taxi.

Local Transport

Hourly bus service is available between Dubai and Fujairah and Sharjah and Fujairah. It’s a comfortable ride, with separate seating for women and children. Grabbing a taxi from either of these two emirates to Fujairah is a definite, though expensive option, which is why people share cab rides.

If you’re a citizen of a GCC country, you don’t need a visa to visit the UAE – your passport will suffice. Also, citizens of all 28 EU member states are eligible for a free-of-charge tourist visa to the UAE. The list of eligible countries varies, so it’s a good idea to check back from time to time.

Visa Sponsorship

Visa sponsorship is a must for those whose nationality or citizenship does not belong to either of GCC or EU nations. Your visa can be sponsored by a tourist company, a major hotel, an airline, travel agencies, UAE residents and relatives and friends staying in the UAE. Any expat who wishes to sponsor a visa must provide a refundable guarantee to the immigration department.

Tourist Visa

E-visas for 30, 60 or 90-day periods are issued to people whose applications are approved. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days and are non-renewable. Visas must be applied for in local UAE embassies. Documents needed are:

  • Letter of sponsorship signed by the sponsor
  • Clear personal photo of the sponsored person
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsor
  • Clear passport copy of the sponsored person
  • A copy of the resident sponsor’s salary certificate or employment contract
  • Letter providing proof of kinship to the sponsored
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Fee receipt for fees paid as per visa category and duration

Fujairah is perfect as a base from which you can explore the other emirates, and go on excursions to the surrounding areas. Several of the picturesque, visitor-friendly areas around Fujairah are enclaves of Sharjah. All the other Emirates of the UAE are connected to Fujairah by road and air. You can always visit them for weekend adventures, business trips or pleasure visits. In and around Fujairah are several enchanting towns – Dibba, Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Masafi. Fujairah’s modern highway’s connects all these towns to the city, so day trips by car are possible.

Places To Visit Around Fujairah

The city of Dibba is only 30 kilometers away from Fujairah city. Dibba has several sunny beaches, and there are plenty of water activities to enjoy. You can go deep sea fishing, go snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, boating and kayaking on the Indian Ocean. You can also take a boat and visit one of the many Islands that surround the Gulf of Oman. There’s good fishing to be had, plus several great beaches and privacy if you want it.

A day trip to nearby Khor Fakkan, which is an enclave of Sharjah is a great idea. This region is considered to have the best beach in the UAE. The Hajar Mountains extend over Fujairah’s border into Oman. The mountains are majestic, rugged and full of mysteries such as hidden rock pools and fossils buried in its cliffs. Enthusiasts go on camping, hiking and climbing trips to the mountain and don’t come back for several days.

Fujairah has plenty of dining options; expensive 4 or 5-Star hotels, sea side eateries, budget restaurants, cafes and so on. There’s absolutely no shortage of places to eat. Every imaginable global cuisine is available in Fujairah – Lebanese, Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, Afghani, Egyptian – there’s a restaurant serving whichever cuisine you have a hankering for on a given day. There’s no typical ‘local food’ in Fujairah – it’s usually a mix of cuisines. The food here is more or less the same as what you’ll get anywhere else in the UAE – great tasting, well made and served with excellent hospitality.

Fast Food and Beach Cafes

Fujairah’s malls have global fast food outlets – expats usually delight in the nostalgia that comes from eating chicken burgers at KFC. There are also McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Tim Hortons. Beach cafes and eateries are good for a quick snack. A hot shawarma roll is easy to hold and munch as you stroll along the beaches. There is an Asianized version of the Arabic shawarma, which is made of raw tomato, cabbage and other veggies.

Drinking Options

Fujairah allows the drinking of alcohol in specific designated hotels and bars. Socializing usually happens at private gatherings, on the streets or at cafes. You can get hold of alcohol at the Fujairah Marine Club on the Corniche, and at the Fujairah Beach Motel. Please note that Fujairah will not tolerate drunken and disorderly public behavior. Alcohol consumption should be discreet and respectful and within limits.

Fujairah has its share of annual festivals and events; a few of them change dates on a year-to-year basis. Some festivals take place once in two years. You can get the updated information from the Tourism Board and attend events and festivals that interest you.

Fujairah Monodrama Festival: The Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF) is a huge theatrical event that takes place once in two years. It’s an Arabic theater festival, and is conducted to establish the presence of Arabic Solo Performances. The performances are artistic, with beautiful costumes, makeup and stage effects. Even if you don’t understand Arabic, attending this festival will help you gain a valuable insight into the Arabic culture.

Maktoum Championship: The Maktoum championships are named after His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, to reflect his passion for various sports. Presently, over 14 sports are played in this tournament. This list includes cricket, interactive games, tug of war, beach volleyball, motorcycle racing, beach football, modified car show, special needs games and women’s basketball.

The International Heritage Day: This event is the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn more about Fujairah’s folklore, trades, customs and tradition and so on. This event is held on the 18th of April every year.

The Exhibition Centre Events: Various events are organized at the Fujairah Exhibition Centre. Some of these are specialized commercial and industrial events which draw visitors, expats and people from the other emirates. Various exhibitions are put up, such as the Syrian Products Fair, Bridal Products Fair and Chinese Fair. Exhibitions usually run for two weeks. They also include various cultural shows and amusements to keep the kids happy.

Fujairah’s nightlife is vibrant, with plenty of pubs, clubs and resorts offering live entertainment. Some resorts host special belly dancing and music performances. 5-Star hotels have special themed nights as well. You can get the latest weekly nightlife information from the Fujairah Tourist Department.

Bars, Clubs And Resorts: Several bars organize Ladies’ Nights to attract more visitors. The Aces Bar is a ladies club, where women can play tennis and pool. It’s also a great place for weekend fun with DJ music and partying at nights. The Hilton Resort is an English-styled pub that regularly hosts beachfront parties with DJ music. Astro Rooftop Bar is a superb place to relax during the cool evenings with a cocktail in hand.

Night Cruises: Several tour operators offer night cruises along the coast, and even to Dibba. At night the rugged Jebel Harim Mountains present the perfect backdrop to the incredible coastlines and the desert.

Camping: An activity that locals, expats and visitors enjoy is camping out in the desert, and in the mountains. The mountains are cool when you’re higher up and the conditions are perfect for some camping. You can pick up all the camping equipment you need from any mall in Fujairah. Spending the night out under the stars in the desert is a magical experience you shouldn’t miss.

Hot Springs: A night soak in the Ain Al Madhad Hot Springs is not just refreshing but extremely rejuvenating. There’s some totally primal in looking up at the shining stars on a pristine sky while the hot mineral waters soak your stresses away.

Fujairah has its share of shopping malls, each hosting multiple retail outlets, eateries, cafes and entertainment options. Apart from the shopping malls, Fujairah also has a vibrant Friday Market, where you can pick up fresh groceries, deliciously fresh bread and nuts and spices of every description.

Shopping For Indigenous Handicrafts

The Heritage Village is the best place to pick up some tools fashioned in the good old way. Check out the traditional handmade Arab jewelry, baskets, carpets and mats and pottery as well. Leather goods made from camel leather are also available, such as studded belts, bags, purses and other leather products. Camel bone jewelry is another interesting item you’ll find at the Heritage Village. The craftspeople carve intricate pieces out of camel bone, an art that’s dying out in the Arabian world. The craftspeople that make these items depend on their sales for their livelihood, so do take a moment to appreciate the fine goods and purchase what you need.

Shopping Malls We Like
  • Lulu Mall is located in the heart of Fujairah, and is the city’s best offering for a relaxed shopping atmosphere. This mall is accessible from anywhere within Fujairah, and from the other Emirates as well. It’s a one stop destination for shopping and a day out with family and friends, eating and having fun under one roof.
  • Fujairah Mall has retail outlets offering high end fashion, a cinema hall, plenty of eateries, a kids play area and health and pharmacy facilities.
  • Fujairah City Centre: This is another mall with several retail outlets selling international brands. You can get top international clothing, accessories and even kitchen appliances here.
  • Masafi Market is another place apart from the Heritage Village for handicrafts, souvenirs, antiques and potteries. You can also get flavored shishas here! Be sure to haggle here and you’ll get the best deals.
  • Safeer Market: A delightful traditional Arabian market selling clothing, furniture, perfumes and special Iranian tea.
Fujairah For The Adventure Lover
  • Adventure lovers come to Fujairah in droves for the excellent water sports. The waters are perfect for water surfing, swimming, jet skiing, yachting, deep sea fishing and more.
  • Fujairah’s reef rich waters act as a magnet to snorkelers and scuba divers worldwide.
  • Bull Butting is a sport where bulls butt each other with their horns, battling to the very end. The sport began in Portugal, and now takes place every Friday in the fields of Fujairah. A great deal of money is lost and won on bull butting competitions every week.
  • A famous sport among adventurers is wadi bashing, when people drive 4x4s up tall dunes and hit the wadis below with great speed and force, throwing sand all around.
Fujairah For The History Buff
  • The Fujairah Heritage Village is a sure-fire win with history buffs, who can understand the emirates’ traditional way of life. The Heritage Village has a number of artifacts from ancient times such as cooking utensils, farming tools and so on. One can also observe the Al Yazrah irrigation system that has been traditionally used to irrigate fields since days gone by.
  • The Fujairah Fort is the UAE’s oldest fort. It’s a mud brick structure with a square tower, two round towers and several large halls. Built more than a century ago, the fort has been recently renovated for visitors.
  • The Fujairah Museum contains artifacts spanning 3000 years of history, including carved soapstone vessels, weapons, and swords, painted pottery, and silver jewelry and so on. Most of these artifacts were found in the archeological digs at Bithnah and Qidfa.
  • The Ottoman Mosque is one of the UAE’s oldest mosques. It has a prayer hall, pulpit, openings and many arches. The internal space is separated into 4 sections by a central pillar; each section has a dome on top of it.
Fujairah For The Romance Hunter
  • The Ain Al Madhab Gardens, located near the Hajar Mountains comprise of a mineral spa and a beautiful park. There’s also an outdoor theatre which is used to put up performances of dances and singing.
  • The Wadis of Fujairah are riverbeds that flow with water after heavy rain. They are beautiful and lush, and support palm plantations. The area is scenic and includes several waterfalls. Fujairah has many wadis that beg exploration.
  • The village Masafi is known for its natural springs, perfect for a nice spa weekend. There’s also a traditional market open all days of the week, selling earthenware, rugs, souvenirs and antiques. The perfect place for a romantic weekend, shopping and enjoying mineral baths.

Rayna Tours offers several exciting tours within and outside of Fujairah. Several tours are available, including cruises, mountain exploration, deep sea fishing, and pearl diving and so on. Please note that you will need to carry your passport or UAE Id

  • Deep Sea Fishing In Dibba: You’ll be taken on a speedboat to the most popular deep sea fishing spots in Dibba. The best part is, you get to fire up the barbecue and fry your catch! All necessary equipment including snorkeling gear comes with the package. The fishing trip starts from Dibba, Fujairah sea port. Apart from deep sea fishing, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing also on this trip.
  • 4WD Mountain Safari in Sultanat of Oman: The spectacularly rugged Jebel Harim Mountains has many lovely wadis. Wadi Khabb Shamsi is one of them – a part of Oman Musandam that few people get to see. This tour takes you to explore the beautiful and long canyon of Wadi Khabb Shamsi down on the coast of Dibba Al Bay. The tour culminates at the end of the wadi, to a point offering tremendous views.
  • Musandam Dibba Cruise: An amazing cruise along the blissful Musandam coast, which allows you to experience true Arabian hospitality and Emirati cuisine. The amazing scenery of the Hajar Mountains and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean, plus the incredible flora and fauna of Oman are your takeaways from this trip.
  • Fujairah's East Coast Trip: A half-day scenic coastal tour for the enjoyment of Fujairah’s natural history and scenic beauty.

Fujairah’s desert climate with hot temperatures reaching 50 Deg Celsius leaves very little scope for negotiation. However, due to the presence of the Hajar mountain range, the climate here is slightly more variable than in the other emirates. Being a mountainous area, Fujairah’s precipitation levels are slightly higher than, say, in Dubai. This creates a more interesting micro-environment in the area that is tourist friendly. The nights, as is typical with a desert climate, are cool.

The heat and the accompanying humidity can be difficult at first, but there are precautions you can take. Always cover your head with a white cloth if you’re out and about during the day. Drink plenty of water and use salt tablets to replenish the salt you lose through sweat. Wet your head cloth now and then to keep yourself cool. The best travel advice for Fujairah’s climate is to avoid travel during the peak summer, or stay indoors during the afternoon.

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