Port of call

Fujairah, UAE

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Description — Fujairah, UAE

Fujairah is a city in the United Arab Emirates, the administrative centre of the eponymous emirate. Population 54 thousand people (2003). The 7th most populous city in the UAE. Fujairah lies on the coast of the Persian Gulf.

The city itself is very bright, with wide streets and a European-style layout of development. There is nothing typically Islamic in its architecture: high-rise buildings, paved streets, a long boulevard along the coastline full of greenery, studded with calm and comfortable seaside hotels with pleasant design and excellent service. In winter, the slopes of the Hajar mountain range, which comes very close to Fujairah, are painted in vivid colors of blooming shrubs, against which the ruins of a Portuguese fort and the surrounding half-ruined buildings of the Old City look very exotic and colorful. This part of the capital is uninhabited; it is entirely a historic monument dating back to the 17th century, where archaeological excavations are regularly carried out, and the exhibits found as a result are displayed on stands in the capital’s museum of antiquities.

The youngest emirate by age among the UAE, whose capital is Fujairah, is the only emirate in the UAE that is practically entirely located on the eastern coast of the country. Fujairah, unlike the other emirates, does not have access to the Persian Gulf; instead, it faces the Indian Ocean entirely and borders Oman to the south, and the Hajar mountains to the north. The city’s population is about 80 thousand residents. The coastline with the cleanest, transparent water and comfortably equipped beaches stretches for 90 kilometers. ¾ of the emirate’s population live along the coastal strip. In this part of the UAE there are no sand dunes; therefore, the mountain water that flows down irrigates the local valleys abundantly, making them the most fertile in the country. It should be noted that the Arabs themselves often holiday in the Fujairah coast, because the water here is crystal clear, the beaches are wide, the greenery is abundant, and the underwater world is rich.

Fujairah, despite not having oil fields, nevertheless thrives thanks to tourism, because no other emirate can boast such a harmonious combination of sea, mountains, sand, coral reefs, abundant green nature, architectural heritage, and favorable year-round weather.

Climate

Fujairah has a subtropical dry climate. Rain is not frequent here; if it does occur, it is in winter and for a short time (7-10 days during the whole year). As a resort, Fujairah is suitable at any time of year, since the water here never drops below +17˚C. However, during the hottest sun, when the air even in the shade warms up to +50˚C (July-August), it is better to refrain from traveling. The optimal time for rest in Fujairah is the end of September-May, when the water is not below +20˚C and the air is +25˚C.

Al Fujairah, UAE
View of Fujairah
Fort of Fujairah
Al-Bidia Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Friday market
Ain Al-Ghamur Hot Springs
Al Akka Beach
Water Park Ice Land

Location on the map

Sights

Fort Fujairah

First of all, visit the famous Fort Fujeirah, located 2 km from the main city. This huge ancient fortress looks half-destroyed, yet magnificent in its grandeur. The fortress was built in the middle of the 16th century. The pyramid-shaped turrets adorning the fort were used as watch posts and shelters during shelling. The small openings in the walls of one of the buildings in the fort were designed for lighting and ventilation. In 2000, a large-scale renovation took place here, so the fort became even more astonishing. Fort Fujeirah is a unique historic site in the city, so its condition is monitored very carefully.

Al-Bidia Mosque

A great interest for tourists is the local Al-Bitia Mosque, built more than 400 years ago and a feat for the engineering and architectural industry of that time. This mosque is one of the oldest on Earth and the oldest in the country, so many Arabs make pilgrimages here. Of course, all travelers who arrive in the UAE also want to visit this place. The four domes of the structure, in some wonderful way, are supported by a single central pillar, while the interior is finished with intricate stone carvings. The mosque itself seems to have been molded by hand from sand-rough on the outside, and smooth and elegant on the inside.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosques are the general name for special mosques in the UAE, named in honor of the respected ruler of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed Mosques, whose architecture is reminiscent of the Great Mosque of Sheikh Zayed in Abu Dhabi, are located in all emirates-Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, etc. However, in terms of the number of domes and architectural similarity, the mosque in Fujairah has the closest resemblance to the one in Abu Dhabi. By the way, in the UAE, mosques are named after the rulers, after the district in which they are located, after the person who built the mosque, and also after the names of the most outstanding figures of Islam.

What to see

Friday Market

Souq al-Jumaa - the “Friday market”, a large Eastern bazaar that, despite its name, operates every day. This is a traditional Eastern bazaar where you can buy exquisite Arabian curios. In the countless stalls here, people choose, argue, bargain-everything is just as it is customary in an Arab market. Although Souq al-Jumaa offers its visitors an enormous selection of various goods, such as ceramics, watches, vegetables and fruits, sweets, copper items, etc., the market’s main product has always been-and remains-luxury carpets woven by local, as well as Iranian, Afghan and Indian master craftsmen. But even if buying a carpet isn’t on your plans, a walk through Souq al-Jumaa will still not be wasted time.

Ain Al Gamur Hot Springs

Hot springs of Ain Al-Gamur were formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. The sulfur cycle in the biosphere allows the springs to always stay hot. On average, the water temperature here is 55-60 degrees Celsius. The water is rich in healing mineral and sulfur compounds. People come here to treat rheumatism and skin diseases. Also, the waters of Ain Al-Gamur have an antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect. The springs run all year round, but it is best to visit in October-May, when the heat is not as oppressive. As you approach the hot springs, a strong smell of sulfur is noticeable, so it is not recommended to spend a long time taking baths. Fortunately, the springs are located in the middle of a scenic park with impressive landscapes.

Fujairah’s Beaches

The total length of the beaches in Fujairah is about 90 km; their distinctive feature is very fine sand and a gentle entry into the sea. Also, the local beaches, thanks to their crystal-clear water, are among the best places for diving among the other emirates of the country. One of the best beaches is Al Akka. The length of these beaches is over 50 km. Here you can enjoy your time both as a family with children and as a diving enthusiast. The second excellent spot for a beach holiday is the Dibba beach. This is the best beach for a family holiday with children. Along the shoreline, specially planted trees and shrubs provide a soft shade; there are both free and paid areas, a guarded parking lot, cafes, and souvenir shops. Dolphins often swim close to the shore.

Ice Land Water Park

Ice Land Water Park - one of the most modern water parks in the UAE. The overall theme of the “icy” water park reflects the spirit of the Arctic and revolves around snowy mountains and penguins. One of the most interesting attractions in the park is the “Penguin Waterfall” - the largest man-made waterfall in the world. The Coral Reef attraction is a body of water with artificial coral reefs and real live fish. Those who love jacuzzis should definitely visit the “Tundra Baths” and experience the healing power of hydro-massage firsthand. The kids’ cove Kids Cove is designed for the very youngest visitors. It features small pools, miniature slides, and sandboxes. For fans of “long-distance” swims - there is a Wave Pool with artificial waves and a Whirl Pool (“Water Whirlpool”) pool on an Olympic scale.

Recommended excursions

Attractions of the Emirate of Fujairah

You will visit the famous Friday Market in Fujairah, where you can buy anything your heart desires and simply enjoy the vivid emotions that always accompany Arab trading. Continuing along the coast, you will reach the oldest and smallest mosque in the country, Al Bidya Mosque, which was built in the 15th century. You will pass through the port city of Khor Fakkan, the ruins of mountain dwellings, and complete your journey with a visit to the 300-year-old old fortress of Fujairah, as well as the fortress in the Bitna oasis.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.