The United Arab Emirates constitutes seven emirates and Fujairah is one of them. Boasting great places to stay, Fujairah is quite a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. In fact, it is the sole emirate that is located to UAE’s eastern end, enjoying proximity to the Gulf of Oman and the remaining six emirates are situated near the Arabian Gulf. Fujairah is separated from the remaining nation by the Hajar Mountains. Fujairah is an industrious and modern city in the east coast of UAE. Visitors can enjoy innumerable tourist attractions in the city. Discover all the interesting activities to experience in Fujairah:
Tip from tour guide
Here are some tips for your visit: 1. Dress Comfortably: In Fujairah, prioritize comfort with loose, lightweight clothing for the hot summers (June - August). Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or cultural sites. For mountain visits, wear sturdy shoes or sandals for rugged terrain. For the cooler months (November–March), bring warmer layers for evenings and indoor places where air-conditioning may be strong. 2. Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of traditions, avoid public displays of affection and bringing up sensitive topics like politics or religion. Always ask permission before taking photos in mosques, and respect people's privacy. 3. Language: The official language of the UAE is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Most signage and public information are also available in English, making communication relatively easy for English-speaking travellers. 4. Pack Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Protect your skin with high-SPF, waterproof sunscreen, and shield your eyes with UV-protected sunglasses, especially when outdoors or at the beach. 5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially in the heat, and carry a refillable bottle. Bring snacks like nuts or fruit to boost energy while touring. 6. Be Cautious with Drinking and Drugs: The UAE enforces strict laws on alcohol and drugs. Alcohol is only permitted in licensed venues like hotels and bars. Drinking in public can result in fines or imprisonment. 7. Cultural Sensitivity: During Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting for Muslims, visitors should be respectful of local customs. For example, it's prohibited to eat, drink (including water), or smoke in public places during daylight hours. However, many hotels and designated areas cater to non-Muslims where these activities are permitted. 8. Be Aware of Marine Life: Fujairah’s beaches and diving spots are beautiful, but some marine life, like jellyfish, can be dangerous. Always follow local advice and check for warnings before swimming.
1. Fujairah Fort
The fort was constructed in 1670 but was badly hit when the British army attacked it in the beginning of 20th century. It is regarded as the most ancient fort in the UAE. Fujairah Fort has previously functioned as the home as well as a defensive building for its ruling family. For several centuries, this fort was the sole stone building along the coast of the Fujairah. There are three key sections in this fort, a square tower, two round towers and many halls. Lately, restoration work on the fort has ensured that it got back its earlier glory. The Department of Archaeology and Heritage of Fujairah has set up a Heritage Village in the area, which surrounds the fort. You will be able to see the house, which has been restored, displays about traditional lifestyle and a sample of the irrigation system of the AI Yazrah, which was used by the Emirati farmers in their fields.
Fujairah Fort
Address: Fujairah city, United Arab Emirates
Website: Fujairah Fort
2. Al-Bidyah Mosque
The Al-Bidyah Mosque is situated in the north of Fujairah and is said to be the oldest mosque in the UAE. It was christened after the name of the town, which surrounded it once upon a time. This mosque has ventilation openings, a mihrab that is a prayer niche pointing towards Mecca and a prayer hall, which has been decorated with arches. The internal space of the mosque is divided into four squares, measuring similar dimensions by a central pillar. Domed ceilings cover the internal space. The area that surrounds this mosque has been dug and archaeologists found out that there were habitations for 4,000 years. There is a big Islamic graveyard to the north, which constitutes of a large tomb. The tomb is supposed to be as ancient as the Iron Age. The excavations conducted recovered metal arrowheads, pieces of pottery and other interesting artifacts pointing to 1,000 BC.
Al-Bidyah Mosque
Address: 35 kilometers north of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Website: Al-Bidyah Mosque
3. Bithnah Fort
The fort is situated just 13 kilometers away from Fujairah and along the city’s main highway. It was constructed to monitor the strategic paths that crossed the Hajar Mountains. The Bitnah Fort was constructed in 1735 and given great importance for defending the eastern region of the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its thick golden stoned walls with a bulky frame with a circular watchtower, which makes it look extremely fetching and photogenic. The views of the countryside with Palm groves as well as the mountains from the fort are indeed spectacular.
Bithnah Fort
Address: Bithnah village, Fujairah - United Arab Emirates
Website: Bithnah Fort
4. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a modern mosque in the city of Fujairah and spans across an area that is as big as three soccer pitches. The mosque boasts of six minarets with a height of 100 meters. Its prayer hall is mammoth and can accommodate up to 32,000 worshipers at a time. It has become one of the major landmarks of Fujairah due to its white-colored facade. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the second largest mosque in the UAE after Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque’s interior for sightseeing, but visitors are permitted to take images of the mosque’s exterior.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Website: Sheikh Zayed Mosque
5. Al-Hayl Castle
The ruling family of the city of Fujairah used the Al-Hayl Castle as their headquarters once upon a time. However, about 250 years ago, the castle played a strategic role in the defense of this area. It was treated as a base to patrol and conduct surveillance so that Fujairah can be protected against the attacks of the enemies. There is not much left today as the original fortification was demolished long ago. But a two-level tower still remains on the hill. The tower will remind the visitors of an era when there were forts and various hillsides of the UAE.
Al-Hayl Castle
Address: Al-Hayl village, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
6. Fujairah Museum
You must also visit the Fujairah Museum which is located on the South of the Fujairah Fort. It has a rich collection of interesting artifacts that date from the beginning of Bronze Age, which was excavated during archaeological digs in Bithnah and Qidfa. Some of the displays include weaponry used in the Iron and Bronze Ages, pre-Islamic silver coins, carved soapstone vessels and painted pottery. The museum has a precious possession in the form of a bowl that was discovered at Qidfa. It dates back to 2,200 years and is made from the egg of an ostrich. You will also enjoy the museum’s ethnography section that has exhibits of traditional craft work and daily life of the people of Emirates.
Fujairah Museum
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Website: Fujairah Museum
7. Beaches
The city of Fujairah happens to be the sole emirate of the United Arab Emirates that does not share its coastline with the Arabian Gulf. Unlike the other six emirates, the city is located on the eastern side of the UAE and its beaches are located along the Gulf of Oman. You can find some of the finest scuba diving and snorkeling sites in the country here. If you are an underwater enthusiast, then you must visit Fujairah’s beaches. Even if you are not fond of these sports, the beaches of the city offer ample options for soaking up the sun. A majority of the beaches are known for their great facilities for the tourists like restaurants, cafe, loungers and sunshades.
Beaches
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
8. Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Right outside the city of Fujairah and near the Hajar a Mountains’ foothills, you will find these hot springs. They are an extremely preferred site for local retreat. These mineral hot springs produce warm water that contains sulfur. The water is then pumped into two different swimming pools. Men and women can bath in separate bathing areas here. Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs is a family-friendly site and attracts plenty of visitors, especially over the weekends. In case you have been traveling for quite some time and need a break, this is the perfect place for you to let your hair down and let the mineral-rich and warm waters soothe your tired muscles.
Ain al-Madhab Hot Springs
Address: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Fun at Fujairah
According to many visitors and tourists, the city of Fujairah is a great place to relax after the hustle and bustle of Dubai. For the local residents, it is a great place to head on weekends. The emirate is known for its pristine sea beaches. Its enchanting coastline is perfect for swimming and scuba diving. Moreover, the city is an excellent base to start exploring the Hajar a Mountains.
History
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