Fujairah
The easternmost and youngest state of the United Arab Emirates, the Fujairah Free Zone (Fujairah for short) is located roughly a two hour drive from Dubai, and is the only state not to have a coastline on the Persian Gulf. It is also close to the UAE border with Oman, and this is another popular way of entering the state. Fujairah City is primarily a commercial centre with fewer attractions for the visitor than some of the other more cosmopolitan cities of the UAE.
However, there are miles of beautiful Indian Ocean beaches with clear waters to be explored and it is only a matter of time before Fujairah joins the ranks of some of its neighbours in terms of tourism potential. Already a number of world-class hotels are establishing themselves in Fujairah.
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Fast Facts
Capital City – Fujairah
Population Size: 100,000
Country Size: 1450 sq km
Currency/FX rate: Emirati Dirham (current rate £1 = 7.37 dirham)
Time Zone: +4GMT
Language: Official language is Arabic, though English is widely used.
Weather: Subtropical climate with year round sunshine and infrequent rainfall. Hottest from June to September, with average temperatures of around 33C. Coolest in January and February.
Visa: British travellers to Fujairah do not need a visa.
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What to do
Most attractions within Fujairah lie outside the city:
Ain Al Madhab Gardens: located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains these lush gardens are fed by freshwater springs. There are also natural warm pools, and an outdoor theatre.
Fujairah Heritage Village: Located close to the Ain Al Madhab Gardens, this is a living museum demonstrating the lifestyles of the traditional inhabitants of the UAE. Exhibits include traditional farming methods, housing, tools and cooking utensils.
Masafi Friday Market: Surprisingly given its name, this market is open daily, and is to be found in the Hajar Mountains on the road to Fujairah. Traditional arts and crafts are on sale, including pottery and items woven from date palms.
Bidiya Mosque: The oldest place of worship in the UAE, Bidiya Mosque, also known as the Ottoman Mosque, has a unique design of four small domes supported by one huge central pillar.
Bull Fighting: This is one of Fujairah’s major attractions and takes place every Friday at around 4pm, other than in the summer months, near the Al Rughlait Bridge in Fujairah City.
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Getting There
The closest international airport to Fujairah is Abu Dhabi.
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