Fujairah – Scenic Beauty Fujairah lies on the eastern side of UAE, along the Gulf of Oman and derives its name from a spring of water located beneath one of the mountains. The emirate has witnessed a rapid rate of economic and social development and tourism activities under the wise guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Fujairah. The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain, separates Fujairah from the rest of the country. The historical importance of Fujairah dates back to the period before the birth of Christ. The main cities and villages are Dibba, Murbeh, Qidfa, Al Bidiyah, Masafi and Al-Siji. The city is home to mountains, caves and archaeological sites, all of which bear testament to the rich Arab heritage. Where to stay: Accommodation in Fujairah might be limiting when it comes to choices; however, it is still diverse enough. Rapid development and progress have given rise to a number of hotels ranging from renowned five stars to medium budget accommodations. Just take your pick. What to see: Nestled between the Hajar mountains, the emirate of Fujairah is blessed with un-spoilt natural beauty and is the kind of place one would want to visit and stay back for a relaxed time. It has almost 70 km of coastline offering a wide expanse of pristine beach making it a paradise for water sports, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. The annual power boat racing world championships held here and organized by the Fujairah International Marine Club are a great attraction for visitors. The emirate is a treasure trove of ancient historical sites offering a glimpse into Arabian heritage. Known in the earlier times as the ‘land of the sea giants’ some of the most important archaeological finds in the region have been made in this area. Excavations have shown that man’s presence here dates back to the Iron Age. The Fujairah Museum contains artefacts recovered from local archaeological discoveries and exhibit the traditional way of life of the emirate region dating back to 2500 BC. The emirate is dotted with interesting places like mosques, ancient forts, museums, spice souks and pottery markets. The rugged landscape offers a perfect terrain for a range of activities like wadi drives, desert safaris and mountain treks. A major attraction is the bull fighting; a bloodless form of bull fighting that takes place every Friday. The picturesque fishing village of Dibba, Al Dhaid, Bithnah Oasis etc. are the key attractions. The resort town of Khorfakkan is a charming spot on the east coast flanked by steep mountains and calm seas. One can take a boat trip to one of many islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman, a really wonderful place to visit and a great place for fishing. About 30km before Fujairah, on the road from Dhaid you’ll drive through Masafi’s famous Friday Market (Souq Al Juma), open every day from 8am to 10pm. Here you’ll find rugs, pottery, fruit and vegetables, household goods and souvenirs too. Individual attractions include the Ain Al Madhab Gardens fed by natural mineral springs. The Bidiya Mosque is the UAE's oldest site of worship representing a humble, unique architectural design with four individual domes supported by a central striated pillar. Getting around: Public and private taxis are easily available and are the best means of transport apart from private tours arranged by the hotels. The recently-established international airport has connecting flights from all over the world. Fujairah is well connected to Dubai and all other emirates by well-maintained highways.

• published: 25 Jun 2015
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