Fujairah is the fifth-largest emirate in the UAE, with an area of 1,450 square kilometers. Notably, it is the only emirate that is not located on the Persian Gulf. Instead, you will find it on the Gulf of Oman, situated on the eastern part of the country.
This fascinating emirate is filled with spectacular mountains and vast desert areas. Even so, there are plenty of places to visit in Fujairah. If you want to avoid the scorching summer weather, the best time to visit this emirate would be during autumn or spring.
Image Credit: fujairahtourism.ae
Things to See and Do in Fujairah, UAE
Here are some of the things that you can see and do in the emirate of Fujairah:
#1 – Visit a centuries old fort.
Built in 1735, Al Bithna Fort is a magnificent structure about 13 kilometers away from Fujairah city centre. It is surrounded by gorgeous palm orchards and majestic mountains — the perfect backdrop for your travel pictures!
#2 – Wander around gardens.
Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains is Ain Al Madhab Gardens, a haven for nature lovers. Relax as you bathe in a freshwater spring or a natural warm pool. If you’re lucky, you might be able to watch a traditional dance at the gardens’ outdoor theatre!
#3 – Gaze upon a famous castle.
Centuries ago, the emirate’s ruling family used the Al Hayl Castle as their headquarters. For many years, it served as a major defense, patrol, and surveillance centre. Today, it is one of Fujairah’s most popular landmarks.
#4 – Check into “paradise.”
As the name suggests, Al Fujairah Paradise is a beautiful resort in the emirate. As the first major community project in Fujairah, it features a thousand 5-star villas, a luxury hotel, and a shopping mall, too. There’s never a dull moment in this place!
#5 – Explore an old fortress.
About 30 kilometers away from the city of Fujairah is the village of Aouhlah, where you fill find the Awhlah Fortress. It is situated in a rough and mountainous area — but don’t worry! The local government has paved the roads leading towards the fortress, making it easier to reach!
#6 – See one of the country’s oldest forts.
Constructed in 1670, the Fujairah Fort served as a residence and defense structure of the emirate’s ruling family. It is one of the oldest forts in the UAE; it also happens to be the only stone building that you will see along the coast of the emirate.
#7 – Walk into a “living museum.”
The Fujairah Heritage Village is a place where you will find traditional houses, ancient artifacts, and farming tools. If you’ve ever wondered how the emirate might have looked like hundreds of years ago — this is the place for you!
#8 – Learn about Fujairah’s past.
Situated on the southern part of the Fort is the Fujairah Museum, where Bronze Age artifacts are on display. Here, you can see different types of coins, jewelry, pottery, and swords! There are also many items made of bronze, brass, gold, silver, and steel.
#9 – Travel to an ancient village.
On the edge of the Hajar Mountains is the ancient village of Masafi. Recent excavations show that people lived in this area during the Bronze Age! Here, you will find the Masafi Fort, which houses a “falaj” — an underground passage transporting water from the mountains to the village.
#10 – Relax in the “wadis.”
The term “wadi” means “oasis,” and there are many of them in Fujairah. Among the more popular ones are Wadi Ham, Wadi Siji, Wadi Saham, and Wadi Al Wurayah — which even includes waterfalls!
#11 – Enter an old mosque.
In the northern part of the emirate is the Al Bidya Mosque, which is one of the oldest mosques in the UAE. Also known as the “Ottoman Mosque,” it features a central pillar supporting four domes, and a prayer hall inside.
#12 – Visit a new mosque.
Similar in design to its namesake in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the newest religious attraction in Fujairah. This grand structure is the second largest mosque in the country, capable of accommodating up to 28,000 worshippers!
Fujairah may not be as popular as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but it is certainly an exciting destination, just like all 7 emirates of the UAE! With its historic forts, museums, hotels, and resorts — Fujairah is a beautiful mix of the old and the new, the ancient as well as the modern sites of the country.