Fujairah

Info

Quick Facts about Fujairah

• Location: Eastern coast of the UAE, on the Gulf of Oman
• Area: Approximately 1,450 km²
• Population: Around 256,000 (as of 2023)
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
• Official Language: Arabic, with English widely spoken

Key Highlights of Fujairah

1. Natural Beauty and Landscapes

• Hajar Mountains: Fujairah is surrounded by the rugged Hajar Mountains, which provide a dramatic backdrop and offer hiking trails, scenic drives, and panoramic views.
• Beaches: The emirate is known for its pristine coastline, with clear waters ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other watersports. Notable beaches include Al Aqah Beach and Sandy Beach, both popular for their coral reefs and marine life.
• Wadis: Natural valleys, or “wadis,” like Wadi Wurayah, are popular for outdoor activities. Wadi Wurayah is a protected area and home to unique flora and fauna, waterfalls, and freshwater pools.

2. Historical and Cultural Sites

• Fujairah Fort: Built in the 16th century, this is one of the UAE’s oldest forts and served as both a defensive stronghold and a residence for ruling families.
• Al Badiyah Mosque: The oldest mosque in the UAE, estimated to have been built in 1446. Its unique architecture, with four small domes and mud-brick construction, offers a glimpse into the area’s early Islamic history.
• Fujairah Heritage Village: A cultural site showcasing traditional houses, lifestyle artifacts, and tools that reflect the emirate’s heritage.

3. Diving and Marine Activities

• Snoopy Island: One of Fujairah’s most popular snorkeling and diving spots, named after the island’s resemblance to the cartoon character Snoopy. The area is known for its colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and sea turtles.
• Dibba Rock: Another great location for diving, with a variety of fish, soft corals, and reef sharks. Fujairah’s eastern coast offers some of the best diving spots in the UAE.

4. Outdoor and Adventure Activities

• Mountain Biking and Hiking: The Hajar Mountains offer numerous trails for hikers and bikers, with varying levels of difficulty and breathtaking scenery.
• Camping: Many people come to Fujairah for overnight camping near the mountains or beaches, making it ideal for a stargazing experience away from city lights.

5. Events and Festivals

• Fujairah International Monodrama Festival: This festival is dedicated to one-actor plays and attracts performers from around the world, supporting the art of theater in the region.
• Fujairah Fishing Festival: Celebrating Fujairah’s fishing heritage, this annual festival includes fishing competitions and cultural displays.

6. Economic Highlights

• Port of Fujairah: A major shipping and oil storage port in the region, strategically located outside the Strait of Hormuz, which makes it a key point for international trade.
• Fujairah Free Zone: Encourages foreign investments by offering business-friendly incentives like tax exemptions, full ownership, and repatriation of profits.

Unique Aspects of Fujairah

• Relaxed Atmosphere: Unlike the more commercial and fast-paced emirates, Fujairah offers a more tranquil environment and a slower pace of life.
• Historical Importance: Fujairah’s forts, mosques, and heritage sites reflect the deep cultural history of the UAE, dating back centuries.
• Natural Landscapes: Fujairah’s geography, featuring mountains, wadis, and beaches, makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Fujairah’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous activities makes it a unique destination in the UAE for both residents and visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites, diving, or simply relaxing by the beach, Fujairah offers a different side of the UAE to discover.