Uae resorts near the Fujairah sea. Open left fujairah menu
The Emirate of Fujairah is located in the east of the country. This is the only emirate in the country that does not have access to the shores of the Persian Gulf. It stretches for 90 kilometers along the coast of the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman) and differs from others in mountainous terrain, a larger area covered with greenery and trees, as well as a milder and less arid climate. In addition, Fujairah is the youngest emirate, having gained independence from Sharjah in 1953.
Features of climate and nature.
Fujairah is the only emirate in the UAE that is almost entirely mountainous, with the mountains coming very close to the coast. All other Emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are located on the west coast, and their significant territory is desert. Falls in Fujairah large quantity rainfall than in the rest of the UAE, which allows farmers in the region to get good harvests. Tourists who come to rest in this emirate in the summer months can count on daytime temperatures not exceeding +40 degrees.
Sights of Fujairah.
The capital of the emirate is an ordinary provincial city. One of the most interesting places in the city is the embankment. By the way, in the evenings, on the outskirts of the city near the embankment, bullfights are held. Tourists are interested in the old fort, located in an ethnic village, the local museum and Madhab Park, at the foot of Mount Hajar. The waters of the hot sulfur springs of this oasis fill the pools in which you can swim and strengthen your health. Not far from the city is an ancient mosque built in 1446 from clay and brick. It is similar to other mosques found in Yemen, Oman and Qatar. The mosque has four domes (unlike other similar mosques, which have seven to twelve) and no minaret.
Modern shopping centers have been built in the city, but tourists are attracted by the famous Friday market all over the country. Despite its name, the market is open every day, delighting many tourists with an abundance of goods, low prices and a unique oriental flavor. And the gorge in which the market is located is very picturesque.
Beaches and recreation areas in Fujairah.
On the coast of the Indian Ocean, the sand is multi-colored. City beaches are not all well equipped. It is better to go to the north of the emirate to the town of Dibba. There are magnificent beaches and there is an opportunity to go snorkeling or scuba diving. It is believed that these places are the best in the country for diving. You can take a boat trip to one of the many islands that lie in the Gulf of Oman. These are really wonderful places for their beauty, they are also good for fishing.
On the coast of the bay from Dibba to Khor Fakkan are the best local hotels with magnificent beaches and beautiful mountain views.
Nature and local landscapes.
Fujairah is interesting because the most beautiful mountains rise next to the sea. You can go on an excursion to the ancient Arab settlement in Hatta, and then drive to the mountain lakes. And you can not go far, very close to the city is the bay of Khor Kalba, which contains the oldest mangroves in all of Arabia. The beauty of the local nature is extraordinary: you can see huge sea turtles or watch rare species birds.
Holidays in Fujairah will appeal to everyone. Someone will be interested in going on excursions in the surroundings, someone will enjoy the beautiful beaches and clear water of the ocean, and someone will go fishing, diving, or just want to take a boat along the coast among the numerous islands of the Gulf of Oman. In any case, everyone will be happy!
Fujairah is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates. The climate here is very mild, which attracts tourists. It is the only emirate that borders the Indian Ocean.
The Fujairah resort is the youngest, so it is suitable for those who want privacy and tranquility. The population is about 137 thousand people.
Nature is considered the most colorful. It is very clean here, as there are no industrial enterprises, and the inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture.
According to some data of this mosque over 500 years but no one knows for sure. The history of its origin is also a mystery. It can be said with certainty that this moment This is a functioning mosque. It is small - 53 sq. m. During the service it can accommodate 30 people. This mosque will be of interest even to travelers who are far from Islam.
Of particular interest are the walls of Al-Bidiya, they are made as if from sand on the outside, and the elegant finish is striking inside.
Al-Bidiya Mosque is located in the village of Al-Bidiya, 30 km north of Fujairah.
This fort is called floating fortress”, since it is located on a hill and is not visible as it touches the ground. Built by the Portuguese back in 1670, it has survived to this day in very good condition, despite the bombardments and wars that it has seen.
El-Kheil is interesting because it was the residence of the emir. Tourists can explore the bedrooms, exquisite living rooms, huge storage rooms and even see the watchtower. And if you go out into the courtyard, you can admire the production of date molasses.
Al-Kheil Fort is located 8 km southwest of Fujairah.
Initially, it was built as a defensive building. He defended the city from sea and land. Therefore, it consists of towers that are directed in different directions. So, the square tower of Mirab looks at the city, and the round towers look at the sea and mountains.
This fort is not a museum, admission is completely free. Its visit guarantees you a walk through the past, during the times of great battles, and also introduces you to the life and customs of that time.
Fujairah Fort is located in the center of the old city, 2 km from Fujairah .
It is a maritime city famous for its picturesque landscapes. Its location makes it unique. On one side are the Hajjar Mountains, and on the other, the coast of the Gulf of Oman. It is the beauty that attracts hundreds of tourists to this amazing city.
Dibba is also a historical center. During the excavations, it turned out that it was inhabited in the Iron Age and was a major trading center. Merchants from all over the Middle East, as well as China and India, came here.
The city of Dibba is 52 km from Fujairah, which is 1 hour drive.
Friday Market (Suq Al Jumaa)
It used to work only on Friday, but now it works every day. This is a traditional oriental market where you can find everything your heart desires. They mainly sell goods of their own production (dishes, vessels, sweets, jewelry, carpets and much more). You won’t leave without a purchase, just don’t forget that the Arabs love to bargain. In some cases, the price tag can be lowered to 50% of the originally declared amount.
The Friday market is located in Masafi, next to the highway on the border between Fujairah and Sharjah.
This is a nature reserve, on the territory of which there is a water valley that provides fresh water to the entire emirate. The park covers an area of 127 sq. m. More than a hundred species of fauna and more than three hundred species of flora live there. Arabian tigers (which are considered an endangered species), leopards and wild caracal cats roam freely here. Also on the territory of the reserve there are 29 monuments of historical heritage.
national park"Wadi Wuraiya" is located north of Fujairah in the center of the ring of the cities of Korfakkan and Al-Bidiya.
Since the island with its appearance resembles shark fin, he was nicknamed Shark. It attracts divers from all over the world. The water is clear, so diving is very educational. In fine detail, you can see the coral reefs. Swim with shoals of small fish, see sea turtles and octopuses.
Shark Island is famous for its Underwater Car Graveyard. This is an amazing sight, as marine inhabitants live in flooded cars.
The diving depth is from 4 meters to 30 meters, so both beginners and experienced divers will feel comfortable.
Shark Island is opposite Khor Fakkan, which is a 30-minute drive from Fujairah.
If you look at the island from a certain angle, you can see its resemblance to the cartoon character, in part of which it was named.
An ideal island for beginner divers. The diving depth is only 5 meters. But the underwater world is striking in its exotic beauty. Most a large number of you will see sea turtles here. Snoopy Island is a 45 minute drive from Fujairah.
This peninsula in the past had a bad reputation, as it was believed that pirates lived in the Omuz Bay, which washes Musandam. They robbed and destroyed ships. Nothing reminds them today. The peninsula is very beautiful, and for its steep cliffs it is called Arabian Norway. Here you can fish and ride a dhow. The way on the dhow passes through the rocks and ends with a meeting with dolphins - a very impressive sight.
The journey to the Musandam Peninsula takes almost 3 hours, and the distance from Fujairah is 189 km.
The hot spring appeared due to a volcanic eruption. It cures many diseases - rheumatism, various skin diseases and other ailments. This is possible thanks to sulfuric mineral springs. The water temperature is very comfortable and is 55 degrees. Medical tourism has just begun to develop here, but has already gained sufficient fame.
The hot spring of Ain Al Gomur is located 20 km from Fujairah.
The sculpture consists of seven jugs, which symbolize the seven emirates of the UAE. The three largest jugs of the composition are the oil-producing emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi). Fujairah is presented in the form of a small jug, but despite this, the standard of living in this emirate is quite high. "Pitchers" is located near the airport.
The sculptural composition "Jugs" is located on the road from Fujairah to Dibba.
Spread out at the foot of Mount Hajar. This place is considered the most picturesque corner of Fujairah. It is famous for its hot springs. On the territory there are two swimming pools with medicinal waters - for men and women.
But of greater interest among tourists are the gardens, where you can hide from the scorching daytime sun. The national park has many paths, so every corner of the park is accessible to pedestrians. On weekends, national bands perform here, so you can come and enjoy Arabic dances and listen to music.
Ain Al Madhab Gardens is located next to Fujairah Airport .
The club regularly holds windsurfing competitions, races on yachts, scooters and boats. Getting membership in the club is very simple - you need to become a member of one of the competitions. But mostly people come here for “gambling fishing” (whoever has the most catch wins). Here you can catch tuna, barracuda and other inhabitants of the water element. You can cook the caught fish, right in the open ocean on a boat, there is everything you need for this.
The club has an excellent restaurant where live music is played. The International Maritime Club is located on the coast of Fujairah.
This is the most spectacular sport that attracts not only local residents, but also tourists. They are held every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00. There are no fights in the summer, as it is very hot.
The essence of the competition is to identify the most stubborn bull, who at the end must fight with the winner of the previous week. There is no bloodshed, as in the Spanish bullfight. The fight lasts an average of eight minutes, and then the owners separate the bulls. The winner is determined by the judge. Before the fight, all the bulls are on a rigid diet of dates, milk and honey.
Bullfights are held in Fujairah between Ocean Road and Corniche Road.
The village is an open-air museum. It was opened for tourists in 1996. Once there, you can get acquainted with the traditional life of the Arabs, their crafts, crafts, see houses and preserved mosques. The village is surrounded by a wall with watchtowers. Such an excursion will be very interesting for children.
Folk dances (al-ayala) are performed especially for tourists. Water is obtained from a well there and bulls help people in this. On the territory of the village there is a market of sweets and souvenirs. Anyone can choose a suitable memorable gift.
The traditional heritage village is located in the center of the old city, 2 km from Fujairah.
This is an indoor museum, opened to the public in 1991. It was during this period that archaeological excavations began in the city. The first exhibits were coins, jewelry, household items and tools.
Now the museum exposition consists of several halls. There are clothes, outfits and their changes over time. There is a hall of spices and even a hall of medicine, where medicinal herbs are presented, which have been treated since ancient times. The most extraordinary exhibit is an ostrich egg, which was used as a bowl for food. Its age is more than 2 thousand years.
The Fujairah National Museum is located in the center of Fujairah.
If you drive along the streets of the city, you can pay attention to interesting monuments, and they are dedicated not to people, but to animals and household items. One of these is the "Golden Falcon", which is reminiscent of the traditional entertainment of the Arabs - falconry. "Sharks" and "Dolphins", which do not allow tourists to forget about the inhabitants of the local waters. But the composition "Perfume" speaks of the ability of the Arabs to produce perfume oils. "Kerosene lamp" reminds of past times.
In conclusion, I would like to say that Fujairah is an amazing city that will appeal not only to history buffs, but also to spectacle lovers.
Swimming and diving here is much safer than in Egypt. Divers occasionally encounter blacktip reef sharks off the coast of Fujairah. They are not dangerous to humans unless they are specifically teased. Sharks swim along the coast for numerous schools of fish and turtles.
Transport
In the capital of Fujairah, as in any emirate of the UAE, there is. It is located about 3 km south of the city center, has been operating since 1987 and is the only one on the eastern coast of the Emirates. In addition to cargo transportation, it carries out business flights, and also accepts private flights.
Intercity buses run to major airports and the city from Fujairah. As such, there is no city here, tourists mainly use taxis: this service works flawlessly. The cost of services is controlled by the state, and you don’t have to worry about cheating kilometers and costs. The price is fixed everywhere.
The service in Fujairah is very developed: you can rent a car of any class (the choice is large). This gives you the opportunity to travel around the entire UAE without excessive time and financial costs, as well as visit the capital and largest city in the Emirates - Dubai. The roads here are smooth, and gasoline is much cheaper in comparison with the countries of Europe and the CIS.
How to get to Fujairah?
Despite the fact that Fujairah (UAE) has its own airport, it is used more often as a cargo terminal or for receiving charters. There are no direct flights here from the territory of the countries of the former USSR, only with a connection through Europe or a transfer in Dubai. It is not always fast and convenient.
Since the distance from Dubai to Fujairah is 128 km (1.5 hours by car), most tourists land in Dubai. From any airport in the UAE, you can order a transfer to your hotel. If this service has not been agreed or is not available, then you can use the local taxi service. Regular buses run from Dubai Airport to all the Emirates from 5:00 am to 24:00.
It is also worth considering the option of arriving at the Air Arabia airport in Shaju. The distance from Sharjah to Fujairah is 113 km, it is overcome in 1 hour by taxi.
Fujairah has a subtropical dry climate. Rains here are not frequent guests, if they happen, then in winter and not for long (7-10 days for the whole year). As a resort, Fujairah is wealthy at any time of the year, because the water here is never lower than +17˚С. However, in the very sun, when the air even in the shade warms up to + 50˚С, and this is the months of July-August, it is better to refrain from traveling. The optimal time for a holiday in Fujairah is the end of September - May, when the water is not lower than + 20˚С, and the air is + 25˚С.
How to get to Fujairah
The city has an airport, which is located 3 km from the city - south of the center. Fujairah Airport is the only one on the eastern coast of the UAE, has been operating since 1987 and is focused mainly on cargo transportation, private and business flights (unlike Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports). Tourists are often taken from the airport to the city by representatives of hotels in which rooms are booked, but if you are not offered such a service, you will have to take a taxi. Here, in general, everyone actually travels by car. Taxi services, by the way, are moderate in cost - about 2 dirhams or half a dollar per kilometer. By the way, for comfortable movement around the city (if you plan to make excursions, and not just bask on the beach), there are an abundance of car rental options at your service at an average price of 100 dirhams or $ 27 per day. Gasoline in Fujairah is much cheaper than ours, and the roads are much smoother, so driving will be to your liking.
Fujairah, unlike other capitals of the emirates, is rich in historical monuments and architectural masterpieces - there is something to see here.
First of all, visit the famous Fujairah Fort, which is located 2 km from the main city. It is dilapidated in appearance, but magnificent in its grandeur. In 2000, a large-scale reconstruction took place here, so the port became even more amazing. The local castle was built back in 1670 and consists of 3 parts, divided into halls. In addition, the territory of the port is decorated with a picturesque tower.
The Museum of Ancient Settlements also deserves the attention of the guests of Fujairah, because historical relics of ancestors and numerous finds of archaeologists are collected here. Museum coordinates: Al-Salam Rds and Al-Nakheel intersection. Open door hours: Sun-Thu - 8.30-13.00; 16.30-18.30; Fri - 14.00-18.30. The entrance fee is democratic: 5 dirhams (less than $ 1.5), and for children it is completely free.
Of interest to tourists is the local mosque of Al-Bitiya, built more than 400 years ago and is a feat for the engineering and architectural industry of those times. This mosque is one of the oldest on Earth and the oldest in the country, so many Arabs make pilgrimages here. Of course, all travelers who arrived in the UAE also want to visit here. The structure's four domes are miraculously supported by a single central pillar, and the interior is finished with ornate stone carvings. settled 30 km from Fujairah - in the direction of Sharjah, and it is worth visiting it, especially since tourists, as a rule, combine this trip with a visit to the legendary Friday Market, located nearby (you will learn more about it in the "Shopping" section ).
Where else to visit? What is worth seeing in the city?
Al-Kheil Fortress, the former residence of the Emir of Fujairah, located 8 km southwest of the capital;
El Bitna Fort (1735), the easternmost of the UAE forts;
a fort with palm groves in Wadi Dafta;
Al-Wurraya waterfall, a rarity for the nature of the country;
sulfuric mineral geysers of Ain Al-Ghamur, curing rheumatism and gout;
Gardens with mineral springs Ain Al-Madhab (by the way, there are hotels in the park for those who want to get medical treatment);
Marine Club;
a source of hot water "Ain Gomur", which beats out of the ground 20 km from Fujairah to the southwest;
bullfights.
And, of course, let's not forget the main thing - nature: in Fujairah you can do mountain climbing, water sports, including the local famous diving and snorkeling. Coral reefs, golden beaches, crystal clear waters, turtles - all this makes a holiday in Fujairah special. By the way, if you have not been diving yet, then there are schools that are ready to teach everyone the underwater tricks. In addition, there are 2 international diving centers on the coast of Fujairah. Everyone who is fond of scuba diving is simply obliged to visit here at least once. Experienced divers recommend diving at Martini Rock, they say it’s a miracle - how beautiful colorful corals are, and the depth reaches 20 m. Here you can also admire such underwater inhabitants as scorpion fish, cuttlefish, and lion fish. Among diving enthusiasts, such centers and places as Shark Island, Auto Cemetery, Snoopy Island, World Chasm Cave, Dibba Island and dive clubs near the Oceanic Hotel are popular.
Fujairah Restaurants
If your travel budget is modest, eat at eateries: "Kentucky Fried Chicken" and "Pizza Hut" - there you will be quickly, cheaply and tasty fed with no less hospitality than in restaurants.
On average, a hearty meal for two costs about 60 dirhams, or $16. Often, service tips are already added to the bill, but if you add “tea” on top of them, you will certainly receive a compliment from the chef on your next visit.
Shopping in Fujairah
Undoubtedly, of great interest to all tourists arriving in the UAE is the Friday Market or Friday Market, which offers a huge selection of souvenirs, carpets self made, dishes, jewelry, silk, ceramics, daggers and other colorful local products. You can also buy exotic fruits and local sweets here. The market is located 30 km from the city towards Sharzhd - in the mountains and operates from 8.00 to 22.00 (however, during the prayer period, sellers can close their shops). Getting to Friday Market is easy, all taxi services are ready to take tourists there at almost any time for 18-37 dirhams (5-10 dollars).
Fujairah is one of the popular resorts of the UAE, an emirate with the capital of the same name, which is very different from other regions of the country. The only one of all, it is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean (unlike other emirates, washed by the waters of the Persian Gulf) and boasts a relatively large amount of precipitation by local standards and nature atypical for the UAE - green valleys, majestic mountains and wide beaches with golden sand.
About 140 thousand people live in Fujairah, there are no skyscrapers and bustle of million-plus cities, but agriculture is well developed here, interesting historical monuments have been preserved and all conditions for a calm and secluded vacation have been created. And it is also the only emirate that does not produce hydrocarbons, which is only good for tourists.
How to get to Fujairah
Fujairah has its own airport, but it is mostly used for cargo and private flights. Moreover, there are no direct flights from Russia, you can get either with a connection somewhere in Europe (from 400 USD one way) or via Dubai. Prices on the page are for September 2018.
Tourists usually fly to Dubai, since it is just over 100 km from Fujairah. In particular, you can fly directly from Moscow to Dubai on the flights of Aeroflot, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ural Airlines. The one-way trip will take 5.5 hours and will cost about 256 USD. You can also fly from the Russian capital in 5 hours and 340 USD on a direct Air Arabia plane to Sharjah, but getting from here is a little longer and more expensive.
From airport to city
Getting from Dubai airport to Fujairah is easy. The most comfortable and quick way to get there is by taxi, the cost is fixed for all services, as it is controlled by the state. Depending on the location of the hotel, it will cost 348-440 AED and take about 1.5 hours.
Also from all terminals of the Dubai airport from 5:00-6:00 until midnight there are buses every half an hour. The fare is 22-41 AED, you can check the schedule and route number at the office. carrier's website (in English). There is also a route map and a smartphone app to help you navigate Dubai's public transport world.
Search for flights to Dubai (nearest airport to Fujairah)
Districts of Fujairah
The most popular tourist areas, which is logical, are coastal ones. Among them are El Fujairah, Dibba, Al Badia, Kalba and Khor Fakkan. Here, on the first beach line, the best hotels are located. The capital of the emirate, lurking in the bay of the Gulf of Oman, is small (only 50 thousand inhabitants), modern and European in mood. On the wide bright streets there are residential skyscrapers and business centers, on the picturesque coast there are hotels and beaches with all kinds of activities: from diving to snorkeling.
In the vicinity of El Fujairah, an old Portuguese fort and a complex of architectural monuments from the 17th century are noteworthy.
Dibba is split into three parts, two of which belong to the UAE, and one to neighboring Oman. The city owes its name to the Portuguese fortress of Dibba Al-Hisn, which has survived to this day, and its tourist popularity - to its peaceful atmosphere, fresh mountain air and stunning beaches.
The main attraction of the village of Al-Badiya, which is 30 km from El-Fujairah, is the mosque of the same name, one of the oldest in the emirates. Built in the 15th century, it can accommodate no more than 30 people and is very different from the religious buildings characteristic of the region, resembling more traditional Yemeni temples.
The town of Kalba is known for its mangrove forests with outlandish inhabitants, as well as for ancient Portuguese architecture and - like, in fact, the whole of Fujairah - great beaches. And Khor-Fakkan - translated as "the bay of two jaws" - is a paradise for lovers of secluded relaxation and first-class diving: corals, fish, turtles, stingrays - what treasures are hidden under the local water surface.
There are no dangerous or dirty areas in Fujairah, but it is still recommended not to stop in the highlands, as there is active quarrying.
Transport
In Fujairah, urban transport is not developed. There are no subways and trams here, and if a bus flashes on the road, it most likely belongs to a private company or delivers students from one of the local schools home. Officially, there are about 10 bus routes throughout the emirate, and even those are not laid in the most popular tourist places. So far, intercity communication has been established only with Dubai. Water transport is used mainly for organizing cruises; renting a motorbike or a bicycle will not work either: due to hot weather, they are not in demand. You can only move around the city by car or on foot.
In fact, the only public transport- Taxi, so there are no problems with cars. In places of mass congestion of tourists, there are a lot of private traders who are always ready to take you in the right direction. To stop the car, just raise your hand along the road. However, private cab drivers do not always have taximeters, which means that it is better to agree on the cost of the trip right away.
Another option is to take a municipal taxi, whose fares are fixed and regulated by law. During the day, 1 km costs 1.50 AED, at night - 2.50 AED. Drivers more or less clearly speak English language and use a counter.
Maps of Fujairah
Rent a Car
Renting a car is a great alternative to walking and constantly looking for taxis on the streets of Fujairah. The roads here are of high quality, the drivers are polite, the urban layout is simple, and gasoline is inexpensive. There are local and international car rental offices at the airport and many hotels. To rent, you will need a driver's license (driving experience - at least 1 year), most often you do not need to leave a deposit. You can rent a small car for 120 AED, an economy class car for 130 AED, a standard model for 180 AED, an SUV from 213 AED per day. Gasoline will cost 3.80 AED per 1 liter.
Traffic in Fujairah is right-handed, road signs are understandable, all signs are duplicated in English. The sanctions for violating traffic rules are severe here: if for speeding (the limit in cities is 60 km / h) only a serious fine threatens, then for driving while intoxicated - imprisonment. Traffic jams in the emirate are rare, there are many parking lots, and most of them are free.
Communication and Wi-Fi
In Fujairah, as in all the UAE, there are only two mobile operator- Etisalat and Du. Tariffs and rules for using the services they have are about the same. The cost of a local SIM card is approximately 75 AED, this amount already includes a package of Internet traffic, SMS and calls. You can also choose a tariff only with a mobile Internet package.
Internet coverage is very good here, with connections almost everywhere except for the remote desert and the open sea. In public places - airports, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls- provided free wifi. And experienced tourists are advised to use it to the maximum, as Mobile Internet quite expensive here.
Fujairah beaches
The emirate of Fujairah has the longest coastline - about 90 km. All beaches belong to hotels, the entrance to which is free for guests. Guests from other hotels can get to the "foreign" beach for a small fee - 20-35 AED. This amount includes the use of sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets and other beach infrastructure.
Regardless of the "star" of the hotel, all the beaches are very clean, they can boast of clear water and white sand without any garbage. Some beaches have open-air freshwater pools where you can safely swim with children. The Gulf of Oman itself is distinguished by picturesque corals and rich marine life; inquisitive dolphins, huge turtles and even sharks that are safe for humans often swim up to the shores.
The beaches of Fujairah are ideal for diving and for a relaxing, measured family vacation.
Treatment
Diving in Fujairah
Most of the standing Fujairah dive sites are located near the Oceanic Hotel, a 15-20 minute boat ride. For example, it is worth diving at Martini rock, covered with multi-colored soft corals (depth from 3 to 19 m). Here you can meet lion-fish, beautiful cuttlefish, scorpion fish and others. In Khor Fakkan, surrounded by mountains, you can relax on beautiful beaches and go on a trip to coral reefs and shipwrecks, and in the surrounding waters of Dibba you can see accumulations of hard corals, many turtles and even sharks.
Other popular dive sites include Shark Island, Car Graveyard artificial reef, Three Rocks, Spuppy Island with a shallow depth of 3 to 7 m, Dibba Island and the Underwater Cave World Chasm.
Diving off the coast of Fujairah
Fujairah Hotels
The choice of hotels in the emirate of Fujairah is not as great as in Dubai or Sharjah, but nevertheless, there is still a room for any budget. Some of the most prestigious hotels are the five-star Hilton Fujairah Resort, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Radisson Blu Resort. A day in a double room here will cost 450-1100 AED.
Prices in good "three rubles" start from 200 AED per night. The Sandy Beach Hotel (from 400 AED) is popular due to its excellent diving conditions: the hotel has a diving center, and not far from the coast there is Snoopy Island, where it is convenient and interesting to dive underwater.
shopping
Fujairah is far from the main emirate of shopaholics, but famous silk carpets, perfumes based on plant extracts, cashmere clothes, fur coats, pearls, gold, hookahs and Turks are also sold here.
Authentic items and handicrafts are best purchased at the Friday Market, which actually works on any day of the week. The choice of goods here is really huge, you can and should bargain for every thing: with a gambling deal that is pleasant for both parties, you can save up to 50% of the original cost.
Popular malls with many chain and local shops, cinemas, coffee houses, food courts and children's towns are Fujairah City Center, Century Mall, Dana Plaza, Fujairah Tower Mall. It sells clothes, shoes, jewelry, gadgets, perfumes. And yes, bargaining even in stores is appropriate.
Cuisine and restaurants of Fujairah
Arabic cuisine is based on meat dishes, fresh vegetables, seafood, fruits and delicious desserts. And almost all of them do not have significant differences in different cities and emirates. However, some things can only be tasted in Fujairah. These are “al madruba” - salted fish boiled with spices and served with flour, “guzi” - lamb with nuts and rice, “hummus” - chickpea paste, “kebbe” - meat balls and other options for roast meat and vegetables . We recommend finishing the lunch with the curd dessert “Esh-Asaya” with a cup of fragrant coffee, which is prepared here exclusively in Turks, and not in coffee machines.
Be sure to try the street shawarma made from fresh meat, it bears little resemblance to the Russian "brother".
There are over 200 restaurants in Fujairah, but not every hotel is within walking distance. For afternoon snacks and full meals, beach restaurants are great: seafood or grilled fish right on the ocean will be even tastier than usual. The cost of the main course is 60-100 AED, a glass of beer or a shot is 35 AED.
There are quite a few bars and nightclubs in Fujairah, but hotels have discos with dances and pubs where you can drink beer for the same 404-50 AED and watch a football match broadcast.
Entertainment and attractions
Fujairah will appeal to lovers of history and ancient cultural monuments. The hallmark of the city is the fort in the Old City, which was built back in 1670, and then destroyed several times during the British bombardments. Now it is a huge restored castle with towers and loopholes. Not far from it is the Archaeological Museum with expositions showing the history of the emirate from ancient times - here are coins, utensils, examples of residential buildings.
Another fort - El-Kheil - is known for being for a long time was the residence of the ruler Arab Emirates(grandfather of the current emir). Tourists can go inside and see the living rooms, bedrooms, corridors, pantries, and then go out to the courtyard and see the production of date molasses.
Even tourists who are far from Islam should look at the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is over 500 years old. It is built in the architectural style of the Ottoman Empire and looks like it was sculpted from sand, but behind the external roughness lies a very elegant interior decoration.
Wadi Wuraiya National Park is an open-air reserve. The river that flows here is one of the few sources of fresh water in the country. The river valley is surrounded by rocky mountains, there is a lot of greenery and a variety of animals - including Arabian leopards and caracals. Archaeological excavations are underway in the park, during which Islamic ancient cemeteries, petroglyphs, and the remains of ancient human settlements have already been discovered.
Fujairah is also famous for the bullfights that take place every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00 along the road leading towards Kalba (Kalba). These fights are not bloody, but rather spectacular, so you should not be afraid of scary scenes. If you wish, you can also visit camel races, and at the same time ride a two-hump. In addition, the emirate has something to offer active tourists: a lot of water sports, mountain climbing, exotic trips along dry riverbeds.
6 things to do in Fujairah
- Swim to the island of Snoopy and see all the marine life.
- Try real Arabic Turkish coffee and unusual pudding-based desserts.
- Attend bullfights that always end without bloodshed.
- Go on a jeep safari in the desert.
- Buy a handmade silk carpet at the Friday Market.
- Visit the Al-Badiya Mosque, which is over 500 years old, and make sure that nothing threatens its safety and beauty.
Fujairah for kids
Quiet, cozy Fujairah cannot yet boast of an abundance of entertainment for the whole family. Playgrounds and standard amusement complexes are only in some hotels and shopping centers. However, young tourists will surely like many "adult" attractions. Among them is the Heritage Village in El Fujairah, where traditional Arab dwellings with all elements of everyday life are accurately reproduced: from dishes to mats. The entertainment program includes ayala folk dances and getting well water using ancient technology.
At the mini-market in the Heritage Village, kids can enjoy fresh fruit, and their parents can enjoy strong aromatic coffee brewed according to an ancient recipe.
