About Fujairah
Fujairah, known as the “Jewel of the Middle East,” is located on the eastern coast of the UAE and is about a two-hour drive from Dubai. It was once a part of Sharjah, and the Qasimi Sheikhdom of Sharjah and the Sharqi Sheikh of Fujairah were engaged in a power struggle until the Sheikh of Fujairah eventually triumphed in 1886. The Emirate has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological sites dating back to 2000 BC. It also has the oldest mosque in the country, built in 1446 in the village of Bidya. These territories have always been linked to the Sharqiyin tribe, which later became the lords of the emirate. In 1850, it was taken over by the Emir of Sharjah, and the new dynasty faced difficulty governing the lands due to continuous revolts. Fujairah’s history is characterized by its struggle for independence and its rich cultural heritage. Today, Fujairah is a popular tourist destination. The Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority was established in 2009 to promote the area’s tourism potential. The Fujairah
Adventures Center was established in 2017 to promote Fujairah as a premier adventure tourism destination. Fujairah is home to many historical sites, such as fortifications made of rock, coral, and mud brick dating back to the 16th century. The best time to visit Fujairah is between October and March, when the temperature is around 25 °C, and this is considered the peak season.
Top Tourist Attractions in Fujairah:
Fujairah offers plenty of must-visit destinations for tourists.
1. Al Bidya Mosque:
The Al Bidya Mosque, also known as Al Badiyah Mosque, is the oldest known mosque in the United Arab Emirates, with its construction dating back to the 15th century. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site. This historical landmark, located in the village of Al Bidya in Fujairah, is a unique architectural marvel with four irregular domes made out of mud and stone, surrounded by an old wall and forts with watchtowers. The
mosque covers an area of about 53 sq. m. The mosque’s unique design and the fact that it has stood for centuries make it a significant cultural and architectural heritage site.
Despite its historical importance, much about the mosque’s history, including the identity of its builder, remains unknown. The mosque is still in use today, hosting daily prayer congregations. The mosque’s location overlooks the Arabian Sea on the coastal road between Dibba and Khorfakkan, making it a highly-frequented destination for visitors to Fujairah.
2. Fujairah Museum:
Fujairah Museum is an archaeology and local history museum located in Fujairah City, United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1991 and showcases the history and heritage of the emirate. It contains a variety of artifacts, such as coins, farming tools, pottery, weapons, and archaeological finds from tombs at Al Badiyah, Dibba Al-Fujairah, and Qidfa. The museum has over 2,100 artifacts and rare antiquities. It is situated close to Fujairah Fort and has been upgraded over the years to include more showrooms and exhibits. This museum is must-visit for those interested in the history of Fujairah.
3. Fujairah Fort and the Heritage Village:
Fujairah Fort is a historical fort located in the city of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. It is one of the oldest and largest castles in the country, dating back to the 16th century. The fort played a significant role in fighting back colonialism and is now a popular tourist attraction. The fort is part of a complex with several old houses and a mosque. It is guarded by three round watchtowers and a square watchtower. The Heritage Village is a heritage-based tourist attraction located close to Madhab Spring Park, northwest of Fujairah City, Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The site is used to present the customs and traditions of the UAE. It includes traditional hand-held implements, household items, models of traditional homes, and tools as used by historical people in Fujairah. The Heritage Village is surrounded by a high wall with round watchtowers.
4. Snoopy Island:
Snoopy Island, also known as Snoopy Rock, is a small rocky island located off the northern coast of the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, on the Gulf of Oman. The island is named after the cartoon dog Snoopy, as its shape resembles the dog lying on its back.
5. Hajar Mountains:
The Hajar Mountains, also known as the Oman Mountains, are one of the highest mountain ranges in the Arabian Peninsula, shared between northern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates. They extend for 700 kilometers through the UAE and Oman, separating the low coastal plain of Oman from the high desert plateau and lying 50–100 km inland from the Gulf of Oman. The name “Hajar” means “stone” or “rock” in Arabic, reflecting the rugged and rocky nature of the mountains. The mountains offer recreational hikes, challenging boulder trails, and vibrant valleys, making them a popular destination for trekking and outdoor activities. The area is also known for its wadis, or dry riverbeds, which provide opportunities for adventurous exploration.
6. Al Aqah:
Al Aqah is a town located in the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates. It is situated 50 kilometers north of the city of Fujairah and directly overlooks the Gulf of Oman. One of the most important tourist attractions in Al Aqah is the Al Aqah Marine Reserve, which is home to many exotic species of fish and coral reefs. The town is also home to the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, a five-star family-friendly resort. The resort offers outstanding international cuisine and service, spacious sea view rooms, spa, kid’s club, teen’s club, and leisure and conference facilities.
7. Bithnah Fort:
Bithnah Fort is an ancient fort located in the village of Al Bithnah near Fujairah city in the United Arab Emirates. It is situated along the Fujairah Main Highway and is one of the oldest forts in the UAE. Bithnah Fort is the site of a second-millennium BC megalithic T-shaped tomb. The fort was built in 1735 to monitor the strategic paths that crossed the Hajar Mountains and was considered of vital importance for defending the eastern region of the UAE. The fort was destroyed in the early days of the rule of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi and then renovated by the Department of
Heritage and Antiquities with the addition of a wall and a gate. The fort is constructed from stone, mud-brick, adobe, and palm-wood planking. The fort has played a significant role in the history of the Emirates, particularly in the emergence of Fujairah as an independent emirate in the early 20th century. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors.
These attractions make Fujairah a popular destination for visitors seeking a combination of cultural, historical, and entertainment experiences. Fujairah is a must-visit destination worth considering for those looking for a more affordable and less crowded alternative to other popular tourist destinations in the United Arab Emirates. Fujairah continues to attract visitors from around the world.
