The holiday season is here. You can feel it in the air already. And if you’re an adventure seeker, there’s no better time to start packing your travel essentials than the present. Due to COVID, some of your travel plans may have been halted.
But as travel bans are beginning to be lifted, this is great news for everyone planning a staycation elsewhere.
Dubai, located in the UAE, is currently one of the most frequently traveled tourist destinations in the world in the world. It’s so easy to see why; glamorous infrastructures, romantic getaways, impressive souks depicting the rich Arabian heritage, not forgetting the tallest building in the world.
While Dubai takes most of the attention and hype, there are several emirates packed with adventurous activities untapped and unexplored. Most people travel to the UAE to visit and explore Dubai and Abu Dhabi and go back to their homes, neglecting several wonderful places to visit.
One of such emirates is Fujairah and I humbly recommend this emirate for your next trip when you visit the UAE. You might ask “Are there fun things to do in Fujairah?”. The response is yes. There is a truckload of adventurous activities to engage in Fujairah. I have explored some of these hotspots myself and I’m sure you’re going to love them.
Before we get down to the business of the day, first things first.
A Brief History of Fujairah
Located 130km away from Dubai, Fujairah is recognized as one of the emirates that formed the UAE back in the ’70s. It is the only emirate located on the Eastern Coast of the UAE, right on the Gulf of Oman. Known as the fifth-largest emirate in the UAE, Fujairah is home to several protected Arabian infrastructures.
Archeological findings suggest that settlement within the region dates back to 3000BC. Its residents were mainly herders and fishermen who engage in fishing and agriculture as a means of occupation and survival. It has now extended to stone crushing, mining, and cement-making due to the abundance of Since the emirate is situated at one of the most important trade routes in the UAE, Fujairah grew bountifully.
In 1952, Fujairah was enlisted as a Trucial State under British rule. But after the oil boom in the late ’60s, the British pulled back and Fujairah joined the other emirates to become the UAE.
Fujairah is mostly mountainous, surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains which separates the emirate from the other parts of the UAE. It is home to several beaches and water resorts. So, if you fancy a swim in an exotic location, Fujairah is your best bet.
The weather is surprisingly cool which makes Fujairah the desired spot away from the heat and bustle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
From Dubai to Fujairah, buyers and traders thrive the Friday Market where you can purchase freshly-harvested vegetables and fruits, and other goods including potteries, Chinese wares, and rugs.
Visiting the UAE isn’t complete without exploring all the adventures of Fujairah.
Where Can You Stay and Eat When Visiting Fujairah?
Fujairah is home to several hotels, resorts, and restaurants where you can lounge and have the best meals. Let’s check out some of them:
Nour Arjaan by Rotana
If you’re looking for where to stay during your vacation in Fujairah, I’d recommend Nour Arjaan by Rotana Hotel.
Located close to some of Fujairah’s tourist attractions, this hotel offers premium hotel apartments for natives and tourists alike. The hotel boasts spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the towering Hajar Mountains.
The hotel sufficiently hosts over 200 spacious suites packed with elegant furniture and interior decorations. You can take advantage of the many state-of-the-art facilities in the hotel. This includes a fully-equipped kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor swimming pool, body fitness and spa, medical services, currency exchange services, and so much more.
After a long day, you can unwind at the Murjan Café & Restaurant where you can order delicious cuisines. If you’re ever planning a romantic getaway with your significant other, this is the place to be.
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa
Another place you should totally lounge in when visiting Fujairah is the impressive Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa. Located between the scenic Hajar Mountains and the shores of the Indian Ocean, this resort presents a serene environment for adventure seekers, romantic couples, and family-themed vacation.
Picture a typical mild-summer day at the beach with swaying coconut trees by the side, crystal clear glistening waters, blossoming gardens all in a quiet and safe atmosphere. That’s the Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa in a nutshell. But that’s not all.
This beautiful facility contains 250 room and suites designed to give the best comfort and relaxation with beautiful terraces overlooking lush gardens and a picturesque environment.
The resort also offers six different dining options for casual outings including the Tropicana Bar and the Waves Beach Restaurant. It also features secluded spaces where you can private birthday parties and weddings.
Some of the resort offerings include a kid’s club for children, two modern swimming pools, private beach, tennis courts, body fitness and spa club, gift shop, in-room dining, limousine rental, medical services, complimentary Wi-Fi and lots more. The staff is friendly, professional, and swift to cater to your needs.
The Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa is a haven to stay in when you explore the emirate.
Hadhramout Restaurant
One restaurant you need to check out while you’re in the UAE is the Hadramout Restaurant. This impressive eatery offers delicious meals ranging from chicken mandi, chicken madfoun, mutton madfoun, madhbi, and so much more. This place serves the best Traditional Yemeni dishes. Mandi, which is a dish consisting of rice and meat blended with Arabian spices. It is slow cooked in a pit underground.
The environment and atmosphere is soothing with the staff properly trained to deliver quality service.
Fun Things To Do In Fujairah
Fujairah is just 80 minutes away from Dubai by road, so you can get there in ample time. You may be asking “As a tourist, what are the best things to do in Fujairah?”, this blog has got you covered. I had a great time exploring these places in Fujairah and I’m so sure you’re going to experience fun there.
Let’s jump right in:
Fujairah Fort
The Fujairah Fort is an impressive relic that you should check out when you visit Fujairah. Located along the coast, this fort is recognized as the oldest and largest castle in the whole of the UAE.
Amassing 610 square meters, the Fujairah Fort was built in the 16th Century with local materials such as rock and mortar. The structure is also impressively supported by mangrove poles with palm trunks and fronds. You can see this at first glance even though the fort is protected.
This historical building home for the ruling family at the time. For several centuries, the fort was the only stone building along the coast. The fort features several halls, two round towers, and one square tower.
During the colonial attacks in the 20th Century, this building served as a resistance. But it was badly bombarded by the British Navy. It remained that way until 1997 when the Fujairah Administration of Antiquity made concerted efforts to restore it and open it for visitors to explore.
The Department of Archeology and Heritage has listed this fort as a Heritage Village. In there, you’d have a glimpse into the past of this region. You’re bound to be awed by the spectacular views of the nearby city.
What’s more? Admission to the fort is totally free with visiting hours slated from 8 am – 4 pm. However, due to COVID laws, this place is currently closed.
Ain Al-Madhab Hot Springs
Another place waiting to be explored is the Ain Al-Madhab Hot Springs. Located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, this spectacular resort is a popular local destination and a wonderful place for tourists to visit.
This exotic location features breathtaking natural views, punctuated by the rich mineral springs that produce sulphuric water. This water is channeled to two swimming pools which for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.
The Ain Al-Madhab Hot Springs also features bathing areas for males and females and an amusement park for the children. The hot springs is a unique family-friend destination that is best suited for weekend relaxation and fun.
Wadi Saham
If you’re looking for what to see in Fujairah, this Wadi Saham is a historical landmark you need to visit.
It is a watercourse located west of the city in the Hajar Mountains. This place is notable for its petroglyphs and several historical artifacts. So, if you’re a sucker for exploring the world of ages past, this is the place to be. Unfortunately, this wadi was completely dried up. It was one of the most peaceful places I visited in Fujairah.
On the petroglyphs, you’d find depictions of horse riders, geometric shapes, several letters, and cruciform drawings dating back to 300BC. It is better experienced than told. You have to be there to see the rich culture and history. These petroglyphs are well preserved and you’d be overwhelmed by the several archeological findings you will see there.
Shees Park
When you think about the best things to do in Fujairah, add visiting Shees Park to your to-do list. Located at the outskirts of Sharjah, along the Hajar Mountains, Shees Park is a recreational park you need to visit. From Dubai, you can get approximately 90 minutes by car.
Launched in October 2020, the park hosts several outdoor facilities with lush welcoming greenery, giving it an exotic feel. Shees Park covers an area of 11,362 square meters, a massive expanse of land, and a lot of outdoor activities to do there.
While you’re there, you can admire the 25-meter-high, man-made waterfall which flows into a lovely lake. The scenery is beautiful and you won’t be able to resist taking pictures. You can also climb the mountain walkways and explore the terraces while intoxicated by the breathtaking views.
If you feel like relaxing with your family and friends, there’s a BBQ section at the park with limited BBQ pits as it can get busy during the weekends. There’s also a wide selection of seating areas when you can relax and chill.
Feeling a little hungry? There’s a restaurant inside the facility where you can grab snacks, coffee, and croissants. The kids aren’t left out. There’s a couple of large play areas featuring swings, see-saws, slides, and much more.
That’s not all; admission to this exotic location is totally free of charge!
Wadi Shees Nature Trail
Another place you should check you when you visit the UAE is the Wadi Shees Nature Trail. Located 5minutes away from Shees Park, this nature trail is a hidden gem in the emirate of Sharjah.
You will hardly find this trail listed in places you should visit; which makes it an untapped paradise waiting to be explored. The hike is short but very interesting, as you’d be enveloped the nature all around you.
Along the trail, there are information boards mounted at designated points to give information about the village you’re hiking.
Al Rabi Tower
The Al Rabi Tower is another wonderful location you should check out. Located in Khor Fakkan, an hour and 45-minute drive from Dubai, the Al Rabi tower is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the UAE.
Built-in 1915, the tower served as a defense rally point against colonial attacks in the 20th Century. Now, it serves as a tourist attraction and a starting point of a long hiking experience. There are a couple of parking spots at the Tower if you get there early. Otherwise, you’d have to park at the bottom of the hill.
The hiking trails slither all the way to the UAE flag at the highest point of the trail. Along the way, you’re bound to be overwhelmed by the wonderful mountainous views and the tranquility of the experience.
Also, the temperature is pleasant which makes hiking a tolerable experience. Fridays are typically the busiest days for hiking at the Al Rabi Tower. So, you want relish a less crowded hiking moment, you can visit any other day of the week.
Al Rafisah Dam
The Al Rafisah Dam is another awesome place you should check out. Situated along the Sharjah-Khor Fakkan highway, this dam is a unique location that is filled with scenic delights.
Built in the 1980s, this dam features crystal clear lake facilities for a boating experience available. The sights from the Hajar mountain range overlooking the dam is better experienced for yourself.
The dam also offers a rest area, waterfall, outdoor play facilities, mall, restaurant, mosque, and a parking lot for tourists with cars.
This dam is a must-see for nature and romantic lovers.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the fun things to do in Fujairah is to check out the magnificent edifice of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Located in the heart of Fujairah, the mosque can be seen anywhere in the emirate.
This mosque named after the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is the second-largest mosque in the UAE, second to a mosque after the same name located in Abu Dhabi.
This mosque is a testament to Fujairah and the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and architecture, depicting grandeur and elegance for the world to see.
Opened in 2015, this mosque spans 39,000 square meters and features 6 minarets draped in white marble and 65 massive domes. Right from the entrance, you’d find verses of the Holy Quran scribbled on the walls. The mosque also features a courtyard furnished with gardens and fountains.
This mosque can conveniently host 28,000 worshippers at a go with the courtyard prepped to host 14,000 people easily. Visiting this mosque is a must when you do explore Fujairah.
Al-Bidyah Mosque
Visiting the Al-Bidyah Mosque is one of the fun things to do in Fujairah. Located 35km north of the city, the Al-Bidyah Mosque is regarded as the oldest mosque in the UAE, named after the town that used to surround it. It is enlisted as a UNESCO heritage site in the UAE.
Covering an area of 53 square meters, Al-Bidyah Mosque may be small but its history makes it significant. It is a great place to visit if you’re looking for the best things to do in Fujairah.
Archeological findings suggest that the site around the mosque was once a settlement dating 4,000 years. A large Islamic graveyard north of the mosque contains a massive tomb containing artifacts such as metal arrowheads and potteries that dates back to the Iron Age.
The mosque features a massive prayer hall adorned with ancient arches and mihrab pointing towards Mecca. It also features an impressive ceiling pillar that demarcates the insides of the mosque into four unequal parts punctuated by domed ceilings.
The Al-Bidyah Mosque is a testament to Fujairah’s ancient civilization, filled with scenic sights and a walled courtyard for prayer congregations.
Your journey to Fujairah isn’t complete without a quick stop at this mosque.
Snoopy Island
It would be a disservice to visit Fujairah without exploring one of the most famous islands in the region: Snoopy Island. Located off the coast of Fujairah, Snoopy Island is a haven for the typical adventure seeker.
The island got its name from the three sections of rock bulging out to the surface to form the famous image of the famous comic strip character, Snoopy.
This island offers several exciting activities including diving, kayaking, snorkeling, volleyball, and many other beach sports. The island also features crystal clear waters and coral reefs that will definitely draw out several breaths from you.
And when you’re tired from the activities, you can head over to the Bar and Grill spot located at the Sandy Beach Resort nearby. There’s a wide assortment of cocktails and snacks to choose from. Plus, the resort offers spectacular views where you can just relax and enjoy yourself.
Snoopy Island is also a serene and tranquil location for a honeymoon for newlyweds.
Al Aqah Beach
Fujairah is home to several amazing beaches and islands. And if you’re looking for the best things to do in Fujairah, Al Aqah Beach is one place you should visit.
Located 45km north of the city, Al Aqah Beach is an adventurer’s delight. The beach is replete with clear blue waters and soft sand, which makes it a perfect spot for relaxation away from the bustle of the city.
Al Aqah Beach offers an awesome opportunity for snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, and many other water sports. Grab your camera along because you won’t get of taking great photos you can add to your personal collections later.
This beach is less crowded than the other beaches in Fujairah, which makes it a preferred for an isolated and serene experience. The beach also features several loungers if you’d like to relax and read a book.
The UAE is blessed with several places waiting to be explored. Fujairah is one of such places and I totally recommend that you visit there on your next trip to the UAE. You can also check out my blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated with the contents I post there.
In case you’re planning a visit to Dubai, do check out my blog regarding the latest Travel Guidelines before your visit.
