About Fujairah
Fujairah, one of the seven emirates constituting the UAE, is a popular tourist destination. Fujairah is the only emirate that lies to the eastern end of the UAE, along with Gulf of Oman, while the other six emirates are located along the Arabian Gulf. The Hajar Mountains separate Fujairah from the rest of the country.
There are several tourist attractions in Fujairah. The Fujairah port is an important port for container liners and the world’s largest livestock shipping companies have set up their main holding station for cattle for the entire Arabian Peninsula here. The clean beaches and the numerous water sports such as water surfing, yachting, swimming and deep sea fishing, draw tourists all round the year. Fujairah has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the UAE, and there are other water sports such as yachting, swimming, water surfing and deep-sea fishing that also attract tourists throughout the year. The best time to visit Fujairah is during the autumn or spring when the temperature is still hot, but the rains are yet to arrive.
Tourist attractions in Fujairah
Ain Al Madhab Gardens
Ain Al Madhab Gardens are located in the foothills of Hajar Mountains, just outside the town of Fujairah. The Garden is not just mineral spa, but also includes a park area, ruins of Fujairah Fort and Heritage Village, an outdoor theatre which is used for festivals including traditional singing, and folklore dances during public holidays in Fujairah.
Heritage Village
The Fujairah Heritage Village depicts the traditional way of life for residents of Emirates, traditional houses, farming tools, cooking utensils, and the Al Yazrah irrigation system, used for irrigating fields with a working bull. The village contains Fujairah Fortress and other ancient buildings, used by the Ruler's family. The Fujairah Department of Archeology and Heritage renovated the fortress, built a mud wall around the area, and constructed a theatre to accommodate about 3000 spectators. The village offers visitors an insight into the past lifestyle of residents.
Fujairah Fort
Built in 1670, the Fujairah Fort is the oldest fort in the UAE. Located on a hill at the edge of date gardens, the for has been a defensive building, and a home for ruling family. It was badly damaged during the early 20th century. The fort is a mud brick structure with three major sections, including one square tower, several halls and two round towers. The fort was later renovated and is the only stone building along the Fujairah coast. It is surrounded by remains of few old town houses.
Fujairah Museum
The Fujairah Museum is located south of the Fort, opposite Ruler's Palace. The Museum takes back visitors to 3000 years of history, displaying wonderful artifacts found in archeological digs at Bithnah and Qidfa. Both local and foreign archeologists have discovered items that date back to Bronze Age. The Museum displays pieces of steel, brass, bronze, silver and gold, apart from carved soapstone vessels, painted pottery, age weapons, pre-Islamic silver coins, swords of various shapes and sizes, beautiful silver jewelry collection, herbs and folkloric medicine. Another unique display is the ostrich egg dating back 2200 years, used by local ancestors as a bowl.
Bull Butting
Bull Butting, which began in Portugal, between the 16th and 17th century, is a family event in Fujairah. Every Friday, tourists and local families gather at an open field to watch the battling of bulls. The day begins with 20 bulls and winners move to the next round. Bull Butting has grown to be a major attraction in Fujairah.
Bithna Fort
Located along the main highway near Fujairah, the Bithna Fort was built in 1735 and was considered the most important fortress in the eastern part of UAE. The Fort overlooks the route across Hajar Mountains through Wadi Ham.
Al Hayl Castle
It is one of the famous castles in Fujairah. Considered as the headquarters for ruling family, the historic castle was established more than 250 years ago, and has been used for surveillance, patrolling and to defend the area.
Ottoman Mosque
Fujairah - Al Bidyah Mosque is the local name for this Mosque, and is one of the oldest mosques in the UAE. The Mosque was named after the historical town that embraced it for centuries. It is also known as Ottoman Mosque, for the man who built it. Located in north Fujairah, the Mosque has a prayer hall with a prayer niche or Mihrab, pulpit, arches and openings. A central pillar separates the internal space into four squares of similar dimensions. The pillar supports all four domes seen from the exterior.
Wadis
Wadis are dry riverbeds containing water following heavy rain. Fujairah is renowned for its Wadis, given the geological topography of the area. Tourists get to enjoy Wadi bashing, Wadi Saham, Wadi Siji, and several such wadis here. Wadi Ham is the largest and longest from Masafi area, while Wadi Al Tawian can be reached through a mountain route. Wadi Siji reaches to Al Zaid and Umm al-Quwain. An oasis town, Dhaid, is situated at the entrance to Wadi Siji. The oasis was formed by the rainwater which got collected as run-off from mountains. Wadi Al Wurayah is also a major tourist attraction in north Fujairah. The scenic area also includes waterfalls.
Masafi
WThe village Masafi, is located along the edge of Hajar Mountains near Fujairah. Before construction of the modern highways Masafi had been a trading post and refueling stop. The village is divided into two parts. The larger section belongs to emirate of Fujairah and smaller belongs to emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The term Masafi, in Arabic, implies pure water. The village is known for its natural springs. Masafi is also the Gulf's leading natural mineral water producer, located adjacent to he village. There is also a Friday Market open on all seven days of the week, located along the Dubai-Fujairah Road when you approach Masafi. Items to bargain here are earthenware, rugs, souvenirs and antiques.
Fujairah Video
