Fujairah has a subtropical dry climate. Rains here are not frequent guests, if they do, 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 sunshine, when the air even in the shade warms up to + 50˚C, and this is July-August, it is better to refrain from traveling. The optimal time for rest in Fujairah is the end of September - May, when the water is not lower than + 20˚C, and the air is + 25˚C.

How to get to Fujairah

The city has an airport, which is located 3 km from the city - to the 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 a comfortable movement around the city (if you plan to take 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 car rides will suit your taste.

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 has become even more amazing. The local castle was built back in 1670 and consists of 3 parts, divided into halls. In addition, the port area is adorned with a picturesque tower.

The Museum of Ancient Settlements also deserves the attention of guests of Fujairah, because it contains historical relics of ancestors and numerous archaeological finds. Museum coordinates: intersection of Al-Salam Rds and Al-Nakheel. Open door hours: Sun-Thu - 8.30-13.00; 16.30-18.30; Fri - 14.00-18.30. The entrance cost is democratic: 5 dirhams (less than $ 1.5), and for children it is completely free.

Of interest to tourists is the local Al-Bitiya mosque, 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 in the world and the oldest in the country, so many Arabs make pilgrimages here. Of course, all travelers who have arrived in the UAE would also like to visit here. The structure's four domes are miraculously supported by a single central pillar, and the interior is decorated with ornate stone carvings. settled 30 km from Fujairah - in the direction of Sharjah, and it is worth visiting it, moreover, 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?

Fortress El-Kheil, the former residence of the Emir of Fujairah, located 8 km south-west of the capital;
Fort El Bitna (1735), the easternmost of the UAE's forts;
a fort with palm groves at Wadi Dafta;
Al-Wurraya waterfall, a rarity for the nature of the country;
the sulfur mineral geysers of Ain-Al-Gamur, curing rheumatism and gout;
Gardens with mineral springs Ain-Al-Madhab (by the way, there are hotels on the territory of the park for those wishing to receive medical treatment);
Marine club;
a hot water spring "Ain Gomur" that gushes out of the ground 20 km from Fujairah to the southwest;
bull fighting.

And, of course, let's not forget about the main thing - nature: in Fujairah you can do mountain climbing, water sports, including the famous local diving and snorkeling. Coral reefs, golden beaches, crystal clear waters, the proximity of turtles - all this makes a vacation in Fujairah special. By the way, if you haven’t dived yet, there are schools here that are ready to teach everyone the underwater wisdom. In addition, there are 2 international diving centers on the shores of Fujairah. Anyone 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 good the 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, Snoppy Island, Abyss of the World Cave, Dibba Island and dive clubs near the Oceanic Hotel are popular.

Fujairah Restaurants

If your travel budget is modest, eat at the eateries such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut - they will serve you quickly, cheaply and deliciously there with no less hospitality than in restaurants.

On average, a hearty meal for two costs about 60 dirhams or $ 16. Often times, the service tip has already been added to the bill, but if you add tea on top of it, then the next time you visit, you will certainly receive a compliment from the chef.

Shopping in Fujairah

Undoubtedly, of great interest for all tourists arriving in the UAE is the Friday Market or Friday Market, which offers a huge selection of souvenirs, handmade carpets, tableware, 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 in the direction of Sharjd - in the mountains and operates from 8.00 to 22.00 (however, during the prayer period, sellers can close their shops). It is easy to get to the "Friday Market", all taxi services are ready to give tourists there at any time for 18-37 dirhams (5-10 dollars).

A narrow road winds between the mountains, occasionally along the road you come across settlements, passing through which it seems that time has stopped here.

And only large pylons of power transmission lines return to the reality of today.

Quite unexpectedly, an unrealistically beautiful picture of the Indian Ocean coast appears from behind the mountains!

Rocky mountains, sometimes seeming completely lifeless, give way to an oasis buried in greenery of palm trees!

And the climate is different from other emirates. Here he is much more comfortable - there is no such sweltering heat.

Fujairah is the only one of the seven emirates located not on the western, but on the eastern coast of the Ruus al-Jibal peninsula.

Its almost one hundred-kilometer strip of sandy coastline is washed by the Gulf of Oman, which overlooks the Indian Ocean.

From the north and south, Fujairah borders the Sultanate of Oman, and from the west with the emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah.

Most of the emirate of Fujairah is a mountain range.

The towering Hajar Mountains with valleys descending directly to the sea, with many ancient forts, fortresses and small caves surround this emirate from all sides, creating a special microclimate and stunning landscapes, unlike the flat and deserted Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

From the middle of the 19th century, these lands were part of the Emirate of Sharjah, and only in 1952 Fujairah became an independent political structure under the control of emirs from the Al-Sharjah clan.

Until now, there are three regions of Sharjah on the territory of the emirate - Dibba al-Baya, Khor Fakkan and Kalba.

The Madha enclave is located in the Sultanate of Oman.

The emirate of Fujairah joined the UAE in 1971.

There are no oil and gas fields in the emirate of Fujairah, the economy is based on fishing, agriculture and tourism.

The journey from Dubai to Fujairah takes approximately 2 hours. On the way, you can watch how, in a bizarre way, the desert landscape is replaced by a mountainous one.

By the way, not far from the town of Masafi, where the country-famous drinking mineral water is produced, there is a market right by the road (one of the local tourist attractions), where you can buy fruits, vegetables, cheap carpets and various household utensils made of clay and wood. ...

Conventionally, the resorts of Fujairah can be divided into 2 parts: the city of Fujairah itself is a small provincial town with a port, and the city of Dibba, located 61 kilometers north of the city of Fujairah, almost on the border with enclave Oman.

It is in the vicinity of Dibba - in the town of Al Aka Beach, that the main five-star hotels of the coast are located:,.

Many people underestimate the Fujairah resort due to its remoteness from Dubai. Therefore, I would like to draw your attention to the clear benefits that can be obtained by choosing one of the Fujairah hotels.

Firstly, the beaches of the Gulf of Oman are considered much better than similar beaches located nearby on the coast of the Persian Gulf, here the water is cleaner and a picturesque sea view with a boundless horizon (unlike other emirates, where either all kinds of piers and breakwaters are located in front of the coastal beaches , or loose islands).

It is on the Fujairah coast that all the main diving sites are concentrated. Deep sea fishing is also popular here.

Secondly, the cost of hotels on the Fujairah coast is the most democratic in the country, while the level of hotels is very decent! All the coastal hotels have excellent conditions for accommodation, food and active pastime!

Thirdly, the weather in these places is always a couple of degrees lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which is a clear advantage in the hot months.

One of the advantages of the mountains is a unique opportunity for a safari through the most picturesque places - dry river beds - “wadis”.

The most popular destination for such safaris is Wadi Wurayah, located between the cities of Masafi, Korfakkan and Bidiya, covering an area of ​​about 129 square kilometers. and protected by the state.

There are about 300 species of plants, including such rare ones as, for example, the unique Emirati orchid, which grows only in the UAE, and animals such as the Arabian leopard and the steppe lynx.

History buffs will appreciate the rich historical heritage of the Emirate of Fujairah.

The oldest mosque in the country is from the 15th century AD. and according to legend, it was built by grateful fishermen who donated a huge pearl caught in local waters.

In the town of Dibba there is an ancient Muslim cemetery, where the soldiers who brought Islam here in the 7th century are buried.

The Al Batna fortress, located in the village of Siji, is another historical landmark built in 1735.

In the city of Fujairah itself, there is a museum, which presents a large collection of ethnographic and archaeological finds.

Thanks to its picturesque landscapes, gentle sea, and a large number of historical values, Fujairah has become a favorite vacation spot not only for foreign tourists, but also for local residents.

For those who dream of diving, but still hesitated to dive with a mask or scuba diving, a vacation in Fujairah will bring this desire to life.

There are excellent courses for beginners, and the underwater walk to the rock island is completely safe. You will see a variety of exotic fish, starfish and, if you are really lucky, meet a completely peaceful and safe black reef shark, some of which can be almost two meters in length!

Amateurs and professionals come to the local diving center year after year to enjoy what they love. All kinds of water sports competitions are held here.

Tourism in Fujairah is a young industry, but there is a lot to offer even to sophisticated tourists: all water sports, climbing mountains, exploring Arab culture, tempting tours along dry river beds that are filled with water only during the rains, as well as comfortable rest in good hotels.

The coral reefs of the emirate are attractive to snorkelers and snorkelers.

Fujairah is famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches, from which you can see the famous rock-island, resembling a dog. At your service are quiet, cozy cafes with varied cuisine, small hotels surrounded by greenery of palm trees.

A tour to Fujairah will prove to be suitable for a family holiday as it is quite a quiet and peaceful place compared to the larger and noisy resorts. Lovers of peace and quiet usually come here.

Scenic fishing scenes with purse seine can be seen on the coast in winter. This traditional fishing method is still very important to the east coast fishermen's communities.

Travel club of Pavel Aksenov. UAE. Emirate of Fujairah. Photo Ruletkka - Depositphotos

By the way, all local taxis are owned by one single state-owned company FTC (Fujairah Transport Corporation). Taxi is the main form of public transport in the emirate. Let us remind you that the subway in the UAE is only in one city - this is. There are bus routes inside Fujairah, but there are only 11 of them, they are of no value to tourists.

Intercity bus service is represented by only one route Fujairah-Dubai. It is understood that tourists will travel around the emirate by taxi or rent a car.

If you want to visit Fujairah, but not stay in local hotels, then you can take the already mentioned bus or taxi. The distance to Dubai is only 120 kilometers. In one day, it is quite possible to swim in the Gulf of Oman, sunbathe on the beach and see all the significant sights of Fujairah, which we will talk about in detail later.

The bus has number E700, leaves every 45 minutes or 1 hour, travel time is 2 hours, ticket price is 25. For Dubai, this bus departs from Union Square in the area. In Fujairah, his stop is at Old Plaza Cinema / HSBC.

Important advice for tourists. In buses, the first few rows are reserved for women, if you are a man and are traveling alone, sit directly in the back rows.

There are no direct flights from Russia to Fujairah airport and are not expected in the near future. If you bought a package tour to Fujairah, then get ready to fly to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah airport and travel from 2 to 4 hours to your hotel by bus.

There are only about three dozen hotels in Fujairah. The most famous of them is Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah 5 *. Even in this expensive hotel, prices are quite reasonable - $ 150 per night for a room for two guests. Fujairah is one of the cheapest emirates for living and recreation.

Economy

Fujairah has no oil reserves, its economy is based on revenues from the seaport and subsidies from the UAE government in Abu Dhabi. Coming here is a good chance to see how much life in the country would look like without oil wealth.

The main source of food for the locals has always been the ocean. Fishing is still flourishing here. Any tourist can look at the variety of fresh fish in local markets and visit the Friday Market (pictured Friday market on the right). The restaurants offer a rich assortment of fish dishes.

The main source of finance for the emirate is the seaport. We already wrote that the overland route from Fujairah to Dubai is 120 kilometers, but the sea route is 3 times longer - about 350 kilometers, ships have to go around the Musandam Peninsula. Many vessels prefer not to sail to Dubai for refueling, rest, resupply, repair or to unload cargo, but stop at the port of Fujairah.

In 2012, the Habshan-Fujairah oil pipeline was opened, leading to the port of Fujairah from Abu Dhabi, and now oil tankers are loaded here, which also no longer need to sail the extra 400 kilometers to Abu Dhabi.

Also, the economy of the region can boast of cement plants, stone processing plants, and the mining industry. Agriculture supplies the inhabitants with vegetables and fruits.

Fujairah has opened a free economic zone, which the authorities of the emirate planned to repeat the success of the Dubai Free Zone Authority in the port of Jabel Ali, but there was no major economic boom.

In Fujairah there are no skyscrapers, nothing like that, there are no large shopping centers like that, there are no man-made miracles like. Fujairah cannot be called a poor emirate; the epithet “modest” suits him better. However, there is something for tourists to see here.

Fujairah (Al-Fujairah) is one of the emirates that are part of the United Arab Emirates, and the only one located on the shore not of the Persian Gulf, but of Oman, but in fact already in the Indian Ocean. The name of this area clearly goes back to poetry, since the word "Fujairah" in Arabic means "dawn", and only a creatively gifted person could call this part of the earth's surface. The dawn is really beautiful here, because it is born right in the waves of the bay.

But besides her, there is something to please the eye in the emirate. The whimsically curving coastline stretches for 90 kilometers, and mountains, cut by deep fertile valleys, rise almost right up to the water of the bay. Mountain capes covered with evergreen bushes protrude far into the sea surface. A narrow strip of flat coast is one endless sandy beach, generously flooded with sun. The climate in this place is so warm that even in February the water temperature in the bay does not drop below + 23 ° C, and together with the many mineral springs in the mountain valleys and the picturesque beauty of gorges and shallow bays, such natural conditions make Fujairah extremely attractive for tourists from all over the world.

Once upon a time, these places were ruled by the Portuguese colonialists, who left behind several well-fortified forts built in the 17th century. Today, however, they are in a dilapidated state, but they still represent historical value. The Portuguese were replaced by the British, who colonized the local lands until the middle of the 20th century. Fujairah became a separate emirate in 1953, and before that its territory was part of neighboring Sharjah. The process of gaining independence turned out to be bloodless and quite civilized, and in general, wars and political upheavals bypassed this paradise. Unlike neighboring emirates and neighboring Oman, Fujairah does not have oil fields, but the picturesque countryside, developed agriculture and marine fishing do not allow it to live in poverty against the background of oil relatives and bring not very large, but solid income from the resort and tourism business.

The tourist season in Fujairah begins in the fall, in October, and ends in the spring, in April. From May to September - one continuous summer, and too hot for our northern brother. The official language is Arabic, but many residents speak English. In addition, all advertising inscriptions and even road signs are duplicated on it, although this does not bring much dividends: traffic in the emirate is left-hand, and international driver's licenses are not recognized here. The local currency is called the dirham, 3.7 dirhams are equal to 1 US dollar.

Current time in Fujairah:
(UTC +4)

Moving around the emirate of Fujairah

All trips around the emirate have to be carried out either by taxi or by a rented car. Automobile transport is well developed here in all its modifications, fuel prices are fixed at a low level, all emirates are connected by excellent four-lane highways, the main of which, starting at Esh-Sham, runs along the entire sea coast of Fujairah, turns to the left and through the desert goes further to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

A taxi ride around the city costs from 10 to 15 dirhams, it is better to choose cars of a state company, noticeable by the sandy color of the body, since the cabin of such cars has meters, air conditioning (however, it is available in absolutely any UAE car), and a driver dressed in uniform be sure to know English.

Car rental is possible with a driver's license, and this pleasure costs about 200 dirhams per day. The layout of Fujairah is so simple and convenient that it is simply impossible to enter the “wrong place”. The three main streets, named after local sheikhs, run parallel to each other along the coastline, while smaller streets intersect them at right angles, so there are usually no problems with orientation. Driving in a circle has specific features: the person entering the circle must let the entire stream on the left pass and be the last to join, and when leaving the circle he already has an advantage. Drunk driving in Fujairah ends in prison.

Air transport in the emirate is focused entirely on international transport, and this is not surprising, since Sharjah and Dubai are only three hours away by car and there is no need to use aircraft on domestic flights. Fujairah Airport, like the rest of the UAE's airports, is very modern, well-maintained and equipped by the national airline Emirates with maximum passenger amenities, including carpeted floors, plasma screens for watching satellite TV channels in every hall, massage chairs and showers.

Well-developed in Fujairah and water-sea transport, however, its own fleet is small and focused mainly on cruise tours. There is no internal water communication between the ports of the emirates, and foreign sea cargo transportation is carried out on leased vessels of foreign companies. Nevertheless, the port of Fujairah has a good cargo turnover and good prospects for further development, given the unstable political situation in the Gulf states.

Areas

The capital of the emirate of Fujairah bears the same name as itself - Fujairah. Europeans often do not quite correctly call it Fujairah, but, oddly enough, in this version both the emirate and its capital are better known among tour operators than in the original.

The city is small, with a little more than 50 thousand inhabitants, but it is extremely conveniently located in a cozy bay of the Gulf of Oman, due to which the local seaport is well developed and has a good cargo turnover. There is also a modern airport that receives aircraft from many international airlines.

The city itself is very bright, with wide streets and European planning. There is nothing typically Islamic in its architecture: high-rise buildings, paved streets, a long boulevard full of greenery along the coastline, dotted with calm and cozy seaside hotels with pleasant design and excellent service.

Numerous companies along the bay organize very high quality diving and snorkeling, and many Mediterranean companies can envy their equipment.

In winter, the slopes of the Hajar mountain range, close to Fujairah, are colored with bright colors of flowering shrubs, against which the ruins of a Portuguese fort and the surrounding dilapidated buildings of the Old City look very exotic and colorful. This part of the capital is uninhabited, it is entirely a historical monument of the 17th century, on the territory of which archaeological excavations are regularly carried out, and the exhibits found as a result take place on the stands of the capital's museum of antiquities.

What to see in the emirate of Fujairah

The emirate is not as rich in sights as the old European cities, but even here lovers of various types of outdoor activities can find something to their liking. The main aesthetic value in Fujairah is the sea area with its rich underwater flora and fauna, small cozy bays and coves, rocky headlands with steep banks and underwater caves. In short, a real paradise for scuba divers.

For those interested in antiquity, right in the center of the capital are the picturesque ruins of a Portuguese fort built in 1670, and around it - the dilapidated buildings of the Old City. 12 km to the south-west there is another fort of a later construction - El Heil, which is a real medieval castle. Until the middle of the last century, it was the residence of the Emir of Al-Fujairah, so the building has been perfectly preserved.

Of interest are the remains of two more ancient forts - Al Bithnah and Wadi Daftah, of which the first is the easternmost of all Portuguese military fortifications on the peninsula, and the second is located in a very picturesque valley, surrounded by a palm grove. on the shore of a small lake.

Lovers of antiquities will also find the hospitable Fujairah Museum, opened in 1991, which exhibits numerous historical finds from archaeological excavations on the territory of the Old City, as well as traditional products of local artisans from different eras. The opening hours of the museum are from 7.00 to 13.00 from Saturday to Wednesday and until 12.00 on Thursday, the day off, as in all Muslim states, is Friday, as well as the holy month of Ramadan. The entrance ticket costs 10.5 dirhams.

In the metropolitan suburb of Madab, another interesting museum has been operating since 1996 - open-air museum, surrounded by a high fake stone wall with watch towers. Among its exhibits are models of traditional Arab dwellings, artisan tools and household utensils. On the territory of this museum, tourists are offered the folk dance of al-ayyala and the original process of pumping out well water. The museum is open at the same hours as the rest of the government offices, entrance costs 10 dirhams.

Of the ancient architectural structures of the emirate, the only well-preserved relic is a small, very graceful and beautiful clay mosque in Biddiya, which, unfortunately, can only be admired from afar, since only Muslims are allowed to enter it. It was built at the very beginning of the 17th century and is considered the oldest in all the United Emirates. Tradition says that it was built by grateful fishermen in honor of a huge pearl found in the sea. It is located 30 km from the capital to the north along the seaside highway.

If you drive a little further along it, then in the small fishing village of Dibba you can see an ancient Muslim cemetery of the 7th century A.D. BC, on which the first Islamic warriors rest. There are two very picturesque valleys nearby: Al Wariya Valley with rocky mineral springs and beautiful waterfalls on rocky ledges and Al Siji, a fertile land cultivated for agricultural land and is a huge plantation of flowers and fruit bushes.

If you go further along the highway, towards Sharjah, then in the mountainous part of Fujairah you can get to the traditional Friday market(although it is open on ordinary days), spontaneously arising right next to the roadway. Here you can buy a magnificent handmade carpet by local nomadic tribes or pottery made by local artisans, and, of course, enjoy the harsh nomadic exoticism.

People with various skin and musculoskeletal ailments are invariably attracted to a couple of tens of kilometers southwest of the capital. Its water has healing properties, and combined with the beautiful surrounding landscape, this place is a great pleasure and a lasting impression.

Well, in the capital itself, you can find a very unusual sight, causing an involuntary association with Spain - this friday bullfights near the bridge at the exit from the city towards Kalba. Only, unlike the Spanish bullfighting, the local bull races are completely bloodless and not cruel. The bulls rest their horns against each other and try to forcefully bend the opponent's head to the ground to the cheers of the audience. The loosing bull simply runs away from the "battlefield" with shame, so even children can watch the spectacle.

Where to go in the Emirate of Fujairah

sights

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Transport

Shops and Markets

Private guides in the Emirate of Fujairah

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with the Emirate of Fujairah in more detail.
The project Experts.Tourister.Ru is registered.

Shopping in Fujairah

Fujairah is famous primarily for its excellent beaches, quality hotel service and modern diving, but shopping here is not as well developed as in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, there are plenty of places to shop here too. First of all, these are the markets where, as usual in the East, you can buy almost everything. The most famous of them is Suk Al Jumaa, or the so-called "Friday", which is organized right next to the highway from Fujairah to Sharjah, on the border of these two emirates, in the town of Masafi. Once upon a time, it may have functioned only on Fridays, but now it can be visited every day, except for religious holidays, from 8 am to 8 pm. It sells fine handmade carpets brought here from all over the emirates, as well as various pottery, handicrafts, souvenirs and tableware made by local artisans.

It is better to go to the Gold Souk for gold items. Here you can buy gold rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces made by local jewelers at a very attractive price - $ 8 per gram.

Huge Safeer Shopping Center Mall housed under its roof more than a hundred boutiques and shops, many food courts, cafes, cinemas and even 8 department stores. It is one of the main places of "pilgrimage" for foreign tourists, and even in full family members, since there is also a slot machine room and a good family entertainment center.

Hypermarket Lulu is one of the stores of this brand, which is distributed throughout the Gulf region. A large mixed shop where you can buy both groceries and related manufactured goods.

Fujairah Trade Center Shopping Center is located on the first floor of a luxury high-rise residential complex of the same name on an area of ​​about 6.5 thousand square meters. meters. A real paradise for shopaholics, which will take at least three hours to get around completely. Everything from banana to Malaysian video equipment is presented.

Fujairah City Center Shopping Complex opened recently, in April 2012. Located at the intersection of the Fujairah-Sharjah highway and the Masafi road in the western part of the capital. Currently - the largest of all shopping centers in the capital. More than 100 stores of manufacturers of the world's leading trade brands, including the largest hypermarket in the entire principality Carrefour. Very good family entertainment center Magic Planet and 11-screen VOX Cinemas.

Food and drink

Before trying to eat something outside the hotel, it will not be superfluous to at least in general terms familiarize yourself with the national Arab cuisine. Of course, as in any civilized country, there are well-known McDonald's here, but traditional cafes and coffee houses do not serve European food.

Almost everyone in the world knows that Muslims do not eat pork, so lovers of this type of meat will have to switch to beef, veal, poultry, fish and, of course, lamb. The Arabs cook meat in a special way, frying it in a frying pan without fat, which makes it taste special.

As for meat dishes, a European will surely like the familiar “shawarma / shawarma”, fried lamb with rice and “guzi” nuts and the traditional Arabic shashlik “tikka”. There are several types of kebabs, including the famous “kebab” made from marinated beef and “shish-kebab” from lamb. Quite decent in taste and hearty are the lamb cutlets with spice "Kustileta", the fried meat balls "kebbe" and the kebab from the minced meat "kofta".

Among the dishes with side dishes in Arabian cuisine, the most common meat is "makbus" with rice and spices, roast of various types of meat "meshui-mushakkal" with vegetables, bell peppers stuffed with young mutton and a Muslim analogue of pizza - "rice".

Lovers of dietary meat will not go hungry either - Fujairah traditionally has a lot of chicken dishes, ranging from steamed chicken with al-mandi honey to chicken tikka-dajaj shashlik. As a side dish for meat, rice is mainly used with the addition of vegetable salad.

Arabs' soups are almost all meat, thick, with a wide variety of plant components - from potatoes to beans. As bread at the meal, they use kubbe pies made from wholemeal wheat flour with meat or the world famous triangular sambus pies with all kinds of fillings - vegetables, meat, cheese or spinach. There is also bread in the emirates: it is called "fatush" and is baked in clay ovens-tandoor, but it is served mainly with salads and vegetable dishes.

Of the vegetable dishes, the well-known "dolma" - an analogue of our cabbage rolls, only in a grape leaf, is in use - zucchini "kurzhet" stuffed with meat and cheese and eggplant caviar "mutabbal". Fish is traditionally good in the emirates. It is cooked here on coals, and there are more than enough dishes from it. The Arabs even manage to make pilaf out of fish. Dessert includes milk pudding with raisins and nuts “umm-ali”, sweet cheese pie with cream “esh-asaya”, donuts with honey “ligemat” and the well-known “sherbet”. Well, and a special kind of being at the table is coffee drinking. Coffee for Arabs is a traditional drink for a leisurely conversation, and brewing it correctly is a whole art, very honorable and respected in the Emirates. No coffee machines are used here at all, coffee is prepared only “live” and is poured from national long-nosed dalla coffee pots into small bowls.

• Al Meshwar Restaurant
• Sapore Restaurant
• Swaad Restaurant
• Sadaf Restaurant
• Taj Mahal Restaurant
• Saffron's Restaurant
• Kings Restaurant
• Bar Breezes Beach Bar and Terrace
• Al Ghorfa Restaurant
• International Marine Club Restaurant

Before you go in search of a suitable institution, you need to remember that in traditional Arab restaurants and cafes made of alcohol there is nothing stronger than grape wine. These drinks can only be purchased and consumed at licensed restaurants on the premises.

Connection

The communication system in Fujairah is modern and well-functioning. Any location in the world can be called from any pay phone on the streets, not to mention telephones in hotel rooms. True, a call from the number will cost 3-5 times more than from the street, since the machines operate on plastic magnetic telephone cards with a tariff of 10 dirhams per minute. Such cards are sold in any store, postal kiosk and at any gas station. If you purchase a special prepaid card, then all calls, including calls from hotel rooms, will be subject to a reduced rate. Calling the police or calling 800 is free in all cases.

Mobile communications in the territory of the emirate support the GSM 900 standard, so there are usually no problems with the adaptation of the "tube". If you are not ready to spend a lot of money on roaming, you only need to purchase a local Sim-card, which will require a copy of your passport. The card is valid for a year. When calling a mobile number, the city code is not dialed, instead the digits 050 are dialed. If there is no money on the card, outgoing calls are not made until the account is replenished. Top-ups can be done through special machines located everywhere in crowded places, or by purchasing and activating mobile cards worth 30 dirhams, which are sold in any store. If you call 122, you can subscribe to GPRS and get access to mobile Internet for 10 dirhams a month.

There is only one Internet provider in all the emirates - this is Etisalat. Wi-Fi entry points are available in the airport building, in the rooms of all hotels without exception, and in some restaurants and cafes. For those who have taken a laptop with them on a trip, it is even easier: you just need to buy a prepaid card at any postal kiosk, join the network, activate the card and enjoy chatting online for 10 dirhams per hour.

Security

Despite the fact that the resort industry is well developed in Fujairah and tourists, as a potential source of income for the emirate, are appreciated here, the government does not undertake to guarantee the complete safety of being on the territory of the principality. Of course, Fujairah is not as politically unstable and unpredictable as other Arab states, and the foundations of Islam here are not as orthodox as in neighboring Saudi Arabia or Oman, but here, due to the rather motley ethnic composition of the inhabitants, there are enough various renegades and religious fanatics.

Actually, Arabs make up only 46% of the population, about 30% are the largest Indian diaspora, about 20% are Pakistani, therefore, in case of any misunderstanding, representatives of different confessions are happy to dump the blame on each other, and the police are just as happy to leave the blame the affected tourists themselves. Basically, the claims of the latter refer to not too respectable hotel staff and drivers of rented cars, who are overwhelmingly represented here by representatives of the diaspora.

If the opportunity arises, the abovementioned persons can easily steal the thing left unattended, and the drivers, in addition, sometimes "forget" to return the change. However, the guarantee of the necessary security for the upcoming rest is still not in counteracting theft and deception, but in the necessary amount of knowledge of religion and customs of the state, to which you become a visitor, stepping off the plane.

Rules of conduct in the emirate of Fujairah

The dominant religion in Fujairah is Sunni Islam, which is not as intolerant of violations of the commandments as Shiite. Nevertheless, any European needs to know and comply with several immutable laws and rules of conduct on the territory of the emirate, directly related to the peculiarities of religion.

Especially a lot of nuances arise during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is not "tied" to a specific date and each year begins at a different time. For the period of Ramadan, even government agencies change their working hours, and solemn prayers take place right on the squares with a large crowd of believers. In this case, the guests of the country need to know that the worshipers cannot be bypassed in front, since this is a grave insult to the faith. On the street in Ramadan, you cannot eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke and sing songs, for this you can easily end up in jail. It is not recommended to take video and photographs of the worshipers, as well as just stand and stare at them.

In the presence of Arabs, one should refrain from any comments regarding the appropriateness of their religion and certain rituals, as well as from questions about their wives, daughters or any other women. It is better not to talk about them with the Arabs at all, as well as to approach the fairer sex and, moreover, to shake hands with them or kiss her. If an Arab woman desires it, she herself will give her hand when meeting or saying goodbye, but touching her without her permission is considered an insult.

A very significant element for Muslims is the handshake. The longer it is, the more friendly the visitor is towards you. A handshake is also mandatory when parting, and if the interlocutor is inclined towards you, he does it with both hands. But try to look in the face at the same time, as averted gaze is regarded as bad intentions.

If an Arab invited you to his house, then the refusal can be perceived as disrespect for the owner and a personal insult. It is better to go, especially since the Arabs do not practice any alcohol when meeting guests, and the obligatory treats include tea, coffee, soft drinks and fruits. When entering an Arab's dwelling, it is necessary to take off your shoes and leave them near the threshold, but if the owner himself goes inside without taking off his shoes, you can follow his example.

In a conversation with an interlocutor, if both of you are sitting face to face, you should not stretch your legs in his direction - the soles aimed at the Arab's face insult him. While at the guest table, you need to remember that you need to take food and pass it on only with your right hand, since the left is considered unclean by Muslims. It is better not to ask about the owner's household, confining himself to only a polite question about the health of the whole family - this will be perceived favorably. Well, and even if a European guest can pronounce at least a few phrases in Arabic, respect and honor are guaranteed to him in full.

The cleanliness of the streets in Fujairah is strictly observed, so for throwing garbage or a cigarette butt on the sidewalk (even if you just missed the trash can), you can run into a fine of 500 dirhams and even a day in prison. The police strictly monitor this, as well as the photography. A prison can also end up accidentally entering the frame of state and military institutions, palaces of noble persons, police stations or simply Arab women.

On the streets it is not customary to eat on the go, use foul language, drink alcoholic beverages, drink water from water taps and fountains - for all this, you will have to fork out a minimum of several hundred, or even thousands of dirhams, and as much as possible end up behind bars. With alcohol in all the emirates, jokes are bad: here, although the "dry" law is being relaxed, tourists can buy and drink alcohol only in the restaurants of the hotels where you live, or in a hotel room. It is highly discouraged to appear in public places, including beaches, "tipsy" or with a bottle of beer in hand. And God forbid being drunk at the wheel - a decent prison term in this case is guaranteed.

It is better not to quarrel with police officers in Fujairah, as elsewhere in the world. The so-called “agents in civilian clothes” are widespread here, and they often arrange general checks of documents in crowded places. In order not to get into an awkward position, it is recommended to make photocopies of your passport, visa and driver's license in advance and have them with you when you enter the city.

The presumption of innocence does not always work here, but nevertheless, it is better not to get into police cars without the guardians of the order presenting official documents and announcing your guilt, which can be protested in a polite manner without being on the territory of the police (which is considered to be the interior of a police car).

If you follow the above rules and listen to the advice of acquaintances who have already been in the region as tourists, then your vacation in Fujairah will turn into a pleasant and full of positive emotions.

Where to stay in the Emirate of Fujairah

Booking.com offers over 30 hotels in the Emirate of Fujairah for booking. You can choose a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. ...

Fujairah is one of the seven emirates of the UAE. The climate here is very mild, which attracts tourists. It is the only emirate that is washed by the Indian Ocean.

Fujairah is the youngest resort, 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, since there are no manufacturing enterprises, and the residents are mainly engaged in agriculture.

According to some information from this mosque more than 500 years but no one knows for sure. The history of its origin is also a mystery. We can say with confidence that at the moment it is a functioning mosque. It is small - 53 sq. m. During the service, it can accommodate 30 people. This mosque will be interesting even for travelers far from Islam.

Of particular interest are the walls of Al-Bidiyah, they are made, as if from sand on the outside, and the graceful decoration inside is striking.

The Al-Bidiya Mosque is located in the village of Al-Bidiya, 30 km north of Fujairah.

This fort was nicknamed " soaring 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 bombing 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 outside, you can admire the production of date molasses.

Fort El Kheil is located 8 km southwest of Fujairah.

It was originally 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 - at the sea and mountains.

This fort is not a museum, admission is completely free. A visit to it guarantees you a walk through the past, during the times of great battles, and also acquaints you with 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 seaside city famous for its picturesque landscapes. Its location makes it unique. On one side are the Hajar 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 historic center. During the excavations, it turned out that it was inhabited in the Iron Age and was a large trade center. Traders came here from all over the Middle East, as well as China and India.

Dibba Town is 52 km from Fujairah, which is a 1-hour drive away.

Friday market (Souq al-Jumaa)

Previously, it worked only on Friday, but now it works any day. This is a traditional oriental market where you can find whatever your heart desires. They mainly sell goods of their own production (dishes, vessels, sweets, jewelry, carpets and much more). You will not leave without a purchase, just do not forget that Arabs love to bargain. In some cases, the price tag can be lowered up to 50% of the originally declared amount.

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 the entire emirate with fresh water. The park covers an area in 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.

Wadi Wuraya National Park is located north of Fujairah in the center of the ring of the cities of Korfakkan and Al-Bidiya.

Since the island resembles shark fin in its appearance, it was nicknamed Shark. It attracts divers from all over the world. The water is clear, so the dives are very educational. Coral reefs can be seen in small details. Swim with schools of small fish, see sea turtles and octopuses.

Shark Island is famous for its "Underwater Car Graveyard". This is an amazing sight, since sea inhabitants live in the 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 will notice its resemblance to the cartoon character, part of which he was named.

An ideal island for beginner divers. The immersion depth is only 5 meters. But the underwater world amazes with its exotic beauty. You will see the largest number of sea turtles here. Snoopy Island is a 45-minute drive from Fujairah.

This peninsula had a bad reputation in the past, as it was believed that pirates lived in the Gulf of Omuz, which washes Musandam. They robbed and destroyed ships. Today nothing reminds of them. The peninsula is very beautiful, and because of the steep cliffs it is called Arab Norway. Here you can go fishing and ride a dhow. The path to the dhow passes through the rocks and ends with a meeting with dolphins - a very impressive sight.

The journey to the Musandam Peninsula will take almost 3 hours, and the distance from Fujairah is 189 km.

The hot spring came from a volcanic eruption. It cures many diseases - rheumatism, various skin diseases and other ailments. This is possible thanks to the 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 popularity.

Ain Al Gomur hot spring 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. "Jugs" 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 became 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, in which 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 groups hold their performances here, so you can come to admire Arab dances and listen to music.

Ain Al Madhab Gardens are located near Fujairah Airport .

The club regularly hosts windsurfing competitions, yacht, scooter and boat races. Getting a membership in the club is very simple - you need to become a participant in one of the competitions. But mostly they come here for "gambling fishing" (whoever has the most catch, he won). 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, for this you have everything you need.

The club has an excellent restaurant with live music. The International Maritime Club is located on the coast of Fujairah.

This is the most spectacular sport that attracts not only locals 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, which at the end must fight with the winner of the last 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 bulls are on a rigid diet of dates, milk and honey.

Bullfights are held in Fujairah between Ocean Road and Cornish 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, handicrafts, see houses and preserved mosques. The village is surrounded by a wall with watchtowers. This excursion will be very interesting for children.

Folk dances (al-ayala) are performed especially for tourists. Water is extracted there from a well and bulls help people in this. On the territory of the village there is a market for sweets and souvenirs. Anyone can choose a suitable commemorative gift for themselves.

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 presented clothes, outfits and their changes over time. There is a hall of spices and herbs and even a hall of medicine, where medicinal herbs are presented, which have been used to treat 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 take a ride through 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 recalls 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. The Kerosene Lamp is reminiscent of times gone by.

In conclusion, I would like to say that Fujairah is an amazing city that will appeal not only to history buffs, but also to fans of spectacles.