Comprehensive Guide To Everything You Need To Know About Fujairah

Nestled among undulating mountains and pristine beaches, the Emirate of Fujairah is a stunning destination. A perfect blend of heritage and luxury, Fujairah caters to the varied tastes of all its visitors. The lesser-known emirate has a turbulent history, rich culture, and vibrant biodiversity. There is something for everyone – for the history lover, for the adventurer, and even those seeking to unwind.

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of Fujairah
• Geographic Location and its Strategic Significance

• Climate

• Expat Life in Fujairah

• Attractions & Destinations

• Hotels and Resorts in Fujairah

• Future of the Emirate of Fujairah

• Ecotourism in Fujairah

• Final Thoughts

A Brief History of Fujairah

The picturesque Emirate of Fujairah has a vibrant history. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Middle East’, Fujairah was once a part of Sharjah. The Qasimi Sheikhdom of Sharjah and the Sharqi Sheikh of Fujairah were embroiled in a power struggle for decades, till 1886 when the Sheikh of Fujairah eventually triumphed. However, Great Britain did not accept Fujairah as an autonomous state till 1952, when the Sheikh signed treaties that allowed Britain to control all the foreign relations of Fujairah. 

After the withdrawal of Britain from the Persian Gulf, Fujairah became an emirate of the newly independent UAE. 

 

Geographic Location and its Strategic Significance

According to the digital platform of the Government of Fujairah, the Emirate of Fujairah stretches across an area of approximately 1,166 km2, which is about 1.5% of the size of the UAE. This makes Fujairah the 5th largest emirate in the UAE. Fujairah City, the capital of the emirate of Fujairah is the only Emirati capital city on the east coast of UAE. This means that Fujairah is the UAE’s only access to the Indian Ocean. 

The geographic location of Fujairah makes its port ideal for maritime trade. Located close to the Strait of Hormuz, the Port of Fujairah is an important port for transporting petroleum and crude oil products. The port makes an ideal transit point due to its deep-water harbor which can accommodate large vessels. Being the only UAE port located on the Indian Ocean, the Port of Fujairah facilitates international trade with the Asian and North East African markets. The location, complemented by the ease of logistic support, makes it an ideal port for ships to dock for provisions, bunkers, repairs, and technical support.

Handling over 60 million tonnes of cargo every year, the port of Fujairah plays a significant role in UAE’s economic prosperity. Apart from the revenue it generates, it is also responsible for the employment of over 15,000 people. The port of Fujairah is being expanded continuously to accommodate larger vessels. 

Similar to the port of Fujairah the Fujairah International Airport (FIA) is also a fast-developing hub for commerce. The FIA is mainly a cargo airport, and its proximity to the port increases its significance. The airport also has better weather conditions compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The recent increase in tourists visiting the Emirate has prompted airlines to announce new flights to Fujairah. For instance, SalamAir has announced that it will operate weekly flights to Fujairah starting on 12th July 2023. 

 

Climate

Fujairah receives higher rainfall than the other emirates of the UAE, with the coolest time of the year being the months from December to March. The average temperature during these months is 25°C (77°F) and the temperature rarely rises above 30°C (86°F). 

Compared to the other Emirates, Fujairah offers a more pleasant climate. The ideal geographic location of Fujairah is the key reason behind this cool and pleasant climate. The presence of the Hajar Mountains and the prevailing easterly winds that bring water-laden clouds off the warm Indian Ocean together bring about higher rainfall and effectively cool down the area.

 

Expat Life in Fujairah

Fujairah is one of the most affordable places to settle down in the UAE. It receives ample amounts of rainfall and the climate is not as harsh as the other Emirates. There is quality healthcare available, delivered in a mixed public and private system. Hospitals like Al Sharq, Sheikh Kahalifa Central Hospital, Madina Medical Center, and Thumbay are prime examples. 

The Emirate also provides a variety of schooling options to pick from. Fujairah schools teach in different curriculums from US, UK, and UAE. St. Mary’s School, GEMS Winchester School, Fujairah Private Academy, Eminence Private School, and Don Bosco Primary School are some examples. 

Apart from these basic facilities, the transportation network of Fujairah is also well-planned. These factors make it an ideal place for an expat to settle down.

 

Attractions & Destinations

Every year tourists flock to the Emirate of Fujairah to visit its stunning beaches and high mountains. The pristine waters of the Indian Ocean also attract many tourists who come to engage in water activities like swimming, sailing, jet skiing, fishing, etc. 

 

The shimmering skyscrapers and the wonders of modern architecture have not yet taken over the quaint Emirate. The richness of its culture and heritage outshines the encroach of modernity and visitors can marvel at the well-preserved monuments here. 

 

If you decide to take  a trip to the Emirate nestled between the Hajar mountains and pristine beaches, be sure to check out the following places to visit in Fujairah;

 

1. 1. Al Bidya Mosque (Ottoman Mosque)
   2. Fujairah Fort and the Heritage Village
   3. Al-Hayl Castle
   4. Hajar Mountains
   5. Al Aqah
   6. Masafi Village

• Snoopy Island in Fujairah

1. Bithnah Fort
2. Umbrella Beach
3. Ain Al Madhab Hot Springs
4. Sheik Zayed Mosque
5. Fujairah Museum
6. Wadi Wuraya National Park
7. Rainbow Mountain

Apart from these destinations, you should also check out Fujairah Friday Market and the bull-butting event, which is a lesser-known attraction in Fujairah. There are also many festivals that you could check out based on the time that you visit Fujairah. Check out new festivals here.

 

Hotels and Resorts in Fujairah

The scenic beauty of Fujairah attracts many tourists every year. Consequently, there is high demand for comfortable accommodations, especially beach hotels in Fujairah. This demand has been met by the many resorts and hotels in Fujairah and Hotel Apartments in Al Barsha. For instance, areas like Al Aqah have many five-star resorts in Fujairah. 

If you want to cover all the popular destinations in Fujairah, be sure to check into a hotel or resort that is accessible. You could check into Al Bahar Hotel and Resort which is near popular attractions like Fujairah Fort (3.4km), Fujairah Mall (4km), Fujairah Museum (4km), Fujairah Marine Diving Club (1.7km) and Fujairah Bull Fighting (3km).

 

Future of the Emirate of Fujairah

The Crown Prince of Fujairah spoke about the strategic outlook of the Emirate at the World Government Forum 2023 in Dubai. He also spoke about plans to increase the number of piers and the storage capacity of oil. This will help attract global oil companies. The Emirate is currently implementing policies to encourage local companies and when completed, the Etihad Rail project will boost the transportation sector.

Another initiative that could benefit Fujairah is the UAE’s framework of Fujairah 2040. Developed in partnership with the Fujairah Government, the plan intends to enhance sustainable growth opportunities. This goal aligns with the general goal of the UAE which proclaimed 2023 as the year of sustainability. Improvement of housing and transportation infrastructure is also included under this initiative. 

 

Ecotourism in Fujairah

Ecotourism is another sector that could benefit from the geographical location of Fujairah. Fujairah is known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Fujairah hosts many national parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife reserves that add to the biodiversity of the area. Areas like the Wadi Wurayah National Park could become the cornerstone to promote and support conservation efforts. 

Wadi Wurayah is the UAE’s first mountain reserve and has been added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The park is spread across an area of 225 km2 which is more than 20% of Fujairah. Around 30% of terrestrial plants, 42% of terrestrial mammals, 30% of terrestrial reptiles, and 26% of birds in the UAE can be found here. With a significant variety of endangered plants and animals, the reserve is a key element of the Emirate’s environmental protection program. 

The Emirate of Fujairah is also famous for its many nature trails and hiking spots. It is in many ways a paradise for hikers as it offers trails of varying difficulties that cater to different skill levels. These beautiful trails offer panoramic views of peculiar and fascinating rock formations and even glimpses of gushing waterfalls.

 

Final Thoughts

From wildlife enthusiasts to hikers and divers, Fujairah provides entertainment to a wide range of people. Nature has blessed this Emirate abundantly and modernity added comfort and convenience to Fujairah’s ethereal beauty. With many initiatives and projects in progress, the tourism industry in Fujairah is set to keep growing. If you are looking to experience the best of nature at affordable prices, visit Fujairah.