Fujairah

Nestling in the shadow of the magnificent Hajar mountains which straddle the UAE and Oman, the East Coast lies on the Gulf of Oman. The two main centres are Khorfakkan and Fujairah. A day tour to the area may include a trip inland through the wadis and rock gorges of the mountains and then down into Khorfakkan and its natural harbour with time for swimming, stopping at Badiya Mosque (the oldest in the UAE), the old fort at Fujairah and the citadel at Bitnah.
 
Fujairah
Fujairah is situated on the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf about an hour and a half driving time from Dubai. It has unique scenery and wild-life both on-shore and off-shore. With staggering landscapes and littered with forts and archaeological sites and unexplored territories, Fujairah bears charming and secretive treasures that await its tourists.

Lying in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula, Fujairah is the only emirate located on the Gulf of Oman rather than the Arabian Gulf. Unlike other desert emirates, Fujairah has the distinction of being a narrow coastal strip at the edge of its mountainous terrain. This makes the emirates naturally endowed with scenic beauty. The important resort area of Khor Fakkan has excellent beaches and water sport facilities. The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country. Fujairah's main occupations in the past were fishing and agriculture. 
 
Ain Al Madhab Gardens
These gardens are situated in a valley in the foothills of the Hajar mountains, just outside Fujairah City, and are fed by mineral springs. This warm sulphur laden water is also used in two swimming pools available for ladies and men. On public holidays, an outdoor theatre is used for festivals, which include traditional singing and folklore dances. The opening times are 10 am to 11 pm (closed Saturday).
 
Fujairah Heritage Village
This is situated close to the Ain Madhab gardens, and portrays the traditional life of the people of the Emirates. Exhibits include traditional houses, cooking utensils, farming tools and other items as well as the Aiyazrah system used for irrigating fields, which uses a working bull. The village is open all day; every day and entry is free.
  
Fujairah Museum
Here you can see displays of the traditional way of life and witness archaeological artefacts found in excavations throughout the emirate. Work by local and foreign archaeologists has yielded items dating back to early Bronze Age, over 4500 years ago. Opening times are 8am to 1pm (not Fridays) 4 pm to 6 pm every day except Saturday.

Masafi Friday Market
This is open every day and is situated in between the Hajar Mountains on the main road to Fujairah Town. They sell traditional wares and items include pottery made from Fujairah clay; traditional weaving made from date palm fronds as well as plants and many other items.
 
Bithna Fort
Bithna village is situated on the main highway to Fujairah Town on the Wadi Ham. The Bithna fort once stood watch over traffic up and down the wadi.
 
Bidiya Mosque
Bidiya Mosque is the UAE's oldest place of worship, and is known as the "Ottoman Mosque". It is unique in design with four small domes held up by a massive central pillar. Climb the hill to see the two small watchtowers and view the small farms with mountains in the background.
  
Wadi Alwarriyah & Waterfalls
The turn off to the waterfalls is located on the road to Dibba from Khorfakkan. Follow the road until it meets a turn off sign up into the wadi. Water can be found flowing throughout the year, with little pools and streams and the waterfalls.
 
Bull Fighting
One major attraction in Fujairah is the chance to see the emirate's own unique form of bull fighting – not a struggle to the death of man against beast but a contest of strength between two great animals. The fight itself is bloodless, as the bulls lock horns and wrestle until the weaker of the two gives up and turns away. The bull fights take place every Friday afternoon at about 4:30 pm (except for the summer months) near the AlRughlait bridge.
 
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