Fujairah Hotels

A mere 120 km from Dubai, Fujairah is a decent excursion for those who want to escape the loom of the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Emirates Park Towers, if only for a day or two. As a small business and commercial hub of 130,000 people, Fujairah serves primarily as a base for popular domestic holiday destinations up the coast to Musandam, Oman. The beautiful capital of Oman in fact, Muscat (Masqat), is five to six hours from Fujairah and easily accessible by car or luxury coach bus. The Fujairah Corniche and Beach area, while not up to Dubai or Abu Dhabi standards, is nonetheless worthwhile. The local marketplace and palace provide adequate diversion and some excellent dive sites proliferate outside of Fujairah. With plans to develop a gigantic luxury resort city on the coast in the years to come, tourism to Fujairah is sure to pick up.

Fujairah History

• Al Bidyah Mosque – This brick-and-mud mosque built in 1446 is the oldest in the United Arab Emirates.
• Al Hail Castle and Palace – This Iron Age castle and watchtower was used by the Al Sharqiyin ruling family.
• Fujairah Fort – One of the most popular landmarks in the area, this centuries-old fort is located on a hill.
• Al Bithna Fort – This old fort built in the 18th century once guarded a strategic route.
• Fujairah Museum – This museum houses archaeological artefacts uncovered around the emirate.

Fujairah Art & Culture

• Fujairah Heritage Village – This village has a number of traditional houses and fishing boats.
• Fujairah International Monodrama Festival – This theatre and dance festival is held every other year and includes participants from several Arab countries.
• Al-Saif Championships – An annual sword tournament in November or December showcasing traditional folklore arts.
• Eid Al-Fitr – Fujairah mosques are crowded with prayer during this festival that marks the end of Muslims’ fast for Ramadan.
• Fujairah Petroglyphs – Located at Wadi al Hail, these rock carvings show ancient depictions of animals and humans.

Fujairah Shopping

• Tourist/Friday Night Market – Amusement rides, eats, souvenirs and bargain shopping await at this evening market that goes on until late.
• Fujairah City Centre – This large retail and entertainment complex opening in 2012 will include many modern retail and dining options.
• Masafi Market – This town near Fujairah has one of the best markets in the area, where shoppers can find carpets and pottery.
• Dana Plaza – This shopping complex features stores selling clothes, a hypermarket and a cinema.
• Date Shops – This row of stalls selling varieties of dates can be found near the fish market.

Gay & Lesbian Fujairah

Homosexual rights are not officially recognized in the United Arab Emirates. Gays and lesbians should use discretion and caution, as discrimination and police scrutiny can occur.

• Fez Bar – Located in the Hilton Fujairah Resort, this posh bar has a good selection of cocktails, wines and beer.
• Al-Meshwar – This popular restaurant serves up delicious Lebanese food and has a good people-watching shisha area downstairs.
• Dana Plaza Cinema – See an Arabic film or a Bollywood hit at this centrally located cinema.
• Gonu Bar & Grill – Eat steaks and kebabs here with a lovely view of the Indian Ocean.
• Astro’s Rooftop Bar – in the Le Meridien, this bar has cocktails, DJs and a dance floor.

Attractions

• Heritage Village and Madhab Park
• Fujairah Corniche
• Fujairah Beach
• Sheikh’s Palace
• Souq al Juma

Activities

• Khor Kalba
• Beach Resorts
• Dibba
• Dive Sites
• Tourist Night Souq

Restaurants

• Al Meshwar Restaurant
• Al Mallah Restaurant
• Asmak Seafood Restaurant
• Saffron Vegetarian Restaurant
• Maharath Al Bahar Cafeteria

Nightlife

• Fez Bar
• Dana Plaza Cinemas
• Octavia Bistro & Bar
• Fujairah International Marine Club
• Zorba Cocktail Lounge

Climate

Fujairah has a typical arid climate, with mild to warm winters and very hot summers.

• Winter (December to February) 15-25°C
• Spring (March to May) 18-36°C
• Summer (June to September) 27-37°C
• Fall (October to November) 19-34°C