Fujairah Holidays

Considering you can drive right round this Emirate in three hours, there’s a lot to do in Fujairah. Travel north to Dibba Fujairah on the border of Oman and cruise the Musandam Peninsula aboard a traditional dhow boat. Visit Kalba Bird of Prey Centre to witness hunting falcons in their natural habitat. Or take a walk along Fujairah Corniche to find the city’s best restaurants. And, on Fridays, make sure you don’t miss the historic Masafi Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh fruit to hand-knotted rugs.

For an overview of the area’s history, browse Fujairah Museum or drop into Fujairah Heritage Village to discover livelier local customs and culture. There are almost too many monuments to see in one holiday, but you should definitely see Al Bithnah Fort and Fujairah Castle. Ancient Al Badiyah Mosque is another must-do, and you have to see the ornate interior of Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah City. 

Brushed by the warm waters of the Gulf of Oman, and almost always framed by stunning mountains, Fujairah’s beaches compare well with the UAE’s finest. If you’re up for doing nothing but sunbathing, Fujairah City’s Umbrella Beach is the one for you. Legendary Al Aqah Beach in the north is a must for the views alone. But, as an added perk, it also has great watersports and waterfront restaurants. Or pick bohemian Sambraid Beach for pretty seashell scattered shores, super-soft sand and a laidback barefoot atmosphere.

When you fancy a touch of luxury, head for sleek Lava Beach Club at the Fairmont Hotel in Suwayfah, just north of Fujairah City. With a Mediterranean vibe, this place has comfy sun loungers and private cabanas, long cocktails, huge swimming pools – if you want a change from the ocean – and events all year round. 

Fujairah holidays are great for activities. You can even go wild swimming in quite a few of the wadis here and, if you’re up more of an adventure, a guided hike in the Hajar Mountains is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively, the stunning mountain roads which let you explore so easily by car, are equally peaceful and safe for cycling.

Of course, fun watersports like banana boat rides, paddle-boarding and parasailing are up for grabs on several of Fujairah’s beautiful beaches. Snoopy Island, just off the coast of Al Aqah, is a paradise for keen snorkelers. With transparent waters, dramatic rock formations and tropical marine life – ranging from sea turtles to Arabian Angelfish – this place is a sensational diving spot. Or, when you want to go kayaking, why not float through the mountains at Al Rafisah Dam?

Fujairah’s mountainous landscape and easterly location make it the rainiest Emirate. But wet weather in the UAE is nothing compared to most places, so even a Fujairah holiday in March – the wettest month of the year – is unlikely to be ruined by rain.

As with most Emirates, Fujairah is ideal for winter holidays. Temperatures from November to April are seldom less than 25°C or higher than 30°C, and the sun shines constantly. Evenings can be quite cool in December and January, but water temperatures are always comfortable for swimming. The weather is perfect for hitting the beach, and not too hot for climbing, hiking, cycling or touring around.

Between May and October, it gets very hot in Fujairah. Daytime temperatures of 42°C aren’t unusual and it’s not much cooler in the evening. And, as with other places in the UAE, life here runs at a slower pace during the holy month of Ramadan – so it’s worth checking the dates if you’re planning to visit Fujairah in late spring.