Images of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rarely include Fujairah, the easternmost emirate. Instead, we see shots of the Burj Khalifa, the enormous Dubai Mall, and the city skylines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We see historic dhows sailing along Dubai Creek, and the beautifully ornate Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We see popular beaches along the Persian Gulf and desert excursions outside Dubai. These are all impressive, but they miss a hidden jewel: the natural beauty of Fujairah.
Let’s bask in the natural diversity of this small emirate, the only one not on the Persian Gulf. Today we leave the cities, bypass the forts and watchtowers, and skip the museums in favor of the great outdoors. Get ready to savor the mountain vistas, hike through green valleys and narrow canyons, and dive into the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Impressive Mountain Views
Talk of the Arabian Peninsula often conjures images of sand dunes and desert oases, but long swaths of mountains stretch along the edges of the peninsula as well. Yemen, Oman, western Saudi Arabia, and the UAE all feature green hills, sharply carved valleys (or wadis) and rocky mountains that rise up from the coast.
In Fujairah, the mountain views are spectacular. Look at Fujairah Fort (pictured above) framed by an imposing backdrop. Or take a trip northward up the coast to Dibba, as the road hugs the coastline with the Hajar Mountains standing guard on your left. And driving in from Sharjah and Dubai, watch the mountains get closer, before you wend your way up and over, to finally glide down to Fujairah City.
Rich Opportunities for Bird Watching
Fujairah is a prime spot for bird watching, as local species mix with migratory birds and those that winter in the country’s warmer climate. The emirate’s diverse ecology also allows birders to see species from a wide range of habitats, including mountains, plains, wetlands, and coastal areas.
Popular spots for bird watching include Masafi Wadi and Wamm Farms, both accessible by car in the north. Visitors can find birds large and small – egrets and kingfishers, warblers and skylarks, eagles and falcons, and more. For further details, consult the excellent resources of UAEbirding.com, which has directions to popular sites, photos, FAQs, and bird checklists to download.
Hiking the Wadis and Green Valleys
Fujairah offers great opportunities for hiking, whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a more challenging excursion. Wadi Tayyibah (pictured above) has a mix of paths for beginners and experts, for instance. Start with a visit to the Tayyibah Heritage Museum (location pinned here), then follow the signs into the wadi. Another option is the Ain Alsheria Geological Trail, an hour’s drive to the north, where a round-trip loop guides you past petroglyphs and unparalleled valley views.
Note: Before hiking, make sure to prepare appropriately. Check the weather forecast, pack water and snacks, and let others know where you’re going. Or reach out to groups like Fujairah Adventures to find local guides or group hikes.
Unforgettable Sites for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
After hiking and bird watching across Fujairah, don’t forget the natural beauty just off the coast! Divers and snorkelers will be impressed by the array of tropical fish and colorful coral. The emirate includes more than a dozen dive sites, from Snoopy Island (pictured above, and particularly good for snorkeling) to Martini Rock, Dibba Island, and Sharm Rocks, to name a few.
Plunge underwater to experience the vibrant coral and sea anemone growing on the reefs and sunken wrecks. Schools of tropical fish dart through the water, mixing with moray eels, giant pufferfish, and manta rays. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some sea turtles or reef sharks.
What Next?
Join our discussion — where would you start when visiting Fujairah? Do you enjoy hiking, bird-watching, and scuba diving, or do you prefer exploring museums, historic forts, and city centers? Let us know if you’ve already explored the natural beauty of Fujairah, or travelled to other parts of the UAE.
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