Things to Do in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Quick facts: On the walls of this 300-year-old fort, the marks of cannonballs can still be seen today. It is the oldest surviving building in the entire emirate of Fujairah, and its four floors are made of wind and mud.

Highlights: Seeing the small arrow slits in the walls here, you can imagine how soldiers kept watch on their enemies. Inside the fort there is a secret tunnel that went straight to the mountains, which was used to escape during times of crisis.

Quick facts: This mosque is made of mud and stones and has four domes at different heights from one another. The roof of this roughly 500-year-old mosque has two small holes that allow natural light and air to circulate.

Highlights: The walls here are coated with cow dung and mud, which keeps the temperature inside cool during summers. Inside the mosque there is a small arched area where the imam used to stand, and above it, hand-carved floral designs are still clearly visible today.

Quick facts: Over 500 artifacts excavated from 5,000-year-old tombs are displayed here, including copper arrowheads and jewelry. The museum has three main galleries dedicated to archaeology, local culture, and geology, where you will also see a 2,000-year-old crocodile skull.

Highlights: One room contains a complete 2,000-year-old crocodile skeleton, evidence that crocodiles lived here when the area was marshy. A giant bronze cannon sitting on the museum roof, looted from 16th century Portuguese ships, will make you stop and stare.

Quick facts: The water here is so calm that it is considered the safest beach in Fujairah for swimming. The impact of the waves coming from the Indian Ocean is low here, which keeps the water clean and blue all year round.

Highlights: Under the water here, more than 200 types of colorful fish and coral reefs can be seen, which is nothing less than paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Looking towards the west, the peaks of the Hajar mountain range appear to meet the sea directly, presenting a unique sight.

Quick facts: This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to over 100 species of birds and the rare Arabian leopard. The waterfall here cascades from a height of 50 meters and flows year-round, creating a spectacular sight amidst the desert.

Highlights: The water in the natural pools hidden among the rocks here is so clear that you can count the grains of sand at a depth of 10 meters. On a winter morning, when the fog covers these hills, the entire valley turns into a magical lush green paradise.

Quick facts: Its 3.5-kilometer-long coastline gives Fujairah city a distinct identity. Over 10,000 people come here on weekends to enjoy the sunset and cool breeze.

Highlights: In the evening when the lights come on, sitting in the shade of more than 40 palm trees along the walkway and listening to the sound of the sea waves is a wonderful experience. From here, the peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the view up to the Oman border can be seen together, which is not found anywhere else in the entire United Arab Emirates.

Quick facts: Located in Fujairah, this mosque is the only one in the UAE that does not use only white marble; instead, it features a unique blend of brown and cream colored stones. Its four minarets are 100 meters tall, and over 28,000 people can pray here at one time.

Highlights: The most unique thing here is that the inner part of the mosque's dome has hand-carved designs of flowers and vines that are not perfectly symmetrical, but deliberately left uneven. At night, when the light falls on these carvings, the entire dome appears like a starry sky.

Quick facts: Located a short distance from the coast of Fujairah, this rocky islet is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. Over 100 different kinds of colorful fish and marine life are found here, making it an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling.

Highlights: The special thing here is that this rock is part of a protected marine park, where turtles, eagle rays, and even occasional whale sharks can be seen. This colorful underwater world, with bright corals and schools of fish swimming among them, feels like a living painting.