Fujairah is the fifth largest emirate, and one of the seven emirates that constitute the UAE. It is the only emirate located on the Gulf of Oman in the eastern end of the country, instead of the Persian Gulf. Fujairah is totally mountainous, while all other emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai are located along the west coast, and are mostly covered by desert. The emirate of Fujairah is nearly 1450 sq kms by area, constituting 1.4percent of the area of UAE.
Economy of Fujairah
Fujairah's economy is based on subsidies, while the federal government grants are issued by the Abu Dhabi government. Among the local industries that boost the Fujairah economy are from cement, mining, and stone crushing. Among the other major contributors are, the free trade zone, similar to Dubai Free zone Authority, established around Jebel Ali Port.
Population of Fujairah
The population in Fujairah was 176,825 in 2010 as published in the Statistical Yearbook 2010. This figure, is however, expected to grow to 210,000 - 220,000 towards the year 2016, as per predictions from the Statistics Centre in Fujairah.
Major attractions in Fujairah
Tourist attractions are plenty in Fujairah. The best time to visit Fujairah is during the autumn or spring when the temperature is still hot, but rains are yet to arrive.
There are several tourist attractions in Fujairah. The Fujairah Port is an important port for container liners, and houses the main holding station for world’s largest livestock shipping companies. The clean beaches and other water sports including swimming, water surfing, yachting, deep sea fishing, all attract tourists throughout the year. Fujairah also portrays the glorious past of the UAE in its several museums that are quite popular and frequented by travellers. Fujairah Fort, the Heritage Village, Ain Al Madhab Gardens, Al Hayl Castle and Bitnah Fort are other major attractions in Fujairah.
Fujairah Heritage Village
Located in proximity to Ain Al Madhab Gardens, the Fujairah Heritage Village is a living museum depicting the lifestyles of traditional inhabitants of the UAE. There are displays of traditional farming methods, tools, housing, and cooking utensils, depicting the traditional lifestyle of residents. The Heritage Village also includes the Fujairah Fortress and other ancient buildings used by the Ruler’s family.
Ain Al Madhab Gardens
Located at the foothills of Hajar Mountains, outside the town of Fujairah, the Garden is more than just a mineral spa. These lush gardens are fed with freshwater springs. They also include natural warm pools and an outdoor theatre, used during festivals for traditional singing and folklore dances.
Ottoman Mosque
The Al Bidyah Mosque, also known as Ottoman Mosque, is located in North Fujairah, and is one of the oldest mosques in the UAE. For centuries, the Mosque was known after the historical town of Al Bidyah. It is also known as Ottoman Mosque, after the name of the man who built it. The Mosque has a prayer hall with a prayer niche, pulpit, arches and openings. A huge central pillar separates the internal space in four squares of similar dimensions, while the pillar supports all four domes seen from the exterior.
Fujairah Fort
Built in 1670, the Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest forts in the UAE. Located along a hill at the edge of date gardens, the Fort has been a defensive building and home for ruling family. The fort, which was badly damaged during the early 20th century, was later renovated, and is currently the only stone building along the Fujairah coast. It is surrounded by remains of few old town houses.
Fujairah Museum
The Fujairah Museum is located south of the Fort, opposite Ruler’s Palace. The Museum displays items that dates back to Bronze Age, displaying wonderful artefacts found in archeological digs at Bithnah and Oidfa. The Museum displays pieces of steel, brass, silver, bronze and gold, apart from carved soapstone vessels, painted pottery, Pre-Islamic silver coins, swords of various shapes and sizes, beautiful silver jewellery collection, herbs and folkloric medicine.
Al Hayl Castle
It is one of the famous castles in Fujairah, and is considered the Headquarters for ruling family. The Historic castle was established more than 250 years ago, and has been used for surveillance, patrolling and to defend the area.
Wadis
Wadis (meaning oasis in Arabic) are riverbeds containing water following heavy rain. Fujairah is renowned for its Wadis, given, the geological topography of the area. There are the Wadi Saham, Wadi Siji, Wadi bashing, and several such wadis here. Wadi Ham is the largest and longest from Masafi area. Wadi Al Wurayah is also a major tourist attraction in northern Fujairah. It is the first protected mountain area in the emirate. The scenic area also includes waterfalls.
Al Fujairah Paradise
The USD817mn resort is located in Fujairah, near the Oman border and adjacent to the Le Meridian Al Aqah Beach Resort. This major project is another milestone in the real estate industry of UAE, and comprises 1000 five-star villas, a hotel, and a shopping mall. This is the first major community project in Fujairah and is a major boost for Fujairah tourism.