Travel time
2 hours 30 minutes
Hot hotel deals
Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa: Lucky for guests, this resort, with its azure ocean waters, is celebrating its third birthday. For this, it’s offering guests up to 25 per cent off twin-sharing standard rooms, in addition to a buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner at Breeze restaurant, 30 per cent off Spa Zen treatments and free use of non-motorised watersports. Offer only available on weekdays before August 31.
09 244 9700; www.jalfujairahresort.ae
Hilton Fujairah: The name ‘Hilton’ gives you a clue what it’s like: a five-star retreat with a private beach, landscaped gardens and rooms with scenic views. Booking before July 15 for dates before September 6 will save you 25 per cent off normal rates.
09 222 2411; www.hiltonworldresorts.com
Le Méridien Al Aqah: Nestled between the majestic Hajar Mountains and the Indian Ocean waters, this resort (circle pic)will enhance your trip with its snorkelling, watersports and deep sea fishing experiences. Going for the pre-paid option will help you save a considerable amount (up to 20 per cent for a classic room).
09 244 9000; www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Golden Tulip Resort: Although 60km away from Fujairah city centre, a resort in the heart of the popular settlement of Dibba is not to be missed. With mountains, small villages, sandy beaches and watersports surrounding it, you may want to stay for more than three days – which is convenient, as the fourth night is complimentary.
+968 268 36654; www.goldentulipdibba.com
Five must dos
1 Get in the water!: Beginners can snorkel at the shallow Snoopy Island and the more ambitious can check out Al Boom Diving for one-to-one scuba classes.
04 342 2993; www.alboomdiving.com
2 Bidya Mosque: The smallest and oldest mosque in the country – built in 1446, it predates the Portuguese invasion by more than 50 years.
Coastal Road, between Dibba and Khor Fakkan
3 Bull butting: This unusual ‘sport’ involves two bulky Brahmas butting each other into submission. Go on a Friday – it draws quite a crowd.
Next to Café Maria, Corniche Road
4 Masafi’s Friday Market: With colourful, exotic fruits, Pakistani rugs and other interesting wares, Masafi’s Friday Market is a good way to spend an hour or two. Contrary to the name, it’s actually open every day.
Al Dhaid Road, Masafi, close to Masafi Roundabout
5 Fujairah Fort and Museum: Find Islamic bronze coins, rock art, tools and Bedouin jewellery at this slightly grungy museum. The 1670 fort sits atop a nearby hill.
Al Gurfa Street and Al Nakheel Road (09 222 9085). Admission Dhs5
