The only emirate on the east coast of the UAE, where the Hajar mountains fall into the Indian Ocean. A coast of forts and mosques, coral bays and mountain wadis — the quiet, considered side of Arabia.
While the rest of the Emirates turn west toward the Gulf, Fujairah faces east — toward the Indian Ocean and the rising sun. Crossed by a single dramatic highway through the Hajar range, the emirate is a study in contrast: ancient mud-brick forts and a modern white mosque; bare mountain rock and freshwater wadis; quiet fishing villages and one of the UAE's busiest cargo ports. It is the most untouched of the emirates, and the most rewarding for a traveller who lingers.
The oldest fort in the UAE, raised from mud-brick and stone in the 16th century above the old date-palm oasis. It guarded the coast against raiders and still watches over the city today — a quiet monument to the emirate's endurance, mirrored still in the courtyard pool below.
A serene white landmark of domes and twin minarets, the emirate's largest house of worship. Walk the marble courtyards at golden hour, when the desert light softens against the columns and the turquoise reflecting pool doubles the building in the water.
The oldest extant mosque in the United Arab Emirates — a modest domed prayer room built of stone and mud mortar nearly 600 years ago. A place of stillness older than the nation itself, set against the folds of the Hajar mountains.
Beyond the coast, the mountains rise sharply — Arabia's only true range. Drive the switchbacks to Wadi Wurayah, a protected freshwater oasis of seasonal waterfalls, rock pools, and rare Arabian wildlife, the first UAE site named under the Ramsar convention.
A crescent of golden sand framed by the mountain wall behind, opening onto the east coast's clearest water. Snorkel and dive the coral gardens around Snoopy Island, paddle the sheltered bay at Dibba, or simply sit as the sun sets behind the Hajar range — the east coast's signature horizon.
His Highness the Ruler of Fujairah
His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi
Since becoming Ruler in 1976, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi has guided Fujairah with a single conviction: that the emirate's strength lies in what it has kept — its coastline, its mountains, and its heritage — not in what it has copied from the cities of the west coast.
His vision positions Fujairah as the UAE's gateway to the east: a global logistics and energy hub at the Indian Ocean, balanced by careful investment in tourism, heritage preservation, and sustainable development. The Fujairah Master 2040 plan reflects this — protecting the Hajar mountains and coastal ecosystems while building a diversified economy that does not depend on a single resource.
For the traveller, that vision means a coast that remains authentic — forts restored, not replaced; wadis protected, not paved over; a white mosque that welcomes all. To experience Fujairah is to see a ruler's patience made visible in stone and sea.
For any travel or concierge enquiry to experience Fujairah on your next visit — a driver to the fort, a dive guide at Snoopy Island, a table by the sea at Khor Fakkan, or simply a quiet afternoon planned for you — all concierge is handled by Beyond Borders, our trusted travel partner. Tell us what you would like to see and Beyond Borders will arrange it directly, with the same restraint and care that defines the lounge.
