Countdown to UAE National Day: Fujairah

Breathe easy and explore the many wonders and hidden charms in picturesque Fujairah.

Take the Shaikh Khalifa Highway for a lazy Friday drive to Fujairah, the only emirate in the UAE with its entire coastline on the Gulf of Oman. If you wish to stray off the straight road, head to the narrow stretch to watch the desert slip into hilly terrain, where wadis flow, goats graze and camels roam. There’s a refreshing village-like air about the place which can be a life-changing experience for weary sojourners who wish to stay close to nature, taking in the green of the land and the warmth of its people. Fujairah is picturesque for shutterbugs who wish to explore its many wonders and hidden charms. There’s not much of a city here, but if you’re willing to trek for a slice of history and heritage, look no further.

The UAE's oldest mosque, Al Badiyah Mosque, is a must visit for the faithful and for the lonely traveller; Fujairah Fort is a sight to behold, there’s also the Heritage Village where you get to see some traditional houses and fishing boats that speak volumes of the emirate’s rich maritime culture.

Fujairah is coming into its own as a port whose proximity to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil flows from the Arabian Gulf, is vital for energy interests. It’s also a tourism destination for those seeking a dalliance with the verdant side. Quite simply, it’s like a breath of fresh air.

• UAE