Fujairah Travel Guide with Insider Travel Tips

Fujairah is a diverse Emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the Eastern coast. It’s about 1.5 hours from downtown Dubai and offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and off-the-beaten-path charm.

In this mini travel guide, I’ve highlighted my top recommendations for things to do in Fujairah, including the best restaurants, where to stay in Fujairah and the best activities here!

Here’s a glimpse of what Fujairah is like:

• Stunning coastline: Fujairah is renowned for its picturesque coastline, lined with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The beaches provide a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle of city life.

• Diving and snorkeling: The marine life around Fujairah is diverse and abundant. In fact, with its vibrant coral reefs, underwater caves, and the chance to encounter various species of fish, this is one of the best places to go diving and snorkeling in the UAE.

• Majestic mountains: Fujairah offers a unique contrast with the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. These rugged peaks provide breathtaking scenery, adventurous hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

• Rich history and traditional vibes: Fujairah boasts a history that dates back thousands of years and has a more traditional and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling metropolis of Dubai. The local culture and heritage are still very much preserved, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Emirati experiences.

Overall, Fujairah provides a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities. It’s a destination that appeals to those seeking both relaxation and exploration.

The Best Things to do in Fujairah

#1 Snoopy Island: An Unmissable UAE Destination

I highly recommend heading straight to Snoopy Island, which is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Fujairah.

This is a small rocky island named after its shape, which resembles the iconic cartoon character, Snoopy, lying on his back!

Snoopy Island is the perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts, beach lovers, and those seeking a peaceful getaway in the UAE.

As soon as we arrived, we put our snorkelling gear on and headed straight into the water, as Snoopy Island has a stunning coral reef that is home to a wide variety of awesome marine life, which makes it the true highlight of Fujairah.

If diving and snorkelling isn’t for you, there’s lots of other activities that might appeal on Snoopy Island, including kayaking and paddle-boarding.

But if that all sounds like too much, the beach here is pristine, which makes it the perfect place to chill out. There’s even a massage area on the beach to take advantage of. It’s truly the perfect weekend escape!

#2 Visit the Fujairah Fort

Another incredible attraction in Fujairah is the ancient Fujairah Fort, which is a sixteenth century fortress that played a pivotal role in safeguarding the region throughout history. It’s one of the most renowned and largest forts of its kind in the UAE and offers panoramic views of the city.

#3 Venture into the Hajar Mountains

If you’re up for a real UAE adventure, take a trip into the stunning Hajar Mountains that surround Fujairah. Here you can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and picturesque wadis (valleys).

Top recommendation: Wadi Siji, in particular, is known for its dramatic scenery and rugged landscapes. Hiking here allows you to truly experience the unique natural beauty of the area, including geological formations, rocky terrain, and flowing water channels.

#4 Marvel at Al-Bidyah Mosque

One of the most authentic things to do in Fujairah is paying a visit to the oldest mosque in the UAE, the Al-Bidyah Mosque. This architectural gem and UNESCO World Heritage site features a distinctive, well-preserved design and is a must-visit in Fujairah for history buffs.

#5 Adventure Opportunities

Apart from diving and hiking, Fujairah offers plenty of other adventure activities. You can try your hand at water sports like jet skiing or banana boating, go on a desert safari, or take a dhow cruise to explore the coastline!

Best Restaurants in Fujairah?

Fujairah offers a variety of amazing dining options, featuring both local and international cuisines.

Here are some of the top restaurants in Fujairah:

• Waves Seafood Restaurant: Located at the Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Waves Seafood Restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and stunning beachfront location. Here you can indulge in dishes like grilled lobster, shrimp curry, and sushi while enjoying panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

• Al Majlis Al Khaleeji: If you’re craving Middle Eastern flavours, Al Majlis is calling your name! It serves delicious Arabic and Lebanese dishes like hummus, shawarma, mixed grills, and a variety of mezze options.

• Gonu Bar & Grill: Situated at the picturesque Al Aqah Beach, Gonu Bar & Grill offers a relaxed beachfront dining experience, where you can feast on international cuisine while enjoying the gorgeous ocean view.

• Marina Restaurant: Located at the Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, this gorgeous restaurant offers a diverse buffet spread with international dishes, including live cooking stations and a wide range of options to satisfy different tastes.

Where to Stay in Fujairah?

Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort

We opted to stay at the legendary Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, as it has an epic infinity pool overlooking Snoopy Island.

Fun Fact: Sandy Beach Hotel was actually one of the first beach resorts in the UAE, and it really gives off retro Palm Spring vibes.

Note: If you’re not staying at the hotel, a day pass for use of the facilities is AED150 (adult) and AED100 (child) during weekends, and AED130 (adult) and AED80 (child) during the week. 

What we really liked about the hotel was that it offers something for everyone, including a diving centre for adventure seekers, a kid’s waterpark (SnoopySplash), and a stunning panoramic bar with a seafood restaurant, which is well worth heading to at sunset!

I genuinely felt completely refreshed after our weekend away here and can’t wait to head back there some day! So if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat in the UAE, and somewhere a little bit different, Snoopy Island is calling your name!

If Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort doesn’t float your boat, you can easily find other amazing hotel deals with Hotellook below:

How long should you spend in Fujairah?

If you are just heading to Snoopy Island, then two nights is the perfect amount of time to escape the city and enjoy everything the island has to offer.

However, if you plan on exploring other Fujairah landmarks, such as the Hajar Mountain wadis or Fujairah Fort, I recommend spending an extra few nights in this beautiful Emirate.

Conclusion

Overall, Fujairah is a must-visit destination in the UAE and is ideal if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable weekend retreat away from the crowds. With its stunning coral reef, mountainous scenery, and unique landmarks, Fujairah has got to be one of the most underrated places in the UAE. Head here ASAP before the secret is out!

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