Fujairah is the only emirate that sits entirely on the UAE’s East Coast, between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. It moves at a different pace from the cities on the other side of the mountains, which is exactly why so many people drive over for the weekend.
Here is a simple, unhurried plan. Swap pieces in and out as you like.
[CHECK OPENING TIMES AND ACCESS FOR EACH PLACE BEFORE PUBLISHING; THEY CHANGE SEASONALLY.]Day one: arrive, explore, unwind
Morning: the drive over. From Dubai or Sharjah, the road climbs into the Hajar Mountains before dropping down to the coast. Stop at the roadside fruit and pottery stalls of the Masafi Friday Market area if you pass that way.
Late morning: Fujairah Fort. One of the oldest forts in the UAE, the restored fort sits among date palms on the edge of the city, with the mountains behind. It is a short visit and a good introduction to the emirate’s history.
Lunch and a walk on the corniche. The Fujairah corniche runs along the sea, with views of the ships waiting offshore. Early afternoon is quiet and bright.
Afternoon: the spa. This is the moment to slow right down. After a morning of driving, a full body massage or Kerala Ayurvedic massage takes the road out of your shoulders. Olive Spa is on the 1st Floor of V Hotel Fujairah, on Al Fassel Rd.
Evening: an easy dinner. Nothing ambitious. You will sleep well.
Day two: north along the coast
Early morning: Al Bidyah Mosque. About 40 minutes north of the city, this small, whitewashed mosque is considered the oldest in the UAE. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times; dress modestly.
Mid-morning: sea or mountains. Two good options:
- Snorkelling near Snoopy Island, off Dibba, where the water is clear and calm on good days. Several local operators run boat trips and equipment hire.
- A wadi walk in the mountains. Wadi Wurayah, the UAE’s first mountain protected area, is known for its waterfalls and wildlife. Check access rules before you go.
Afternoon: a Moroccan bath. Sun, salt water and dusty trails leave skin tired. A Moroccan bath of steam, black soap and a kessa scrub is the perfect reset before the drive home. (If you are sunburnt, choose a gentle massage instead.)
If you have a third day
- Visit the Ain Al Madhab gardens, known for their mineral springs.
- Take a morning kayak along the coast.
- Book a couples massage and do absolutely nothing else.
Practical tips
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Visit November to March for outdoor plans | Cooler, better for hiking and the beach |
| Start early in summer | Heat and humidity build by late morning |
| Book spa treatments ahead | Weekend afternoons fill quickly |
| Pack modest clothing | For mosque visits and the old town |
| Carry water on wadi walks | Shade is limited |
End where you started: slowly
Whatever you fit in, leave space for doing nothing. That is the point of a weekend in Fujairah.
Massages at Olive Spa start from AED 120 for 60 minutes. Find us on the 1st Floor of V Hotel Fujairah, Al Fassel Rd. Book online, call +971 54 594 0701 or +971 50 271 8276 or message WhatsApp (+971 50 271 8276).
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