Fujairah may be just a one-hour drive from Dubai (or two hours if you’re travelling from Abu Dhabi) but the dramatic landscape of this east coast gem makes it feel like a different world. The journey itself takes you through the spectacular Hajar Mountains before arriving at this picturesque location along the Gulf of Oman.

Outdoor pursuits
Fujairah is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for an active holiday that makes the most of the great outdoors. The areas that lie on the border between Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, such as Wadi Sidr, Wadi Tayyibah and Wadi Asimaf, are particularly well-suited for hiking and mountain biking weekends away.

Dhow cruise
One of the quintessential travel experiences when you’re visiting Fujairah is to go to Dibba for a dhow cruise. Plenty of companies organise journeys in these traditional boats, with trips designed to take in the dramatic coastline on the way to Musandam, an enclave of nearby Oman. Your itinerary could include anything from scuba diving and snorkelling to simply sunbathing on the deck.

Snoopy Island
Snoopy Island, so named because of its resemblance to the beloved comic book dog, is a popular snorkelling spot in Fujairah located about 100m off the shore of Sandy Beach Hotel in Al Aqah. The hotel’s beach is a pleasant place to sunbathe, and the island is just a short swim away, although you can rent a kayak to get there, as well as snorkelling equipment. For the best visibility, aim for an early morning snorkel; expect to be rewarded by an abundance of sea life including turtles and rays.  

Culture & heritage
Located just outside Fujairah city, the Fujairah Heritage Village is home to a collection of fishing boats, traditional dhows and tools depicting what life was like in the UAE before the discovery of oil. There are two springfed swimming pools for men and women. It’s also worth paying a visit to the nearby Fujairah Museum (although it is closed on Saturdays).