Things to Do in Fujairah

Fujairah stands apart from the rest of the UAE. Where Dubai faces the Arabian Gulf, Fujairah faces the Indian Ocean — and that makes an immediate difference to the colour and clarity of the water. The emirate is compact, relatively quiet by UAE standards, and offers a combination of east coast beaches, mountain scenery, heritage sites, and serious diving that no other emirate can match.

Snoopy Island — Snorkelling and Diving

The signature experience in Fujairah. Snoopy Island is a small rocky outcrop just offshore from the Sandy Beach Hotel at Al Aqah, named for its resemblance to the cartoon character when viewed from certain angles. The water between the island and the shore is shallow and calm, with coral, reef fish, sea turtles, and occasional rays.

Snorkelling equipment can be rented from the Sandy Beach Hotel (approximately AED 30 for mask and fins). Swimming out to the island takes 10–15 minutes from the shore. The site requires no booking — simply arrive, rent gear if needed, and swim. PADI dive centres at the Le Méridien Al Aqah and Sandy Beach Hotel offer guided dives from approximately AED 200–250 per dive for certified divers; discover scuba courses run approximately AED 350–450 for non-certified guests.

Fujairah Fort

The oldest fort in the UAE, dating from the 16th century, sitting on a rocky outcrop above the old city. The fort has been restored and is now a heritage museum covering the emirate’s maritime and defensive history.

Entry approximately AED 10 for adults. Open Saturday–Thursday 8:00–17:00, Friday 14:00–17:00. The views from the fort walls across the surrounding date palm gardens and coastline are the highlight. Allow 45–60 minutes.

Al Badiyah Mosque

Located 30 km north of Fujairah city near the village of Al Badiyah, this is the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE, believed to date from around 1446. The structure uses four domes of different sizes over a small, simply decorated interior. Entry to the grounds is free; the mosque itself may have restricted access during prayer times.

The surrounding area is photogenic — date palms, mud-brick heritage houses, and the Hajar Mountains in the background. Worth combining with a drive along the coastal road to Dibba.

Wadi Wurayah — Waterfall and Swimming

A protected mountain gorge approximately 25 km northwest of Fujairah city. The main draw is a seasonal waterfall and natural pools suitable for swimming. Access requires a 4WD vehicle for the final section; the terrain is rough.

The pools are best visited after winter rains (November through March) when water levels are high. No entry fee for the wadi itself. Bring your own water and sun protection — facilities are minimal. Avoid during summer when water levels are low and temperatures are extreme.

The Al Aqah Coastline

The beach at Al Aqah is the best easily accessible beach in the emirate. The three major resort hotels (Le Méridien, InterContinental, Rotana) all have beach access for guests. Non-guests can access the beach in front of the Sandy Beach Hotel for a day fee (approximately AED 50–80, redeemable against food and drink).

The beach faces north and east, and the water here is noticeably cleaner and clearer than the Arabian Gulf side of the UAE. Calm conditions make it suitable for families. The best visibility for snorkelling tends to be in the mornings before wind picks up.

Fujairah Heritage Village

An open-air reconstruction of traditional Fujairah life at the base of the fort hill. The site includes restored wind towers, a traditional falaj water channel, and period artefacts. Modest in scale but useful context for the fort visit.

Entry approximately AED 5. Open Saturday–Thursday 8:00–17:00. Better for visitors with a particular interest in Emirati heritage; non-specialists may find the fort more engaging.

Ain Al Madhab Gardens — Hot Springs

A small garden and resort complex with natural sulphur hot springs, approximately 10 km west of Fujairah city. The springs emerge at around 32–35°C and feed into a pool used primarily by local families.

Entry approximately AED 20. Open daily 8:00–20:00. Not a polished spa experience — the facilities are basic — but genuinely unusual for the UAE and worth a brief stop if you are in the area.

Dibba and the North Coast

The road north from Al Aqah to Dibba Al Hisn passes some of the finest coastal scenery in the country: the Hajar Mountains drop steeply to the sea, with fishing villages, rocky coves, and small beaches visible from the road. The drive takes approximately 35–40 minutes from Al Aqah.

Dibba is a three-way divided town — Dibba Al Hisn (UAE/Fujairah), Dibba Al Fujairah, and Dibba Bayah (Oman). The dive sites in the northern Fujairah waters — including Martini Rock and the Inchcape wrecks — are among the best in the UAE. Several dive operators in Dibba organise day trips.

Getting There and Around

By car from Dubai: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the E611 or E102 through the mountains. No public transport runs directly from Dubai to Al Aqah — car hire in the UAE or a group transfer is necessary for beach access.

Within Fujairah emirate, distances are manageable. Fujairah city to Al Aqah: 25 km, approximately 25 minutes. Fujairah city to Dibba: 60 km, approximately 50 minutes.

For more on the emirate, see our full Fujairah guide.

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GetYourGuide lists Fujairah day tours and east coast excursions from Dubai with live availability.

See Also

• Fujairah hotels guide
• Diving and snorkelling in Fujairah
• Ras Al Khaimah vs Fujairah: which to visit
• Day trips from Dubai
• UAE road trip — all seven emirates
• 1 week UAE itinerary