Other Name: Fort City, District: NA, State: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates Area: 1150 km2 Languages Spoken: Arabic and English Long Distance Code: +971 70 Importance: Local industry consists of cement, stone crushing and mining. Best Time to Visit: October to December and February International Access: Connected to all cities of UAE.
Description
The Emirate of Fujairah covers 1,150 km2 (440 sq mi), or about 1.5% of the area of the U.A.E. Its population is around 130,000 inhabitants. Only the Emirate of Umm al-Quwain has fewer occupants.
Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous. All the other Emirates, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located on the west coast, and are largely covered by desert. Therefore, Fujairah boasts a higher than average yearly rainfall, allowing farmers in the region to produce one meaningful crop every year.
Location
....Emirate of Fujairah lies on the eastern part of the arabian peninsula, bordered from the east by Omani coast, from the west by emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, from the south Kalba and it faces Omani coast.
Located near the foothills of mighty Hajjar Mountains, Al Madhab gardens is more than just a mineral spa. It is a great outdoor park area complete with the ruins of Fujairah Fort and an outdoor theatre by the name of Heritage Village. This heritage village is used for various festival performances such as traditional singing performances, or folklore daces that are organized on public holidays of Fujairah when the visitors are highest in number. There are special mineral water springs with the warm sulfuric water directed into two pools- one for men and another for women.
Also going by the local name of Al Bidyah mosque, Ottoman Mosque also enjoys the distinction of being the oldest mosque of UAE. Named after the historical town that embraced it for centuries, the mosque has several engineering and architectural features that are a major accomplishment for the era during which it was built. The name Ottoman Mosque was given after the person who built this. As you enter this historical mosque, you will be enchanted by the peacefulness of the decorated prayer hall along with the arches, pulpit, openings and prayer niches. The decorations combine the stone carvings and light openings to illustrate the special shelves designed to hold the Holy Quran. Even as you get out of the mosque, there is the historical town of Al Bidyah waiting for your exploration. Excavations have revealed that the place was inhabited even over 4000 years ago. Fragments of life recovered during the excavations include pottery, metal arrowheads, bones and other artifacts along with a large Islamic graveyard having tombs dating back to the Iron Age. So, get up close and personal with history right here at the oldest mosque of the nation.
Though the sport of bull butting originally started in Portugal, the game came to UAE in its full glory when the Portugese colonized the region. The sport started between the 16th and the 17th century and evolved into a family event in the emirate of Fujairah. It all happens on Friday when the tourists as well as local families all gather around an open field to watch the fierce bulls battle it out. Starting with 20 bulls, there are various rounds that take place, winners of each round then going forward in the championship. The ultimate prize is that of pride for the owner and increase in its total value. Today, Bull butting has become an attraction in itself in Fujairah. Today, there is a proper fence constructed for the safety of the public and the bulls are all tied up always attended by their attendants. However, this has hardly lessened the appeal of the sport. Do enjoy an evening of Bull fighting when you visit this beautiful emirate city.
Built in 1670, Fujairah fort is considered to be the oldest fort of UAE. Though the place was badly damaged by the British attack in the early 20th century, it has stood as a defensive building for over many years and has also been home to the ruling family once. History lives within the walls of this mud brick structure that has been divided into three sections namely the square tower, several halls and the two round corners. Though the structure was damaged in the attack, it was later renovated and restored to its former beauty and glory. In fact, for many centuries now, the fort is the only stone building standing on the coast of Fujairah. There are also some old town houses remains surrounding the fort in addition to the date gardens on the edge of which the fort is located.
Located to the south of the Fujairah Fort, Fujairah Museum stands right opposite the Ruler’s Palace. You can take a look at artifacts uncovered from the archaeological sites of Qidfa and Bithnah dating back to almost 3000 years of UAE history. There are even those items that were uncovered by various local as well as international archaeologists belonging to the 4500 year old Bronze Age. These exhibits include various lifestyle pieces made of gold, silver, brass, steel and bronze in addition to the beautifully carved soapstone vessels, age weapons, painted potteries, swords of various sizes and designs, pre Islamic coins and jewelry collection. One of the latest interesting exhibits that has added sheen to the museum’s collection is the herbs and folklore medicine exhibits. One thing that you should absolutely not miss is the 2200 year old ostrich egg used by the local ancestors as a bowl.
Depicting the traditional way of life of the locals, Heritage Village gives us an insight into the regular day to day life of the Emirati people. These include their houses, farming tools, cooking utensils as well as the Al Yazrah irrigation system that is used by the locals to irrigate their fields. The exhibits displayed in the Village also include the Fujairah Fortress as well as other historical buildings that were used by the Rulers family as a residence. In addition to all these, there is also a theatre constructed by the Department of Archeology and Heritage that can house up to 3000 people at one time. In order to maintain the authenticity of the same, the building material used for the same is similar to that of the Fujairah Fortress. So, take a step back in time and take a look at how some of the previous residents lived their life in the region.
Located on the edge of the majestic Hajar Mountains, Masafi Village was a trading post and refueling post for the camel trains and 4X4 vehicles that plied on the route long before the modern highways were constructed. Divided in two parts, the bigger part of the village belongs to Ras Al Khaimah while the smaller one is in Fujairah. History indicates that the dispute arose due to a disputed unfinished building straddling the border that was later taken over by the federal government to avoid any further conflict. ‘Masafi’ literally means water. With natural mineral water springs, the place is a heaven for those who love water. You can have great bargains in the Friday market that is open every day and offers great deals on souvenirs, earthenware, antiques and rugs.