Perched at the rugged foothills of the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is easily accessible by electric vehicle – and an ever-expanding charging network means more of us are hitting the road and heading for the UAE’s most tranquil beaches.
The only emirate on the east coast, Fujairah sits snugly between the looming rockface and a gleaming stretch of golden sands and enjoys a slower pace of life than its flashier neighbours.
Besides its bounty of natural treasures, the emirate harks back to a simpler time, blending Arabian culture and modern developments in a way that feels less polished than Dubai – and it’s in this rustic charm that the magic really lies.
How to get there: Electric Vehicle charging stations
The drive to Fujairah is around 121km in total and takes one hour and 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai, with each rolling dune feeling like a passage back through time.
As the skyscrapers shrink and the desert unfolds around you, sandy plains gradually give way to mountainous terrain with spacious roads cutting directly through the looming rockface. Take small bills and keep your eyes peeled for market traders selling fresh fruit by the roadside, though you may spit out your grapes at first glimpse of the Indian Ocean’s dazzling blue.
The best route from Dubai is from Ras Al Khor Road (E44) leading to Sharjah-Kalba Road (102) onto the Dubai-Fujairah Road (E84) and most electric vehicles should be able to complete the round trip in one charge.
If your battery starts to run low en route, the final charging point in the city is at Al Khawaneej, next to Roast Coffee Story. There are also several EV charging points in Fujairah including the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Novotel Fujairah Hotel and the Ministry of Interior Traffic and License Department.
Fujairah Fort has been lovingly restored and the surrounding area transformed into a heritage village.
What can I do in Fujairah?
Cultural tours, beach slothing and quality diving are all at your fingertips in Fujairah, and it’s not unusual to see turtles, rays and even sharks while getting your face wet at Snoopy Island.
Considered one of the UAE’s best diving spots, the rocky marine outcrop is situated around a hundred meters from the Sandy Beach Hotel at Al Aqah, where you can hire diving equipment or enlist the help of a private guide. The island itself is situated within a protected marine national park, with marine life flourishing as a result, while shipwrecks, coral reefs and year-round warm waters add to the allure.
The natural marvels continue inland and it’s worth taking a short detour to unveil one of the UAE’s most vibrant hidden gems. The UAE Flower Farm is tucked away in the heart of rural Fujairah, with its 50,000 flowers splashing a kaleidoscopic rainbow against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.
As you veer your electric vehicle off a dirt road in the dusty Asimah Valley, the farm gradually comes into view, greeting you with an explosion of scents and colours. The flowers are arranged into parallel rows, each boasting its unique shape, texture and shape, in a sight unlike anything else in this corner of the world.
Al-Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the United Arab Emirates.
What can I see in Fujairah?
The Fujairah Fort outdates the formation of the UAE by centuries and offers a rare glimpse into the proud and colourful history of the region. Badly damaged by British soldiers in the 20th century, it has since been restored to its former magnificence and the surrounding area transformed into a heritage village.
Covering 610 square metres and dating back to the 16th century, the fort is the oldest and biggest castle in the UAE and acts as a great vantage point for soaking up views of the city. Nearby, the Fujairah Museum and Al Hayl Castle are also worth a visit and offer a quaint insight into the area’s history.
For a more immersive Emirati experience, head to Al Bidya Mosque, a mud and stone structure believed to be the oldest mosque in the UAE. Located in a small fishing village, the mosque is thought to have been built in the 15th century and remains largely as it was back then, offering a unique trip down memory lane.
Where can I stay?
With its short range and excellent roads, Fujairah is a great option for a day trip, but if you want to enjoy the sleepy emirate for a little while longer, there are plenty of options for getting your head down.
A string of five-star hotels dominates the Al Aqah coastline, each spilling down onto the golden sands and offering plush facilities at a lesser price than their Dubai and Abu Dhabi equivalents.
InterContinental Fujairah Resort occupies an enviable stretch of shore, plus a sumptuous spa, an international restaurant and a fully stocked gym. The resort also organises hiking, diving and wellness packages and hosts an al fresco cinema for kids.
Neighbouring hotels include Address Beach Resort Fujairah, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa and Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort for prime lodgings at the heart of the action.
