Fujairah has a wealth of both history and beauty spots, and over the past 25 years, it has become one of my favourite places in the UAE to explore. From old forts and heritage villages to striking natural landscapes, this emirate offers something special for history buffs, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
From peaceful mountain retreats and busy markets to mosques, museums, and dramatic landscapes, Fujairah has plenty to offer. Whether I’m discovering new trails or revisiting my favourite spots, Fujairah never fails to surprise me!
Here’s my guide to the best places to visit, with a mix of popular attractions and hidden gems, perfect for your next adventure.
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⏳ Short on time?: My top recommendations for your trip to Fujairah include:
🕌 Fujairah Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
⛰️ Fujairah Adventure Park
🏰 Fujairah Fort and Heritage Village
🚙 Sightseeing trip to Fujairah from Dubai
Best Places to Visit in Fujairah
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Fujairah is an exquisite landmark in the city and the second-largest mosque in the UAE. Inspired by Ottoman design, it’s hard to miss with its six towering minarets and intricate domes.
The mosque’s impressive architecture, water features and grand scale make it worth a visit and it is open to non-Muslim visitors every morning except Friday. A free guided tour is available.
I’ve visited several times and usually come away having learned something new and always with a sense of peace. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the best places to visit in Fujairah for free, so don’t miss it!
Umbrella Beach
Umbrella Beach in Fujairah is a lively seafront destination that combines relaxation, fun, eating out and art. The dark sandy beach is lined with restaurants, coffee shops and food trucks, as well as grassy areas, Padel courts, play areas and a jogging track. There are also toilets and showers for beachgoers.
This Fujairah attraction is a great spot for families and friends to relax by the sea and the murals depicting Emirati cultural scenes add to its charm. The lights, fountains and decor create a fun atmosphere after dark, making it one of the best places to visit in Fujairah at night and a great location for photo ops.
One of our favourite stops here is the Rumailah Farm café, where we love their delicious ice cream made from the milk of their herd of Jersey cows. Sitting by the sea with a scoop of this delicious treat is one of many great ways to enjoy Fujairah Umbrella Beach.
Al Bidiya Old Mosque and Watchtowers
Al Bidya Mosque is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Fujairah. Located on the Fujairah coast above Khorfakkan, it is the oldest mosque that is still in use in the UAE and is believed to be between 300 and 500 years old. Built from stones and mud bricks, the mosque has four domes of different sizes.
On the hill above the mosque are the watchtowers with lovely, panoramic views of the surrounding area, including mountains, farms and the sea. If you like hiking, the Bidya Hiking Trail is a short and easy trail that is suitable for families.
Fujairah Adventure Park
Fujairah Adventure Park is a favourite with sports and outdoor lovers in the east. It offers hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, archery and more in a scenic setting of mountains and water. I
For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the park has a designated camping area complete with barbecue and bonfire facilities. So, whether you want an adrenaline-pumping adventure or just a relaxing escape in nature, Fujairah Adventure Park is the place to go.
The park has 20 kilometres of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, 15 kilometres of mountain biking trails, and an asphalt pump track. You can also do wall climbing, kayaking, archery, axe-throwing, and the latest addition, a giant swing!
Al Hayl Fort and Square
Al Hayl Fort and Square is different from other forts in Fujairah as it is higher up the mountains. The 100-year-old fort was the home to Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Sharqi, the ruler of Fujairah from 1876.
Al Hayl Castle is open for visitors to explore free of charge but the caretaker may take you on a tour and explain the uses of the different rooms, which includes bedrooms, sitting rooms, a date press and even a shop.
A watchtower stands up on a hill behind and all around the fort are the houses that made up the old village. The scenery is gorgeous and you can take a walk in the wadi after you finish at the fort.
Fujairah Beaches
Fujairah has a long coastline and although many beaches belong to hotels, there are still lots of great beaches to visit. Fujairah Beach near the city has a darkish sand and the sand tends to get lighter the further north you go.
Al Aqah Beach Fujairah, or the Family Beach, is very popular and Sambraid Beach in Dibba is small but is quiet and has great views over the sea and mountains. There’s also a play park with lawns and benches next to it and Hamour Restaurant, one of our favourites if you prefer to order food than take a picnic. For a beach with facilities, see Umbrella Beach above.
Governor’s Palace, Masafi
The Governor’s Palace in Masafi gives an interesting glimpse into Fujairah’s past, where you can wander through the rooms and courtyards that were once home to the region’s rulers. Though now abandoned, the palace has been restored and maintains an air of its former grandeur, with traditional architecture and landscaped gardens against the rugged backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.
Exploring the palace in very tranquil surroundings feels like stepping back in time and the atmospheric experience brings local history to life. Add it to your list of places to visit for free in Fujairah.
Masafi Fort
Masafi Fort is a hidden gem between the Hajar Mountains. About half an hour inland from Fujairah town, the fort was built to protect vital trade routes. The thick stone walls were impenetrable to attackers even if they’d managed to sneak past the guards up in the watchtowers.
Go up to the upper level, and you’ll get a lovely view of the mountains and surrounding farms and feel the tranquillity of the peaceful setting, even though it’s now a well-populated town.
Visit just before sunset for the best photos. A trip here goes perfectly with a visit to the nearby Governor’s Palace and the Friday Market.
Al Aqah Heritage Village and Classic Car Museum
At Al Aqah Heritage Village in Dibba Al Fujairah, you can learn about Emirati heritage and the way of life in the past. This popular Fujairah tourist destination also has a a Classic Car Museum housing a private collection.
After browsing the museums, you can eat or drink at one of the cafes in the village and enjoy the view. A hike starts nearby Fujairah car museum if you’re up for that. You have to climb up the mountainside but it’ll be worth it for the view.
Al Bithna Fort and Hiking Trail
Al Bithna Fort between Masafi and Fujairah city is a fascinating stop for history lovers. This 300-year-old fort once protected vital inland routes. Be sure to go inside and see the thick walls, the cone-shaped tower, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and farms.
There’s also a short nature trail and a longer hiking trail nearby if you want to explore further. Both start at the nearby Bithnah Watchtower and loop back to the fort. The hike takes you up the hillside, giving you an even better view.
Al Bithna Fort is open daily and free to enter, but a small tip for the caretaker who lets you in and shows you around never goes amiss.
Friday Market, Masafi
Fujairah Friday Market is on the road between Fujairah and Al Dhaid, the one everyone used to take before the Dubai-Fujairah highway was built. This large open market is actually open daily, despite its name, from early morning until late at night.
You’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh produce and pottery to Persian carpets, plants, and traditional handicrafts. The lively atmosphere, with traders haggling loudly and a variety of colourful traditional goods on display, makes it a fun stop on any road trip.
It’s a great spot to browse for gifts to take home or to take a break and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some grilled corn and fresh coconut water.
Fujairah Fort and Heritage Village
Fujairah Fort, built on a low rock overlooking the city, is one of the oldest and largest forts in the UAE and has undergone numerous attacks and withstood natural elements over the years, leading to its more recent restoration.
Fujairah Fort is free to enter and is a great spot to explore the region’s heritage and enjoy views of the mountains, the city and local farms. Explore inside, climb stairs and go up to the roof. Next, take a wander round Fujairah Heritage Village nearby.
Fujairah Museum
Fujairah Museum takes you on a journey through the emirate’s rich history and culture. A couple of minute’s drive from Fujairah Fort, the museum displays artefacts dating back to the early Bronze Age, including pottery, weaponry and traditional clothing.
The interior decor of the museum is interesting, with ornate ceilings and chandeliers and, in its own way, reflects a part of more recent Emirati tradition.
Fujairah Museum is open daily, with morning and evening hours, and charges a small entry fee.
Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum and Bait Al Mutawwa
Al Tayyibah Heritage Museum, tucked away in a small village near Masafi, offers an excellent insight into traditional Emirati life, past and present. The old house is filled with everyday items and artefacts used by locals, giving visitors a feel for the simpler lifestyle of the past. In the gardens are scaled houses and more artefacts.
Within easy walking distance, you’ll find Bait Al Mutawwa, the former home of the local religious sheikh. Walk around the village to see more traditional places like Flag Fort and the old shop. With its traditional and peaceful feel, Al Tayyibah is a fabulous spot to explore while learning about the region’s heritage, making it one of the best places to visit in Fujairah with family for free.
Once you’re done, you can go for a hike in the area. Better still, book Al Qalaa Lodge for a stay in a traditional house, giving you more time to explore.
Wadi Al Ghuna
There are lots of great wadis in Fujairah and it’s hard to choose, but I like this one as it’s accessible by any car and always has water at least part of the way, making it a nice scenic spot. Of course, you can do the whole trail if you want, but it’s nice just to do the first part to get an idea of Fujairah’s natural beauty while on your Fujairah day trip.
For more details on hiking routes across the UAE, check out my blog post, Hiking in the UAE.
Awhala Fort
Awhala Fort, in the southern region of Fujairah, is one of my favourite forts in Fujairah. The historic building has foundations and parts of the structure that date back to the Iron Age. Its position on a hilltop was once of strategic importance with views over the surrounding area, allowing sight of any enemies approaching. Stand there for a moment and imagine how it may have been as a guard catching sight of someone!
The fort has been restored to its original mudbrick structure and has a central watchtower and walls reflecting traditional Emirati defensive architecture. You can go right to the top of the tower. Be sure to explore the grounds outside too.
How to get to Fujairah
The best way to get to Fujairah city is by car and if you want to explore the emirate rather than just the city, you’ll need a car (or a motorbike/bike.) You could take the intercity bus there and then take taxis to areas close to the city and some places will be on local bus routes or even on some intercity routes, like Masafi.
The E700 bus to Fujairah from Dubai leaves several times a day and the Sharjah-Fujairah bus also goes multiple times a day. Route 116 leaves from Al Jubail Terminal and stops at Sharjah International Airport.
If you don’t have a car, the best way to do a Fujairah sightseeing tour will be by booking a day tour to Fujairah from Dubai.
If you’re driving yourself, the fastest route is the new Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E84) but the more interesting route is the old one going through Al Dhaid, Thawban, Daftah, Masafi and Bithna. This is the E88.
Wrap-up on the Best Places to visit in Fujairah
Fujairah is a unique destination in the UAE, with a mix of history, adventure and natural beauty with something for everyone. From exploring ancient forts and mosques to enjoying scuba diving, hiking, and deep-sea fishing, Fujairah has a wide range of activities that make it well worth a visit
Whether you’re looking to learn more about the local culture, take in stunning landscapes, or have a bit of an adventure, Fujairah’s attractions will make your trip a memorable one.
Plan your visit to make the most of the best places to visit in Fujairah, including its scenic coastlines, mountainous terrain, and rich heritage. My Google Map can help with planning a route and you can add in some of the Best Things to Do in Fujairah too. And if you’d like to have a holiday in Fujairah, check the map below for hotels, apartments, etc and see nearby points of interest.
I hope you enjoy Fujairah as much as I do!
If you liked this, you might also like Best Things to Do in Kalba or Best Things to Do in Ras Al Khaimah.
Other posts on Fujairah:
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