03Cities and regions

The east coast

Fujairah

Fujairah is the only emirate capital on the east coast, at the foot of the Hajar Mountains on the Gulf of Oman, part of the Indian Ocean. The scenery here differs from the west: rugged brown mountains drop almost to the sea, with sandy beaches and fishing villages. About 40 kilometres north of the city stands Al Bidya Mosque, thought to have been built in 1446, with four small domes and walls of stone and mud brick coated in whitewashed plaster; it is among the oldest surviving buildings in the country. In the city, the restored Fujairah Fort is open to visitors. In the mountains, Wadi Wurayah became a protected area in 2009, a Ramsar wetland in 2010 and a World Heritage site in 2026. The valley has a waterfall among the Hajar peaks, more than 300 plant species, and the endangered Arabian tahr. Give the coast a full day and combine the mosque, the fort and a beach for swimming, and pack sun protection even in winter.

About 1446

Al Bidya Mosque built

2026

Wurayah World Heritage

About 119,000

City population