Fujairah and the East Coast: A Travel Guide
Plan a trip to Fujairah and the UAE’s east coast: Snoopy Island snorkelling, Dibba, Al Bidya Mosque, forts, Khor Fakkan, wadis, beaches and getting there.
Key takeaways
- The east coast faces the Gulf of Oman, where mountains meet the sea, with coral reefs and quieter beaches.
- Top picks: snorkelling at Snoopy Island, Al Bidya Mosque, Fujairah Fort and the Khor Fakkan waterfront.
- Allow about two hours each way from Dubai, or stay a night or two in a beach resort.
On this page
Cross the Hajar Mountains from Dubai and you reach a different UAE: rocky headlands, fishing villages, date farms and clear water on the Gulf of Oman. Fujairah is the only emirate whose coast lies entirely on this side, and together with Sharjah’s east-coast towns of Khor Fakkan and Kalba it offers the country’s best snorkelling, old mosques and forts, and beaches that feel far from the city.
The east coast at a glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Snorkelling, diving, beaches, mountains and heritage |
| From Dubai | About two hours by road |
| Time needed | A long day trip, or one to three nights |
| Best months | October to April |
| Getting around | A car or a tour; public transport is limited |
Things to do on the east coast
Snorkel at Snoopy Island
This small rocky island off Al Aqah beach, named for its resemblance to the cartoon dog asleep on his kennel, is the UAE’s best-known snorkelling spot. Reef fish are plentiful, and turtles are sometimes seen. Hotels and dive centres along the beach rent gear and run trips; ask about currents and stay within marked areas.
Dive around Dibba
The coast from Dibba south has coral reefs, rocky pinnacles and wrecks, with sites such as Dibba Rock and Martini Rock popular with dive schools. Dhow cruises into the fjords of Oman’s Musandam peninsula also leave from the Dibba area, but they involve crossing into Oman, so check the border and visa requirements with your operator.
Visit Al Bidya Mosque
Often described as the oldest mosque in the UAE still in use, this small stone and mud-brick building with four low domes is thought to date back to the fifteenth century. Dress modestly, remove your shoes if you go inside, and avoid prayer times; women should bring a headscarf.
Explore Fujairah Fort
The centuries-old fort in Fujairah city has been carefully restored, and the heritage area around it shows traditional houses and farming life. From the coast road you’ll also see dozens of tankers anchored offshore: Fujairah is one of the world’s biggest ship-refuelling hubs.
Khor Fakkan and Kalba
These two towns belong to Sharjah. Khor Fakkan has a sweeping bay, a lively corniche, a large open-air amphitheatre and mountain viewpoints, reached from Sharjah by a scenic road that tunnels through the mountains. Further south, Kalba is known for mangroves, among the oldest in Arabia, where you can kayak and spot wading birds. Sharjah’s rules apply, including no alcohol; see our Sharjah travel guide.
Wadis and Wadi Wurayah
The mountains behind the coast are cut by wadis, rocky valleys that can hold pools after rain. Wadi Wurayah National Park, the UAE’s first protected mountain area, is home to a waterfall and rare wildlife, but access is managed, so check whether visits are open and whether you need to book.
Many wadis are best explored on foot or with a guide. If you plan to drive into one, read JeepSouq’s guide to driving safely in wadis first, and never enter a wadi when rain is forecast: flash floods arrive fast.
Stop at the Friday Market
On the road from Dubai near Masafi, this roadside market sells carpets, pottery, plants and fruit. Despite the name, it opens every day.
Beaches and where to stay
The beach at Al Aqah, near Snoopy Island, has the biggest choice of resorts, while Dibba and Khor Fakkan are quieter. Resorts here are often good value compared with Dubai, and many offer snorkelling and diving packages. Fujairah city has business hotels but is less appealing for a holiday.
Getting there
- By car: about two hours from Dubai, through the mountains via Masafi or on the newer road via Khor Fakkan. The drives are scenic but include winding sections; watch for speed cameras and, occasionally, livestock on rural roads.
- By bus: intercity buses link Dubai with Fujairah city, but you’ll need taxis to reach beaches and sights.
- By tour: east coast day trips usually combine the Friday Market, Al Bidya Mosque and snorkelling.
When to go
October to April is the most comfortable time, with calm seas on many days and warm water for snorkelling. Summer is hot and humid, and occasional storms bring rain to the mountains, which is when wadis become dangerous. Check the National Centre of Meteorology forecast before you set off; our month-by-month guide covers the seasons.
A day trip from Dubai
- Leave early and stop at the Friday Market on the way.
- Snorkel at Snoopy Island in the late morning, when the light is good.
- Lunch at a beach resort at Al Aqah.
- Visit Al Bidya Mosque on the way south, then Fujairah Fort.
- Return through the mountains before dark, or stay the night.
With two or three nights, add a dive around Dibba, a morning in Khor Fakkan and a mangrove kayak in Kalba. You can also combine the east coast with Ras Al Khaimah on a longer road trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is the east coast worth a trip from Dubai?
Yes, if you enjoy snorkelling, quieter beaches and mountain scenery. It’s a long day trip, so an overnight stay makes it more relaxing.
Can you snorkel at Snoopy Island from the beach?
It’s close to shore, but conditions vary. Hire gear through a hotel or dive centre that can advise on currents, or join a guided trip.
Is Fujairah more conservative than Dubai?
It’s more traditional in feel. Beachwear is fine at resorts and beaches, but cover up elsewhere, and remember that Khor Fakkan and Kalba follow Sharjah’s stricter rules.
Sources
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