Escape to the East Coast: Fujairah from Dubai
Fujairah, the only emirate located entirely on the Gulf of Oman coastline, offers a dramatically different experience from the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai. Just 90 minutes to 2 hours by car from Dubai, Fujairah is the perfect day trip destination for those seeking natural beauty, historical sites, and the best snorkeling in the UAE. The drive itself is scenic, passing through the Hajar Mountains with winding roads and stunning rock formations that provide a stark contrast to Dubai flat desert landscape.
Getting to Fujairah from Dubai
The most common route is via the E88 highway, also known as the Dubai-Fujairah Road, which takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes without traffic. Leave Dubai before 7 AM on weekends to avoid traffic through Sharjah. An alternative route via the E611 and through Ras Al Khaimah takes slightly longer at about 2 hours but is more scenic and less congested. There is no direct public bus service for day trips, so driving or hiring a private car is recommended. Fuel costs for a round trip are approximately AED 80 to AED 120 depending on your vehicle.
Best Beaches in Fujairah
Snoopy Island (Al Aqah Beach) is Fujairah most famous beach destination, named after a rock formation that resembles the cartoon character Snoopy lying on his back. The beach features golden sand, crystal-clear water, and excellent snorkeling around the island reef. Sandy Beach Hotel adjacent to the site charges AED 75 to AED 100 for beach access including a sunbed and umbrella. The snorkeling here is the best in the UAE, with regular sightings of blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish.
Dibba Beach at the northern tip of Fujairah offers a quieter alternative with equally beautiful water. Several beach resorts including Fairmont Fujairah and Miramar Al Aqah provide day-use access ranging from AED 100 to AED 200 per person, often redeemable on food and drinks. The water is calmer here than at Snoopy Island, making it ideal for families with young children.
Khorfakkan Beach is a free public beach in Sharjah enclave on the east coast, located just 15 minutes south of Fujairah city. The newly developed corniche features a long stretch of sandy beach with free parking, showers, and playgrounds. An impressive amphitheater and waterfall feature make this one of the most photogenic beach destinations on the east coast.
Historical Sites and Forts
Fujairah Fort is the oldest fort in the UAE, dating back to the 16th century. Constructed from local stone and mudbrick, the fort was once the seat of the ruling Al Sharqi family. It has been restored and is open to visitors free of charge. The fort sits on a hill overlooking the old village of Fujairah, providing excellent views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for a thorough visit.
Al Bidyah Mosque is the oldest known mosque in the UAE, believed to date back to the 15th century. The small mudbrick structure with its four distinctive domes is an architectural treasure. The mosque is still in use for prayer and is open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times. Modest dress is required — long pants and covered shoulders for men and women. Entry is free.
Fujairah Heritage Village near the fort recreates traditional Emirati life with displays of historical tools, weapons, clothing, and architecture. Entry is free and the village provides excellent context for understanding pre-oil UAE culture and lifestyle.
Snorkeling and Water Activities
The Gulf of Oman waters off Fujairah offer the best diving and snorkeling in the UAE due to clearer water and healthier coral reefs compared to the Arabian Gulf side. Snoopy Island is the top spot for snorkeling directly from the shore — you can rent gear on the beach for AED 50 to AED 80 for the day. For diving enthusiasts, several operators in Dibba offer boat trips to deeper sites including Shark Island and the Car Cemetery, an underwater site with deliberately sunk vehicles that have become artificial reefs. A two-dive boat trip typically costs AED 400 to AED 600 including equipment.
Other water activities include kayaking along the coast (AED 100 to AED 150 per hour), dhow boat cruises from Dibba Harbor (AED 200 to AED 350 per person including lunch and snorkeling), and jet skiing at selected beach resorts.
Where to Eat in Fujairah
Seafood is the star of Fujairah dining scene, with the freshest catch available at restaurants near the fish market. Al Meshwar Restaurant in Fujairah city serves excellent grilled hammour and prawns at moderate prices of AED 40 to AED 80 per main course. For a special experience, the Dibba Bay Oysters farm and restaurant offers locally farmed oysters and seafood tasting menus in a scenic waterfront setting. Budget travelers will find numerous shawarma shops and Indian restaurants along the main highway offering meals from AED 10 to AED 25.
Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
Depart Dubai at 7 AM. Arrive at Al Bidyah Mosque by 9 AM for a quick visit. Drive to Snoopy Island by 9:30 AM and spend the morning snorkeling and swimming. Have lunch at a beachside restaurant. After lunch, drive to Fujairah Fort and Heritage Village (30 minutes south). Explore the historical sites for about an hour. Optionally, stop at Khorfakkan Beach for a late afternoon swim and watch the sunset from the corniche. Begin the drive back to Dubai by 5 PM to arrive home before 7 PM.
Practical Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen as the sun on the east coast is intense. Carry cash as some smaller restaurants and beach vendors do not accept cards. Water shoes are recommended for rocky beach entries near snorkeling sites. Check the weather forecast before departing — the east coast occasionally experiences rough seas during winter months from December to February. Keep your vehicle fuel tank at least half full as petrol stations are less frequent on the mountain roads.