While many people head to Fujairah for the weekend to relax in a hotel resort, we chose to do a road trip with the kids! The kids squealed in delight as we headed off-road into the mountains while we were mesmerized by the beauty of the rocky Hajar Mountains. Since then, we have brought all our guests on the exact same daytrip, leaving every one of them impressed with the beauty and charm that the UAE has to offer. 

Just the change in scenery as you reach the Hajar mountains, make it worth heading out of Dubai for the day.

Here is our recommended itinerary:

• Take the E88 (Sharjah Rd/Masafi Rd) towards Fujairah.  Once you reach the Friday Market go straight to the mountains behind it, keeping in mind you will be passing through again on your way back!  To go off-roading in the wadis behind the market, take the first right within the Friday Market.  This will bring you to a path with a big red sign for the Rules and Regulations for the Wadis.  Once you’ve enjoyed the ride and beautiful sights, head back to the Friday Market and head to Fujeirah.

• Once you have reached Fujairah, follow the signs to Fujairah Fort.  The fort was built in 1670 AD and was fully renovated in 2000. It is surrounded by old Fujairah. To learn more about the Fort and local history head to the Fujairah Museum across the street. Unfortunately, it is only possible to visit the site but not inside the actual fort.

• Lunch time!  Head on over  to Neptunia Restaurant at the Hilton Hotel.  Delicious buffet for 85 dhs.  Grab a table outside in view of the playground and basketball court, you’ll get to enjoy your lunch while the kiddies play.  If you desire something lighter, then head to their Breezes Bar right on the side of the beach, they serve some nice sandwiches. Friday Brunch also available with access to the private beach.

• If time permits, head to the Alfujairah Beach just a 2 minute drive south of the Hilton to  Jetski with the locals.  Swimming is not recommended here as it is mainly used for Jet-skis.  Jet-ski rentals go for 200 dhs/hr.

• Once you leave Fujairah, make sure to stop at Al Bithna, the first village on the right (on the E89) set on the plain above Wadi Ham.  There you will find cute villas leading to the Wadi Ham which is usually dry most of the year (apart from winter).  Cross the wadi to get to the Bithna Fort (late Islamic fort) on the other side. Like the Fujairah Fort, the Bithna Fort does not open its doors to visitors.

• Head back to the Friday Market on Masafi road.  There are great bargains to be had, make sure to haggle!  Gorgeous Afghan rugs, delicious local fruits and veggies, many plant nurseries, as well as local home decorations.  We like to save the market for last, so that we can stock up on fresh fruit for the journey home!

Whatever you do, you will definitely enjoy the scenery!  The Hajar Mountains are beautiful, especially when the sun starts setting and they start to change color!  To help you plan your trip, we have pinpointed the locations mentioned on a map.

View Fujeirah Daytrip in a larger map

For more recommendations on sights and things to do in Fujairah visit Fujairah in Focus, a great blog written by Fujairah-based expat Geoff Pound.