Fujairah

Fujairah sits on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates along the Gulf of Oman, nestled between the coastline and the Hajar mountain range. The settlement spreads over several kilometers of shoreline, where residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and port facilities sit side by side.

The settlement gained independence from neighboring powers in 1901 and joined the federation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 as its youngest member. Since then, the former fishing village has transformed into a port city with growing infrastructure.

The city takes its name from the Arabic word for water source, a reference to the many wadis that flow down from the mountains during the rainy season. On Fridays, families gather in public squares and along the waterfront, where one can walk between modern business districts and older residential quarters.

The best time to visit falls between November and March, when temperatures are milder and one can comfortably spend time outdoors during the day. Many shops and public facilities close on Friday mornings for prayer and reopen only in the afternoon.

The port operates around the clock as one of the largest oil bunkering locations worldwide, positioned outside the narrow Strait of Hormuz. Ships from around the world dock here to refuel before continuing their routes.