Fujairah is the most picturesque of all the emirates, located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. The natural landscape harmoniously combines sand, sea and mountains. Fujairah is clean beaches with secluded bays, fertile valleys, rocky ridges of the Hajar mountains. Ancient monuments, ancient tombstones, well-preserved Portuguese forts and fortresses provide an opportunity to get better acquainted with the unique history of this region. The ancient fortress of Batina Fort, located in the mountains on impregnable stone ledges, attracts many tourists with its majestic panorama that opens from it.
Geography
According to educationvv, the emirate of Fujairah is the only emirate that overlooks the Indian Ocean (Gulf of Oman). Its territory stretches along the Gulf of Oman for more than 90 kilometers. This location gives the emirate a very specific strategic importance. The area of the emirate is 1165 square kilometers, equal to 1.5% of the country’s territory, not including the islands. The population of the Emirate is estimated at 66,000 in 1992.
Between the Hajar Mountains and the waters of the Indian Ocean, gently splashing at their base, lies the unique coastal city of Fujairah – a beautiful harbor with a dynamic pace of seaport life.
The city of Fujairah is the capital of the emirate, where the residence of the Ruler, state and government institutions, and commercial firms are located. Until 1953, Fujairah was part of neighboring Sharjah. Moving from Fujairah along the coast to the north, you will find yourself in Korfakan, Baddya and Dibba – small pretty seaside areas. By the way, Korfakan officially and now belongs to the emirate of Sharjah, in this area there is a hotel “Oceanic”, which is loved by our tourists. The main difference between Fujairah and other emirates lies in the picturesque mountains and green oases with fertile soil. It is an extremely attractive place for tourism: high mountains combined with picturesque valleys, deep gorges and sandy beaches, beautiful mountain scenery and mineral waters.
History
Once upon a time, the territory of Fujairah was part of the neighboring emirates, but in the 50s, with the consent of the British colonial authorities, its independence was declared. About 100 thousand people live in the capital of the same name, Fujairah. Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, the principality does not have the main source of wealth and prosperity of the UAE – its own oil, but there is a port very conveniently located at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, which came in handy during the Iran-Iraq war. Fleeing from Iranian military boats, merchant ships preferred to unload in Fujairah, from where the cargo was transported by land transport throughout the region.
After the end of the Iran-Iraq war, the port’s cargo turnover, and hence the emirate’s income, fell significantly.
We remind ourselves thatFujairah is the youngest of the emirates. Until 1953, it was part of neighboring Sharjah. A little more than 70 thousand people lived here.
Fujairah has its own international airport, which accepts not only civil but also military aircraft.
Attractions
In Fujairah there are historical sites that tell about ancient traditions and cultural heritage.
Bidya Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE and dilapidatedny fort, full of mysteries, give an idea of life in these parts.
Another characteristic feature of the emirate lies in the picturesque mountains, in the deep valleys of which the Gulf of Oman carries its waters and there are green oases with fertile soil. It is an extremely attractive place for tourism: high mountains combined with picturesque valleys, deep gorges and sandy beaches, beautiful mountain scenery and mineral waters.
Another famous area is Dibba Al- Fujairah, which supports the most important agricultural and livestock projects. It is also well known as a fishing area.
In the city of Fujairah, one should visit the ruins of an ancient fort and the settlement surrounding it, now abandoned.
In Fujairah there is a museum with an archaeological gallery, where finds from prehistoric settlements discovered near the nearby settlements of Kidfa and Bitna were delivered.
You can see the excavations yourself. There are several of them in Bitna. The most famous is the T-shaped excavation, which is an elongated burial, divided into chambers.
Following Fujairah along the coast to the north, you will find yourself in Korfakkan, Baddiya and Dibba – pleasant seaside towns. Not far from Baddiya, right on the highway, is the unusual architecture of the adobe Baddiya Mosque, which is considered the oldest surviving mosque in the UAE. Dibba is famous for its ancient Muslim cemetery, where, according to legend, the warriors who brought Islam here in the 7th century AD are buried.
The road from Dhaid through the mountains to Fujairah is one of the most scenic and exciting in the Emirates. It passes over Mount Hajjar, through the pass behind Masafi and below Wadi Ham to the coast, approaching the city of Fujairah. At Masafi the road forks. The direction to the left leads to Dibba. Moving to the right and descending towards Fujairah, one can come across several sights as well as villages. In Wadi Daftah, there are the remains of a ruined fort that once guarded a stone village, a small pond and a palm grove. A little further on is the village of Bithnah, located in the valley.
Here among the palm trees stands one of the most picturesque forts in the country. In 1745, a battle took place here between the warring tribal associations of Oman, one of which enlisted the support of local nomads. From the old Fujairah there are ruins, in the center of which a powerful fort stands on a small hill. In 1925, the British bombarded him.
It was the last such episode in national history. During the restoration of the fort, a modern material was used – concrete, which looks rather rough on the old stone base.
