The Emirate of Fujairah is one of the emirates of the United Arab Emirates, consisting of seven independent emirates. Fujairah is unique as it does not have territories along the Arabian Gulf but instead has lands along the Gulf of Oman. The Gulf of Oman borders it to the east, while to the west, it is bordered by the emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.
To the south, there is the city of Kalba, located in the emirate of Sharjah. The emirate is led by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, and his son, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, serves as the Crown Prince.
The capital of the Emirate of Fujairah is also the city of Fujairah.
Fujairah's headquarters for the ruler, government entities, major institutions, and all industrial and commercial companies are located there. In this discussion, we will delve into the distinctive features of this emirate, its development, and its significant tourist landmarks.
History of the Emirate of Fujairah and the Reason for its Name
The emirate boasts diverse mountainous terrain, making it a haven for mountain biking and mountain climbing enthusiasts. It is the true hub for adventures in the entire UAE, promoting various sports, including marine and mountain adventures cherished by both tourists and locals.
For a considerable period, Fujairah was isolated from the rest of the UAE due to its rocky mountain chains, dividing the country into two sections. However, in 2011, the opening of the Sheikh Khalifa Highway connected another region to the emirate, reducing travel time to half an hour.
As for the emirate's name, there are various opinions. Some believe it originates from the presence of a water table behind a towering mountain, while others associate it with the ruling family, the Al Fajr family. Another theory suggests that the mountainous region has water springs bursting from beneath, saving its inhabitants from thirst and poverty. Historians, however, assert that the name comes from the springs under some of its mountains.
History of the Emirate of Fujairah
The emirate possesses a rich historical significance dating back more than three thousand years BC. At that time, the inhabitants were primarily fishermen and shepherds living in the region. The emirate was referred to as the Land of the Giants of the Seas because it served as the original homeland for migrants from the east and south of the Arabian Peninsula.
In ancient times, the Phoenician civilization, renowned for its seafaring skills, flourished on the shores of the Levant. The first ruling family to settle in the emirate was from the Sultanate of Oman. The ancestors arrived, becoming rulers. The emirate's governance became hereditary, lasting seven years, except for Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah, the father of Sheikh Mohammed, who ruled for fifty years. The emirate started taking shape significantly in 1808 when Sheikh Mohammed bin Matar, the leader of the Eastern Fort, built his ancient city, a fortress for those seeking refuge.
Subsequently, ruling families continued, and in 1952, the concept of development became a focal point of the ruling family's policies. Legal courts, schools at all educational levels, distinguished medical services, and cultural activities were established. The state began planning roads and transportation, and Fujairah was one of the first emirates to join the formation of the UAE. After the UAE gained independence as a federal state of seven emirates, the ruler decided to reconcile with the other six emirates, including Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al-Quwain, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi.
Economy of the Emirate of Fujairah
The economic life within the emirate revolves around agriculture and fisheries. Agriculture thrives in the emirate, benefiting from rain and water flowing from the high mountain peaks. The emirate has the best agricultural land in the region and holds a crucial economic position, being the sole gateway to the Indian Ocean.
The leadership within the emirate has made swift decisions in various development fields, focusing on economic and social development. This transformation has turned Fujairah into a global economic competitor. The emirate is also known for providing services related to the oil and petroleum industry globally and domestically. It ranks second globally in ship fuel supply after Singapore and third in oil and petroleum product storage.
The world's first giant oil tanker berth was inaugurated in the emirate, costing approximately 650 million AED. The port in the emirate is a vital facility for shipping livestock worldwide. Fujairah is renowned for its quarry industry, possessing giant crushers that break stones and prepare them for construction materials. This provides a significant annual local output, increasing in value each year. Foreign trade in the emirate is also notably growing.
Tourism in the Emirate of Fujairah
The Emirate of Fujairah boasts numerous tourist attractions, including stunning beaches that stretch along its long coastline. It is also home to towering mountains that hug the shores, creating a unique landscape. The emirate features natural valleys and enchanting oases, benefiting from a moderate climate and diverse agriculture due to its location on the eastern side of the United Arab Emirates. This distinctiveness sets Fujairah apart from other emirates, making it a prime destination for leisure and relaxation tourism.
One of the notable regions in the emirate is Dibba, known for its livestock and agricultural projects, as well as its reputation for fishing. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the key landmarks within this captivating emirate:
Rejuvenation Landmarks
The emirate is blessed with mineral and sulfuric springs that attract tourists from around the world seeking therapeutic tourism. These springs have proven effective in treating skin diseases and joint ailments. Located within distinctive maritime areas, these mineral-rich springs enhance the appeal of various sea-related activities, including swimming, natural water skiing, international boat racing, and an annual fishing marathon.
Historical Sites
The leadership in the emirate has undertaken significant restoration projects for numerous historical sites. The meticulous restoration work, often using abundant basalt rocks, aims to preserve the emirate's heritage and showcase the richness of its history. Notable landmarks include castles, the restoration of the ancient mosque, and the palaces of the ruling elite, such as the renowned Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi's residence. One of the prominent heritage sites is the Ain Madhab Gardens, which beautifully captures the essence of the past with its ancient dwellings, traditional cooking tools, and displays of ancient irrigation methods.
Ain Al Ghubor
Ain Al Ghubor, also known as the Eye of the Grouper, is a highly visited spring by both residents and tourists. Beyond its healing properties, the true allure lies in the magical setting surrounded by unique vegetation, including the special Ghaf and rare Arak trees, along with palm trees. When approached, the smell of sulfur intensifies, and the water flow increases significantly. The water, with its very white color, deposits extensively, especially when the human body temperature approaches, raising the temperature to sixty degrees. Visitors seeking healing immerse themselves in specific areas to experience the chemical reaction between the body and the water, effectively treating muscle atrophy, rheumatic diseases, joint ailments, and stubborn skin conditions.
Wadi Al Wurayah: Fujairah's Most Beautiful Valley
Named after the abundant growth of the Wurayah plant, Wadi Al Wurayah is known for its fervent plant life that adores water. This valley, situated about forty-five kilometers from the emirate, features natural waterfalls cascading from the mountains, turning it into a protected natural reserve. The leadership has erected barriers to protect the rich wildlife, including wild birds, insects, and rare amphibians. However, what distinguishes Wadi Al Wurayah is its rare nature of storing rainwater during the summer inside the mountains, releasing it as waterfalls into the valleys during the winter.
Sports in the Emirate of Fujairah
Let's now explore the prominent sports that have gained popularity in the emirate, with substantial support from the wise leadership. These sports align with the emirate's nature, attracting a global audience. The emphasis on sports has led to the hosting of international tournaments, showcasing the emirate's commitment to diverse sports, including:
Taekwondo
The emirate has gained recognition for its practice of Taekwondo, with the establishment of the Fujairah Taekwondo Club. The club quickly rose to become the first on the local level in the UAE, participating in both Arab and international tournaments, achieving significant success. This prompted the Crown Prince to host international tournaments for this exciting sport. The Fujairah Club is now an official headquarters for the sport in the emirate, complete with a cultural and training center.
Water Sports
Fujairah has become synonymous with water sports, providing world-class swimming pools, and expert training facilities, and hosting international championships. The emirate encourages various water activities, including diving, with training centers and accessible areas for enthusiasts. The leadership's attention to fishing is evident in the availability of places with splendid fish varieties.
Other maritime sports, such as wave surfing, parasailing, and rowing, contribute to the establishment of grand hotels and tourism agencies organizing trips for enthusiasts. The Crown Prince has established an international maritime club to host global championships.
Fujairah Marathon
An annual marathon that attracts thousands of professional and amateur runners of all ages and nationalities. The event has evolved to include participants with disabilities and pregnant women. This marathon has garnered global attention, showcasing the rapid progress and development of Fujairah.
