Fujairah is the favourite Emirate of many tourists.  It is compact (only 1,300 sq km) and has no oil.  It lies on the east coast, Shimailiyyah, which it shares with the Emirate of Sharjah and the Sultanate of Oman.  It is the only Emirate with no coastline on the Arabian Gulf.  It is a welcome relief after all the desert of the other Emirates. As most of the terrain here is mountains and plans.  The  local economy is based on the rich fishing in the Gulf of Oman and farming on land irrigated by rainwater falling from the Hajar Mountains.  These barren Mountains provide a dramatic setting for the city below and, until recently, have isolated Fujairah from most of the rest of the Emirates.

 The drive through the mountains from al Dhaid  is a breathtaking experience in itself.

The road itself is beautiful as a piece of engineering and it follows the most scenic route.  The mountains are formed of sheer, hard stone and are almost red in places.  In places drivers feel that they are headed straight into a mountain wall Small man-made terraces make the most of any piece of cultivable land.  Some of the most beautiful wadis in the country are only a few kilometers away and can be reached by off-road vehicles (4-wheel drives with high ground clearance).  The oases of water and greenery are often spectacular.

The mountain road finally begins its long. Gently descent to the plain of Fujairah and the sea.  The city itself is dominated by  Fujairah fort, a massive structure which is starting to receive some restoration.  It is worth climbing to the top of the fort to enjoy the view: the city below, the forest of date palms and considerable maritime activity offshore.

A modern port has been built and seems to be attracting an increasing amount of business from ships which prefer to unload here  rather than sail into the Gulf.  A new  airport has further improved the capacity for cargo traffic.  But this economic activity does not make the coastline any less attractive to those who come for the watersports.   The quiet beaches attract many tourists, including visitors from other Emirates, many of whom are drawn by the exceptional opportunities for diving.