Sharm on the Way from Fujairah to Al Aqah

If you blink you may miss Sharm.

It is about 40 kms from Fujairah and 5 kms before you reach Al Aqah (home to hotels such as the Sandy Beach Resort, the Miramar, Le Méridien and the Rotana).

Sharm appears as a one camel town with a road hump or two to slow you down. This measure is probably to keep the locals safe but it also seems a ploy to get you to slow down enough to stop at their roadside market.

To Market to Market
The Sharm market is not as comprehensive as the Friday Market but it has a wide range. Fruit, veges, pots, plastic toys, plants…what more do you want?

Market but No Marketing
Like most of Fujairah the marketers have not left their stamp of Sharm. You could easily think that there’s not much to Sharm as you could think of the whole of Fujairah.

Rich History
There is nothing to alert you but Sharm is one of the rich archaeological sites of Fujairah. It has been excavated and analyzed by archaeologists who have written articles about the architecture of an ancient tomb and pre-Islamic ceramics found at Sharm.

Fishing and Diving
Sharm today is a fishing village and there are also some good spots for diving out from the beach.

Dr Geoff Pound

Images of Sharm.

Stop off at Khor Fakkan if You Are Visiting Fujairah

If you are planning a day trip to Fujairah from Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi it is a great idea to make your return route along the coast rather than on one of the inland roads.

Stop off at Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan or Khawr Fakkan' خورفكان (and it is sometimes spelt as one word) is approximately 24 kilometres from Fujairah or 17-18 kilometres from Al Aqah (if you are coming from the other direction).

According to one source, the name refers to the shape of the area. "Khor" is an extension of land between two water bodies. "Fak" means jaw and refers to the shape of the land where it touches the water.

History and Adventure
With its rich history chronicled by archaeologists who have dated local graves and artifacts to the second century BC and adventurous stories of Portuguese and Omani attacks from the 15-17th centuries, what more do you need for a thrilling day at Khor Fakkan?

Superb Picnic Spot
If you simply want a good dose of salaam and serenity the Khor Fakkan beach which is about 2 kilometres from the main shops is a very pleasant setting for a picnic against the sheltered backdrop of the magnificent Hajar Mountains.

Activities
There is plenty to do in Khor Fakkan. The beach has beautiful white sand and from most accounts it is safe for swimming (although check with locals and swim with others).

If you are in a group and wondering what you can do it is possible to hire one of the many semi-covered motorized picnic boats (which come with a driver) so you can go out on the water.

You can also hire a Jet Ski so long as you note the lanes within which you must keep.

Sharjah Emirate
Khor Fakkan is part of Sharjah and is completely surrounded by the emirate of Fujairah. Because Sharjah is wealthier than Fujairah you will see oodles of palm trees, green grass, swings and other amenities for children.

There are many restaurants and take away shops up from the beach where you can get Middle Eastern and Asian food plus snacks and drinks. Being part of Sharjah it is essential to realize that alcohol is banned in this emirate. This also means the dress code is more conservative than in the other emirates.

The Oceanic Hotel is at the northern end of the beach. The other end of the beach merges into a very substantial port. While it is difficult to see any signs, taking pictures of the port area from the beach or out in a boat is forbidden and if you are caught doing this you may be apprehended and possibly have your camera confiscated.

To See More
The YouTube video Roadtrip to Fujairah has footage of Khor Fakkan from the 1.46 mark and for the next minute.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Khor Fakkan Picnic area and beach.

Horses, Dancing, Music at Fujairah Culture Day

A great afternoon was held on Saturday (29 November 2008) on the Fujairah Beach as part of the celebration of UAE National Day.

The day was sponsored by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and involved horse racing, music, dancing and meeting friends.

The activity was well-attended with a large police presence to ease the considerable flow of traffic on the main beach road.

Have a look at the slideshow of some of the images from the day. Click on it if you want to see enlarged images at the original host site.

Dr Geoff Pound

About the Crown Prince of Fujairah

In an interview with The National (27 November 2008), the Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, speaks on a range of pressing issues in Fujairah, including housing, economics, oil spills, red tide algae and the environment.

It is not all work and concern, for the Crown Prince also reveals his favourite pastime.

Find out what this is at:
Rym Ghazal, Sheikh Seeks to Quickly Fix Power Woes, The National, 27 November 2008.

More about the Crown Prince of Fujairah:
On Housing Pressures, FIF.
Attending Asiania and Fujairah Parachute Championships plus photo gallery, FIF.
On Quarries and the Environment, FIF.
Dubai Ruler Receives New Crown Prince, Website of Dubai Ruler.
His graduation from Webster University, England, with a degree in International Relations with Management, Fujairah Observer, June 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Crown Prince of Fujairah Speaks of Housing Pressures in Fujairah

In an interview with The National, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, spoke about the impact of inflation and an increasing population on housing in Fujairah.

He said, “House prices in Fujairah have more than tripled in just over a year.”

“The same three-bedroom flat that cost Dh13,000 last year is now Dh50,000. It is too much,” Sheikh Mohammad said.

The article is at:
Rym Ghazal, Sheikh Seeks to Quickly Fix Power Woes, The National, 27 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The Crown Prince of Fujairah, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Scientists Reveal Alien-Like Parasite that Might Stem Red Tide Algae

Discovery News reports (24 November 2008):
“For the first time ever, marine biologists have tracked the control of red tides to a virulent parasite with a gruesome lifestyle not entirely unlike those in the movie "Aliens."

It's powerful new evidence that toxic red tides seen in coastal waters can be controlled by more than just other microscopic beasties eating them.”

This might be good news for the Fujairah waters that have been plagued in recent weeks by red tide algae.

More Detail:
Larry O’Hanlon, Red Tides Stemmed by ‘Alien’-Like Parasite, Discovery News, 24 November 2008.

Update on Fujairah
Check out one 26 November Red Tide Update.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Toxic red tides seen in coastal waters…” (Photo courtesy of DN at above link)

Fujairah Residents the Most Organized People in the Emirates

Zawya reports the findings of a global study commissioned by Nokia and concluded with a word about Fujairah:

“Fujairah is the most organized city in the UAE, with over a half (55%) of residents meticulously planning their route before heading out. Fujairah residents are the most likely in the UAE to rely on paper maps to get from A to B (25%).”

All Relative
Before Fujairah residents get too swelled-headed, the organization of Fujairah people must be seen in relation to the rest of the country about whom the study concludes that “UAE residents are the most disoriented in the world.”

Confused?
If you are confused and anxious to read these statements in context, follow this link:

UAE Residents the Most Disorientated in the World? Zawya, 26 November 2008.

If you are an organized person who would like directions for driving from Dubai/Sharjah to Fujairah click on this link.

If you are disorganized, the best of luck to you!

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Fujairah residents are the most likely in the UAE to rely on paper maps to get from A to B.”

Hilton Hotel in Fujairah Fresh After Refurbishment

The Hilton Fujairah Resort by the Coffee Pot Roundabout in Faseel is now boasting a new look following an extensive AED12 million (US$3.3million) refurbishment programme.

Follow this link for details of the overhaul:

Hilton Fujairah Resort Unveils New Look, Zawya, 26 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The bazaar at the Hilton Fujairah Resort.

Litter Problem in Fujairah and Kalba

Fitness
Recently it was reported that one of the problems about employing domestic help in the UAE is the issue of laziness or to put the matter in a positive frame, if you want to get fit, do the work around the house yourself.

Littering
Relying on domestic help also reinforces the habit of expecting others to clean up the mess at home. The problem with this tendency is that when people go out for a picnic, as they are inclined to do at this cooler time of the year, they often leave their helpers at home and there is no one to clean up the trash.

Or do they deliberately leave it on the ground to give the municipality workers something to do—why pick up the rubbish when the municipality workers are paid to pick it up the next day?

The trash problem in the public areas, especially the beaches around Fujairah and Kalba, appears to be the same or getting worse.

Perhaps people might get the message and correct their ways if they are fined for leaving litter on the ground and throwing paper out the windows of their cars.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Trash was all over the picnic areas in Khor Kalba last Saturday morning.

Italy and UAE Exploring Collaboration in Fujairah

Ciao!
Fujairah is receiving a delegation of over 70 Italian businesspersons, who are investigating investment opportunities and ways of boosting joint investment and trade cooperation between Italy, Fujairah and the UAE.

Collaborazione
Business, sport, football, cars, canals, coffee…

Check out the article reporting and dreaming about cooperation between Italy and the UAE.

Salaam and Ciao as Italians Explore Collaborazione in Fujairah, UAE, Experiencing the Emirates (ETE), 25 November 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Some of the things that could glue Italians and Emiratis together.

Fujairah’s Coastal Misfortune with Red Tide Algae

The National (24 November 2008) has a brief update on the red tide algae along the Fujairah coast with an explanation that strictly it is neither red nor related to tidal movement so scientists prefer to call it “harmful algal bloom.”

Whatever the name, if you are following the news about the oil dumping and algal bloom off the coast of Fujairah that is creating a marine disaster this year, check out this article:

Unlucky Fujairah, The National, 24 November 2008.

For more, see this recent update (with additional links) on red tide algae on the Fujairah coastline.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: An east coast fishing boat returns to the shore without any fish early last Saturday morning.

Fujairah is a Load of Bull

Boston’s The Big Picture has run a series of wonderful photographs of the UAE.

Fujairah Image
Here is the one selected that sums up what is quintessential about Fujairah. And why should this image of bull butting sum up the eastern emirate? Because Fujairah is natural, energetic, rough, rugged, dusty, unpredictable and there’s always a load of waste lying around.

There is little text on The Big Picture for this site gives ‘the story in pictures’.

A short caption for this the 16th of 28 pictures says: Bulls push each other during a traditional bullfight in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on November 7, 2008. (KARIM SAHIB/AFP/Getty Images)

Have a look at the marvelous photos at this link: Dubai and the UAE, The Big Picture, 19 November 2008.

More Bull:
Visit Fujairah to Watch Bull Butting, FIF, 23 September 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “A traditional bullfight in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah.”

UAE Bees and Particularly Fujairah Bees Give a Real Buzz

Some ancient residents of this peninsula were always hoping and moving toward “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

It may not be flowing but this is a land producing milk and honey.

An article in The National looks at the rhythm of beekeeping in the Emirates with a comment on the personality of bees, and beekeeping Fujairah style.

Bees: Hard Work, Little Play, End of Story, The National, 23 November 2008.

More:
Beekeeping and Honey Production in Fujairah, FIF, 16 August 2008.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Particularly Fujairah Bees Give a Real Buzz.”

Fujairah is Just the Place for a Harley

With the picturesque countryside, challenging mountain climbs and sensational coast line, the emirate of Fujairah is just the place to ride a Harley Davidson motorbike.

The unique, throaty sound of the Harley is not drowned out in this quiet region.

Hundreds of Harley owners (HOGS) from the Gulf countries have recently experienced the Fujairah emirate in their annual four day outing to this eastern part of the UAE.

Read more about the rally, the size of HOGS, the cost of a bike in this country and why owners love their Harleys, at this link:

Adam Zacharias, Give Way to the Fat Boy, Khaleej Times, 23 November 2008.

For More:
HOGS, Arabian Gulf Dubai UAE Chapter
Harley-Davidson of the UAE including the 2008 pricelist.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Harley Davidson, FXDL Dyna Low Rider, 2001.

Red Tide Algae Still Having Devastating Effect on Fujairah Coast

USA2UAE is reporting that ‘Red Tide is Still Wreaking Havoc on [the] UAE’s East Coast’:

“Fish, sea urchins, crabs, and all other types of marine life are all suffering. I also managed to snap some pictures to show exactly what is going on.”

The photo at this post is one of the many from the USA2UAE web site (with thanks!). Check out the others.

Dr Geoff Pound

Earlier Related Articles:
Dead Fish on Dibba Beach Fujairah Due to Red Tide Algae, FIF, 15 November 2008.
Salah Al Deberkey, Dead Fish raise a Stink on Beaches at Fujairah, Khaleej Times, 15 November.
Smelling the Decline of the Fujairah Fishing Industry, FIF, 13 November 2008.
Fall of the Fishing Industry in Fujairah, FIF, 1 November 2008.
Algae Kills thousands of Fish at Fujairah’s Dibba Beach, FIF, 11 September 2008.

Solar Ball Rising Over Arabian Sea

I took this picture this morning from the Khor Kalba beach (south of Fujairah and near the UAE/Omani border).

If you want to see a slide show of the sun rising out of the water this morning, click on this link.

Dr Geoff Pound

Buying Hats at Fujairah’s Friday Market

You are thinking with that hat (pictured), this guy is from the Black Stump in Australia or from the boondocks of Texas?

Wrong!

This guy is from Pakistan and he is a salesman at Fujairah’s Friday Market.

If you’ve forgotten to pack your hat in the suitcase you can purchase one from the Friday Market, where you can find everything from camels through to oranges and ouds.

These hats are not made of leather but cotton and they’re not Emirati products but made in Thailand.

The going price was Dh25.00 when I stopped off at the Friday Market this week. What a bargain!

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Keeping out of the sun at the Friday Market.

Buy Yourself a Camel at the Friday Market

Looking for an authentic souvenir from the Emirates? Then why not take home a camel?

No, not the larger than life camels that push you out of your tent but these ornamental ones (pictured) that fit nicely in your bed.

These cute camels come in three sizes at the Friday Market:

Large: Dh15.00

Medium: Dh10.00

Small: Dh8.00

At that price you’ll want to take home an entire caravan of camels for the children and the grandchildren.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Camel or جمل jamal in the Arabic. These will remind you of the camels you can see on the way from Dubai to Fujairah. Check out my directions to see where they are most likely to be spotted soon after leaving Dubai and then on the back roads of Dhaid.

Buying Oranges and Ouds at the Friday Market in Fujairah

If ‘confession is good for the soul’ let me have some therapy and confess that I have a weakness for markets. Not malls but markets. I don’t necessarily need to buy but I love to walk around and see what is up for market.

I had to go to Dubai yesterday and on my return to Fujairah I needed to stop off at the Friday Market. I convince myself that after being hemmed into the car for over an hour I need to break the journey and stretch the legs. But honestly I love nosing around the stock that is laid out higgeldy-piggeldy, looking at what is for sale and chatting with the shopkeepers.

Yesterday I showed an interest in some of the musical instruments in one of the stalls that had everything from treasure boxes to some cute toy camels. The vendor took an instrument in his hand and asked, “How much will you pay?” I said that I didn’t know what it was but he told me it was an oud العود (al-‘ūd) and that it was made in Syria. It is a fascinating instrument. It has a tradition that goes back over 5,000 years and it has a body that is shaped like a water melon.

I asked, “How much?” He replied, “500 dirhams” and foisted it on me. He dislodged a plectrum and told me to have a play. I said I hadn’t come to buy a musical instrument and I didn’t know how to play the oud but he wouldn’t have any negativity of that sort. “How much will you pay?” he insisted.

I had no intention of making a purchase and coming home with a lute under my arm but I couldn’t resist the bartering (that Baudolino describes). “200 dirhams,” I said trying to shake him off the trail. He looked a bit wounded and then he said, “300 dirhams” and when I showed even less interest he knocked it down to 250 dirhams.

I told him that I wasn’t going to buy a musical instrument and certainly not in 5 minutes flat. There was a little bit of disharmony for a while. I played the last movement and then handed back his Syrian oud.

The Friday Market is not just about oranges and olives. Stop for a while. Poke around. Feel the music. You might come home with an oud.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: The Friday Market Oud Salesman. See the other knick-knacks in the background.

Friday Market for Pots and Containers

In addition to fruit, vegetables, plants and carpets there are several places at Fujairah’s Friday Market where you can haggle for clay pots and a host of outside garden ornaments.

More on the Friday Market:
Visit Fujairah for the Friday Market and Tips on Bartering
Directions to the Friday Market and Fujairah (from Dubai and Sharjah)

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: One of the stalls at the Friday Market.