Stunning Sea Views in Fujairah

I mentioned in my last post concerning a new apartment tower in Fujairah, that the views from this building will be stunning.

Here is the view of the Arabian Sea from approximately the same position on the corniche this morning as I took the images of the apartment.

If you are up 20+ floors the views will be even more spectacular as the rising sun dances on the water.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Another day in Paradise. Fishing boats, tankers and this great ship steaming into the Fujairah Port.

No Room in the Inn at Fujairah

As mentioned earlier, villas and apartments continue to be scarce in the burgeoning emirate of Al Fujairah. Developers and builders are not able to keep pace with the growing population.

New Apartment
This apartment tower (pictured above and below) still has a way to go before it is open for residents. It will be one of the tallest towers if not the tallest (the Fujairah Tower has for many years taken the prize for height but this emirate is not into achieving records for size and wealth).

It is located on the main street of the city—on the right as you come in from Dubai and head for the beach.

It has a wonderful position as it is a stone’s throw to the Fujairah Corniche and right across the road from the Fish Market and the Fruit and Vege markets.

I reckon it might be nice to have that penthouse right at the top (top photo) but if that one is already spoken for, any of the ones below (see photo below) will have a stunning sea view.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Views of new apartment tower from the corniche—the top of the tower and a view of the apartments further down. CLICK TO ENLARGE IMAGES.

Fujairah Fort Magic at Night

A picture of the Fujairah Fort in the morning sun is posted at this link, along with a brief description.

If you are in Fujairah at night, take a look at the fort with the lights upon it.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Fujairah Fort Magic at Night.”

Fujairah Fort Majestic in the Day

The Fujairah fort is a popular landmark in the eastern emirate and one of the most photographed buildings in the region.

The fort looks spectacular perched on the hill with the early morning sun shining upon it.

History
The Fujairah Fort was built in 1670 but was badly damaged by British bombardment in the early 20th century. Fortunately the main structure has recently been renovated and restored.

Considered the oldest fort in the UAE, it has served as a defensive building and a home for the ruling family.

The Fujairah Fort is a mud brick structure with three major sections, several halls, one square tower and two round towers. For many centuries it was the only stone building along the Fujairah coast.

Located on a hill at the edge of date gardens, the Fujairah Fort is surrounded by the remains of some old houses.

People can walk around the grounds, free of charge and explore some early town walls, fortifications, gates; towers, monuments and sights from an observation deck.

Photographs from different angles of the fort and associated structures can be found at many places including this link and this link.

Nearby
Near Fujairah Fort, the Fujairah Heritage Village has a selection of traditional houses (‘arish) and fishing boats (shasha) made from palm fronds, providing an interesting reconstruction of traditional life on the East Coast.

Situated just south of the fort, the Fujairah Museum is a small modern building where many of the artefacts found in archaeological digs at Qidfa, Bithnah and other ancient sites in Al Fujairah are on display.

Post Script
Like most places in Fujairah the fort, village and museum are not highly polished and neatly packaged so don’t come with expectations for a tourist experience like Disneyland. The absence of modern trappings helps visitors to get more of a feel for what early life was like in Fujairah when the fort was the place of security and authority on the east coast.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Fujairah Fort Majestic in the Day.”

Change to Travel Instructions from Dubai to Fujairah

Note 6 January 2009 Update.

There is a significant change in the road system for people travelling from Dubai to Fujairah and it hasn’t yet been clearly explained by the road signs.

I have made changes to my ‘Directions from Dubai to Fujairah’ posted at this link.

Flick through to the heading 20.00kms (which marks the 20 kms mark from the Dubai International Airport Terminal 1) as this is where the change occurs.

Previously
At this roundabout (at the end of Highway D50) where one could go (first right) to Dubai/Abu Dhabi or (next right) to Al Awir or further round (anticlockwise) to the Sharjah-Al Dhaid Rd, I had said coming in at a 6.00pm position you go around and exit at a 9.00am position.

Now
On the D50 highway there is a sign on a green board that has instructions blotted out.

You still come in at a 6.00pm position but you turn right, taking the road to Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi. This takes you in the opposite direction that you ultimately want to be going.

After only 200 metres, taking Exit 63 (Blue sign to Al Awir; Sharjah and Al Dhaid) you turn right like a hairpin bend on a Grand Prix track. This takes you back 150 metres where you turn right and go underneath the road and turn right again.

You drive another 150 metres (towards Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi) and turn right (another hairpin bend) but this has you on the other side of the road and now back on the highway.

You drive another 150-200 metres and finally reach the roundabout.

Aim to go through the roundabout continuing in pretty much the same direction.

If you take the first exit right you will go to Al Awir.

Coming out of this roundabout you will find you are on the Sharjah-Al Dhaid Road with ugly pylons on the right side of the road. This is where you notice you are in the desert.

If you keep on going too far you will find yourself on the Al Khawaneej Rd heading back towards Dubai and you will have to go to the next roundabout before you can return and Take Two.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Coming out of this roundabout you will find you are on the Sharjah-Al Dhaid Road with ugly pylons on the right side of the road.”

Fujairah a Meeting Place of Cultures

December is a wonderful month for visiting Fujairah.

The skies are generally clear, the water is warm while still being refreshing and the temperatures are consistently in the mid twenties.

Judging by the tour buses and the visitors pounding the streets there seem to be many people who are taking advantage of what Fujairah has to offer—no-fuss hospitality, scenic mountain and water views and authentic Emirati tradition.

Down at the Fujairah corniche recently there was a rich mix of cultures enjoying the sea views and breathing in the clear air. In the space of 10 minutes I spoke with people from India, Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan and these well-dressed men from Baluchistan (pictured) who were happy to pose with my granddaughter.

Come and see Fujairah for yourself. It is a total experience.

Dr Geoff Pound

P.S Just back from a holiday in Syria. What a delightful country to visit.

Links to some of my Syrian photos:

In the Steps of St Paul-Damascus Pilgrimage

Sixth Century Monastery in Syrian Desert

Pottering Around Palmyra, Syria

Sign Seen on a Fujairah Road Approaching Al Bidyah

It was lovely to spot this sign (attached) to welcome people to the little town of Al Bidyah.

This village is located 38 kms north of Fujairah City, 25 km this south of Dibba and is best known for its Ottoman mosque.

More information about the history and the architecture of this building and the artifacts that have been found in this area are available at this link.

This sign spells out the everyday Arabic greeting but as stated in an earlier post this sign is a blessing, a gift and a challenge for the living of our days.

At this holiday season I extend you this greeting:

As-Salāmu `Alaykum السلام عليكم Peace Be With You!

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: As-Salāmu `Alaykum السلام عليكم Peace Be With You!

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.”