Khor Fakkan Beach Delights

Further to the discussion on the best beach on the UAE east coast, there are further benefits to add regarding the Khor Fakkan beach.

It has superb sand, a large grassy area with play equipment for children, oodles of well-established shady trees, plenty of grills upon which to cook your dinner, horses to hire, Arabic calligraphy in the mountains…

Check out further images of the Khor Fakkan beach at this link:

New Images from Khor Fakkan Beach, UAE, Facebook Photo Album.

Dr Geoff Pound

Send me a message or connect with me on Facebook.

Image: “Horses to hire…” (One of the photos in the album at the above link).

Best Beaches in Fujairah and on East Coast of the UAE

I was chatting with several Emirati students this week and we discussed the question of best beaches on the UAE’s east coast.

The students were evenly divided between Khor Fakkan and Khor Kalba.

The question is like forcing a parent to choose their favorite child but I was keen to see what local people choose when they decide to go to the beach.

Recently I have made a few trips to Khor Kalba beach (south of Fujairah) and this experience is always rejuvenating and enlivening.

Follow the link to see some of the photos I took early yesterday morning from the Khor Kalba beach. You’ll see some of the reasons why I love this beach.

Khor Kalba Beach, Facebook, 2 January 2009.

Got a favorite beach on the UAE east coast?

Dr Geoff Pound

Contact or connect with me on Facebook at this link.

Image: Khor Kalba beach in the early morning.

Fujairah for Break Dancing

Many think of Fujairah as small, dusty and traditional but here is an excerpt from a recent blog posting that shows the eastern emirate is changing:

“It is a typical evening for 16-year-old Khamis al Yamahi as he walks down to the basketball courts in Fujairah City for some break-dancing.”

“Yet his uniform of jeans, T-shirt, baseball cap turned backwards and black Reebok trainers, underlines a deeper message about the radical changes in how a new generation of Emiratis see themselves.”

To continue reading the article, follow this link:

Break Dancing in Fujairah, USA2UAE, 3 January 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Break-dancing (Photo courtesy of Google Images).

Flags Flying Respectfully at Half Mast over Fujairah

Following the directives of the President of the UAE and the Ruler of Fujairah, flags are flying at half mast in the eastern emirates today and for the rest of the week in respect of the Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al-Mualla, who passed away on Friday morning.

Further details:
Fujairah Ruler Mourns the Death of the Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain, FIF, 2 January 2009.
UAE Mourns the Death of the Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain, Experiencing the Emirates, 2 January 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Flags are flying at half mast in the eastern emirates today.”

Fujairah Ruler Mourns the Death of the Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain

Khaleej Times Online has reported (2 January 2009) this statement:

“The Court of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, UAE Supreme Council member and Ruler of Fujairah today mourned the death of Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al-Mualla who passed away on Friday morning in London Sheikh Hamad, in a statement, prayed for Allah The Almighty to rest the soul of the deceased in peace and grant him a place in heavens.”

Fujairah Mourns
“A one-week long state of mourning has been declared in the Emirate of Fujairah, during which the flag shall fly at half mast while local government departments and institutions shall remain closed for 3 days, starting from Friday.”

Further
More on the death of Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al-Mualla can be found at this link:

UAE Mourns the Death of the Ruler of Umm Al-Qaiwain, Experiencing the Emirates, 2 January 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al-Mualla.

Fujairah Corniche is a Great Place for a Jet Ski

Jet Ski off Fujairah Beach
The Kalba Beach was one of the first beaches along the east coast to provide a jet ski service but in recent days the Fujairah beach alongside the Marina has jet skis to hire.

A sign (pictured) to the southern end of the grassy domain indicates the spot where you pay your money and take your boat.

Rates and Conditions
According to the ‘Marina Rates and Facilities 2008’ document (available from the Fujairah International Marine Club), the hire fee for a jet ski is Dh200 per hour (there is also a half-hour option).

The minimum age you need to be to hire a jet ski from the Fujairah Corniche is 18 years.

If you want to make a booking, check up on the current rates or ask any other question give Mr. Obeid a call on +971 50 7899227.

Khor Fakkan
Check out this article for more about jet skis out from the Khor Fakkan beach on the UAE's east coast.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Take a jet ski from the Fujairah Corniche.

Fujairah Corniche is a Great Place to Improve your Golf Swing

The newly-grassed area on the Fujairah Corniche did have lots of playground equipment for children but unfortunately this has been removed to allow for other events such as the Fujairah Parachuting Competitions.

This woman (pictured) spent some time this week improving her golf swing on the grass. She is new to Fujairah and this was her first day of learning to play golf.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Swinging the iron on a mat to save the turf.

Fujairah Corniche is a Great Place for Mending Nets

Bangladeshi and Indian fishermen can regularly be seen on the Fujairah beaches.

Pulling in a load of fish must be one of the most exhilarating parts of the job and such times generally attract many spectators.

Cleaning, mending and preparing nets for the next fishing escapade are often done on or near the Fujairah Corniche.

Dr Geoff Pound

Fujairah Corniche is a Great Place for a Lie Down

In this colder winter season, many who go to the Fujairah Corniche to relax often can be seen dropping off to sleep.

This man (pictured) decided to lie in one of the many ‘shells’ on the corniche which offer shade from the sun.

Dr Geoff Pound

Fujairah Corniche is a Great Place to Exercise

Walking, riding bikes, running….

Many people engage in different forms of exercise on the Fujairah Corniche as it offers a long strip, a firm surface, salt air and a marvelous view.

This man (pictured) is from Kerala and I photographed him doing a fascinating and an intense exercise routine.

Dr Geoff Pound

Approaching Fujairah by Ship

Flying Over Fujairah
I recently flew over Fujairah in a plane on a flight from Nepal. I was so glad of a window seat for I got an amazing aerial view of the Hajar Mountains. The rugged character of the ranges and some glimpses of mountain villages added to the remarkable scenery.

Passage to Fujairah
Another way that an increasing number of people come to Fujairah is by cruise ship.

If you Google ‘cruise ship, Fujairah’ you can get an idea of the various cruise lines that make a stop at our local port. Their marketing blurbs are way over the top but one of the things they remark on is the views of the Hajars from the Arabian Sea and the exquisite colors that change in the sunlight.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Cruise ship leaving and container ship arriving in Fujairah this week.

A Great Month to Visit Fujairah

In December the weather is consistent, the skies deep blue, the air is clear, the mountains in sharp definition, the afternoon temperatures in the early to mid twenties Celsius.

Fujairah in December is a wonderful place to relax and escape the Christmas frenzy that afflicts most western cities.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Yesterday’s late afternoon temperature as indicated by the Enoc Service Station on the Fujairah Corniche.

Even the Stones Will Speak

Have you noticed this stone formation (pictured) in Fujairah?

These stones have been arranged on the mountain slope where Al Kalaa Road intersects with the Kuwait Road.

As you come down Al Kalaa Rd with the Fujairah Fort on the right you can see this design on the mountain before you.

My Arabic advisers say that the statement is a Bedouin saying which means “Let us all work together and help each other.”

It has been put there to remind Fujairah residents at this National Day season of the strength that comes when people from the different emirates work together for a truly United Arab Emirates.

Dr Geoff Pound

Oh I Do Like to Live Beside the Seaside

If you are looking for a seaside apartment in Fujairah and you have considered this high tower and this one, here is yet another one in the making (pictured).

This 7-8 floor tower is literally a spitting distance from the second tower mentioned.

It is straight up from the Fish Roundabout that overlooks the Enoc Service Station and the Fujairah Marina.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Yet another [Fujairah seaside apartment tower] in the making.”

Further Fujairah Seaside Apartment Tower

If you don’t like heights or the price of the new tall apartment building at the bottom of Fujairah’s main street there are one or two other possibilities to look at.

Going north from the tall tower and opposite the Fujairah Marina is this apartment tower (pictured).

It looks only about six floors in height but apartment dwellers facing east should get a decent view out to the Indian Ocean.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: “Apartment dwellers facing east should get a decent view out to the Indian Ocean.”

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.”