Fujairah Plays Key Role in Abu Dhabi’s Oil Expansion

Oil Expansion
Bahrain’s Daily News (8 January 2008) cites a significant role for Fujairah in aid of Abu Dhabi’s booming oil business.

Abu Dhabi’s oil capacity stands at around 2.8m barrels per day, and according to an OPEC survey the UAE pumped around 2.3m bpd last month (AD holds more than 90 per cent of the country’s oil reserves).

Refinery Capacity Needs
Abu Dhabi plans to almost triple its refinery capacity from 485,000 bpd and the Abu-Dhabi government-owned International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) plans another refinery in Fujairah, on the UAE's east coast.

The Fujairah plant will have a capacity of under 200,000 barrels per day.

Fujairah’s Strategic Location
In addition to Fujairah being able to increase Abu Dhabi’s refinery and bunkering needs, other recent reports have highlighted the eastern emirate’s strategic role not just because it is a burgeoning port but because it faces toward the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean.

Every time security is threatened in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, especially with the UAE and Iran having relationship problems, the flow of oil through the narrow Strait of Hormuz is impeded and the oil price rises as fast as the blood pressure of the key players.

To overcome this constricted ‘throat’ to the Gulf, the UAE is building both an oil line and a gas line from Abu Dhabi (and Qatar).

Discussion has also taken place on the viability of establishing a canal that will connect Dubai and Fujairah and facilitate the flow of ships (check this link and this link for further information on this proposal).

While back in 2007 there were predictions of an oil business boom for Fujairah, the Daily News did not indicate how much the current financial downturn will curb Fujairah’s role.

A recent article in The National (28 November 2008) made a gloomy prediction.

See the gloomy announcement in this update (10 January 2009).

Dr Geoff Pound

A Day in the Life of a Fujairah Goat Keeper

Fifty eight-year-old Umm Mohammed has been a goat keeper for most of her life.

Talking to Khaleej Times reporter, Salah Al Deberky, about her routine, she pointed out, ‘’I usually start my day at dawn and come back home at sunset. I can’t spend the whole day sitting under a concrete roof. Staying under the shadow of trees and moving along the dusty roads and desert are better than the artificial air conditioners.”

To read the entire article, Salah Al Deb, ‘Depending on the Past to Keep Pace with the Present, Khaleej Times, 2 January 2009.

Dr Geoff Pound

Image: Goat posing for a photo on a road in the Sharjah Emirate.

Wake Up Fujairah!

Here is the sun rising over Fujairah’s main street this morning.

Note how the sun is being winched up on its climb by a crane working on one of the city’s new skyscrapers.

Dr Geoff Pound

This Guy Has the Most Complicated Job in Fujairah

Welcome Joepersie Camo Barsana, as he has recently arrived in Fujairah from the Philippines via five years working in Saudi Arabia.

His name is quite a mouthful but he explains that his first name is a combination of his father’s name ‘George’ and his mother’s name ‘Persie’.

Joe works in Cable Maintenance with Etisalat and he is currently engaged in changing Fujairah telephone lines from an old ‘crowded’ system into a simple and clearer system.

He is spending one month under a sun umbrella changing the wires in this ‘Cross Connection Cabinet’ on Faseel’s King Fayssal Rd, diagonally opposite the Faseel Post Office.

There are 400 lines in this box which connect Etisalat and 400 subscribers. It looks like a bird’s nest and it takes great concentration and patience to achieve successful rewiring.

It seems that Emiratization is not targeting this job for Joe has been told that most people would “get a headache” trying to unravel the wiry mess. With humor Joe said, “This job is not only for expats but for experts.”

Joe needs a sense of humor for he is often interrupted by people who stop their car and moan to him about the problems they are having with their telephone service.

Dr Geoff Pound

Further Change to Travel Instructions from Dubai to Fujairah

This is a further change to the updated travel instructions (18 December 2008) from Dubai to Fujairah.

The relevant change is indicated in italics:

There is a significant change in the road system for people travelling from Dubai to Fujairah and it hasn’t 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 just before the roundabout there is a sign on a green board that has instructions blotted out. At this roundabout there has been a significant change.

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 [no longer].

The roundabout has been removed and the Al Awir direction is now reached by taking Exit 64 [see blue sign board pictured]. Don’t take this route to go to Fujairah.

Continue straight and 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: “The Al Awir direction is now reached by taking Exit 64 [see blue sign board pictured]. Don’t take this route to go to Fujairah.”

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.”