Directions with Map from Dubai to Fujairah on the New Sheikh Khalifa Highway

Quicker and Safer

The new ‘Dubai-Fujairah Highway has finally opened (3 December 2011), providing a much quicker and safer route between the two UAE cities than previously available.

Fujairah to Dubai

Officially named the Sheikh Khalifa Highway, the road cuts through the Hajar Mountains starting in the Al Hayl area of Fujairah and ending with a junction of the Sharjah-Kalba Road just East of Maleha.

The new highway gives an easier and much more direct path between Fujairah and the Western Emirates, and with three lanes each way and no large trucks allowed, promises a much improved journey through what was previously the most challenging part of the trip to the Eastern Region.

From Dubai to the New Highway

To get to the new roadway from Dubai, one can easily access it using emirates Road, or even more easily by the Dubai Outer Bypass Road if that is convenient.

From Emirates Road

Using Emirates Road, head into Sharjah and shortly after entering, get off at the National Paints roundabout, turning right to take the road toward Maleha. Go straight on the road, passing through the outer industrial areas of Sharjah, and eventually passing the Outer Bypass Road on the way out into the desert toward the Eastern Region.

From Outer Bypass Road

If starting on the Outer Bypass Road, take the exit for Kalba and the Eastern Region. You will immediately pass an ADNOC station on your right.

Maleha Road/Sharjah-Kalba Highway

The Maleha Road/Sharjah-Kalba Highway will take you on a fairly direct path through the picturesque desert, eventually passing through a stony ridge and into the lovely plain occupied by the town of Maleha. You will pass a new ADNOC station at Maleha and an overpass decorated with a large statue of a coffee pot.

Onto the Sheikh Khalifa Highway

About two kilometers after passing the Maleha overpass, you will approach the exit to Fujairah on the right, which then continues with an overpass heading north across the road to cut through the mountains.

Take the new road and enjoy the quick, safe and scenic drive through the Hajar Mountains.

Thanks

Many thanks to Paul Castle for writing this article and providing the map (click on the map to enlarge).

Further

Mick O’Reilly, Dubai to Fujairah in Only 40 Minutes (article and video), Gulf News, 5 December 2011.

Anna Zacharias, New Motorway Will Halve the Journey from Fujairah to Dubai, The National, 4 December 2011.

On the Construction Challenges of Making the Sheikh Khalifa (Dubai-Fujairah) Highway, Gerhard Hope, ‘Site Visit’, Construction Week Online, 29 October 2011.

For traditionalists wanting to take one of the old routes:

Directions from Dubai to Fujairah, FIF, 12 September 2008.

Image: Map of the new Dubai to Fujairah route which is also posted here on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook site if you cannot enlarge the photo on this site.

New Al Saif (Sword) Roundabout Erected in Fujairah on UAE 40th National Day

New Roundabout

It is highly appropriate on the 40^th National Day of the UAE that Fujairah, the emirate of roundabouts, is given a new roundabout with which to celebrate this significant day (2 December 2011) and to remind people of their cultural identity in the days to come.

Fitting Location

The new Al Saif Roundabout has a fitting location standing at the gateway of the iconic Fujairah Fort that has become the site of the Al Saif (traditional sword) Championship for ‘The Crown Prince Award’. This is now in its second year and the sword dancing is taking place over six weeks on a larger arena and in association with many other cultural activities and displays in the Fujairah Heritage Village.

Ancient Art in Modern Championship

In its inaugural year in 2010, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, developed a dream for transforming the ancient Emirati art of almzafin (sword dancing) into a modern competition. What started as a dream in its first year became the biggest and perhaps the most significant event in Fujairah’s calendar.

International Recognition

The Al Saif Championship and this traditional Emirati art attracted international recognition when two Guinness World Records were established on 26 November 2010—the largest youla dance (traditional Emirati dance) when 285 people danced on the sword arena and the highest throw of the saif (sword), when Hazaa Sulaiman Al Shehhi of Dibba, Fujairah, threw his sword 21.275 metres up into the air.

Saif Symbolism

The new Al Saif Roundabout will bring many things to the mind of drivers and passengers as they move around this monument—a new championship that is reviving an ancient Emirati art, a new festival that is attracting huge crowds from Fujairah and the UAE and becoming a significant attraction for visiting tourists, some new world records that are drawing international recognition to Emirati culture and a new sense of patriotism and pride as Fujairah residents and visitors celebrate 40 years of UAE nationhood.

Al Saif Specifications

The newly erected sword might well attain another world record for being the longest traditional sword standing at 15 metres. It is made of stainless steel and is comprised of an 11.48 metre blade, a 2.82 metre decorated handle and a 0.69 metre base.

Roundabout Features

While the rest of the roundabout needed to wait for the sword to be erected before it could be finished, in the next few days there will be a marble pattern created surrounding the saif. Four paved paths will descend to the road and the outside wall will also be covered in marble. There will be four large areas of lawn, each possibly containing a colourful garden.

The giant saif is not too high to create safety problems for drivers craning their necks to see the sword’s tip and it is not too wide so as to obscure both the view of traffic and the Fujairah Fort.

Take a Look

Some photos of the lifting of the blade of the saif into the handle early on UAE 40^th National Day (2 December 2011) are posted in this photo album.

Related

More information about the Al Saif Championship concept and programme can be found at this website of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and this Al Saif Facebook Page.

Discover What Fujairah is about from its Roundabouts (Coffeepot Roundabout), FIF, 3 September 2010.

The Falcon Roundabout in Fujairah Reminds People of High Values, FIF, 31 October 2010.

Fishing Lures People to Fujairah and Still They’re Getting Hooked, FIF, 14 September 2010.

The Roundabout Architecture of Dibba-Fujairah, FIF Facebook, 19 December 2010.

The Perfume Roundabout (dressed in national colours), FIF Facebook, 25 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah: ‘The Lungs of the UAE’

His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, called Fujairah ‘the lungs of the UAE’ on a visit to the eastern emirate in December 2010.

Now the Fujairah Municipality has taken up this concept in a new clean up campaign with their billboards declaring, ‘Keep Emirates Lung Clean’.

So the UAE has only got one lung?

One would think the Fujairah Municipality would think the eastern emirate is significant enough to imply that Fujairah has got more than one lung that keeps the entire country refreshed, replenished, healthy, pure and lively.

Happy 40^th UAE National Day to all Fujairah residents and visitors to the ‘lungs of the UAE’!

Related

What Did Sheikh Mohammed Mean by Calling Fujairah ‘The Lungs of the UAE’?, FIF, 14 December 2010.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, views, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Billboard near the new Al Sharq hospital.

Children Compete in Theatrical Plays and Traditional Games at Fujairah Fort

Children at the Centre

It was the wish of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi that the Al Saif Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival would be an experience for all members of the family, particularly the children.

Judging from this year’s festival, His Highness will not be disappointed as most days there are children at the centre of the stage.

Traditional Plays

One of the contests in which children from different schools in Fujairah are competing is in the presentation of theatrical plays. The plays are all to have a heritage theme and a connection with the 40 years of UAE nationhood.

Six Criteria for Plays

Four judges are at the ready and they are scoring the plays according to these six criteria:

1. How closely the idea of the play and its themes are connected to Fujairah, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Sharqi and the reunion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and the union and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi and the development of the union. (30 points)

2. The judges will also be looking for the integration of the technical elements of the play in the way of dialogue, text, songs, imagery and sound effects. (20 points)

3. Performance skills are judged out of 20 points,

4. Decoration are judged out of 10 points.

5. The quality of the Costumes is judged out of 10 points.

6. The cheering of the audience is judged out of 10 points.

Prizes for the Plays

These generous prizes are being awarded by the Crown Prince:

1^st Prize: Trophy and Dhs 15,000

2^nd Prize: Dhs 10,000

3^rd Prize: Dhs 7,000

Traditional Games Criteria

Children from Fujairah schools are also competing in the performance of traditional Emirati games. The criteria against which their activity is being judged includes the following:

+ The extent to which the songs match the music of the games (20 points)

+ Use of equipment and physical performance (20 points)

+ Mastery of performance in the games (20 points)

+ General appearance (10 points)

+ Variety of games (20 points)

+ Applause of the crowd (10 points)

Prizes for Traditional Games

The prizes for the winners are as follows:

1^st Prize: Trophy and Dhs 8,000

2^nd Prize: Dhs 6,000

3^rd Prize: Dhs 4,000

Competition Schedule

The remaining performance dates are as follows:

Theatrical Play Competition: Thursdays 24 November; 1, 15 December

Heritage Games Competition: Saturdays 26 November; 3, 10, 17 December

Come along to the sword arena at the Fujairah Fort and cheer for the children!

Take a Look

Some photos of the children featuring in the traditional games and plays are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

New Emirati Ghutrah Released in Fujairah in Time for UAE 40th National Day

National Day Attire

While there are lots of UAE 40^th National Day events it is good to see the release in Fujairah of an Emirati ghutrah (men’s head dress) in the colours of the UAE flag.

Stylish

This head dress is stylish with or without an agal (ropes to hold head dress in place). Made from 100% cotton, it has the words ‘Emirati’ stitched in Arabic and English. Take out the ghutrah from the packet and you will see that the map of the UAE is marked by the red patterns. The framework is coloured in black.

Fujairah Fashion Designer

The ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ has been produced by a Fujairah designer under the fashion label, ‘Sharqi’, the name of the major Emirati tribe in Fujairah and the UAE’s East Coast.

Shailer Soon to Appear

The ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ is the first clothes item that has been released under the ‘Sharqi’ label but the Emirati Shailer (women’s head scarf), also in UAE national colours, is soon to be released.

Availability

The ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ sells at 350 AED. Only one size is available at the moment but more sizes are planned including an ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ for boys.

The ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ can be purchased at various stalls of the Heritage Village at the Fujairah Fort.

You can order it from this phone number: +971 (0) 55 6684528 plus post and delivery costs.

Be in quickly because they are selling like hot cakes.

Appeal

Wearing the ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ on UAE National Day will make a significant fashion statement but after all the celebrations are over this ghutra will continue to be worn with pride on any day and occasion.

The ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ is a terrific gift idea for men who have got everything but be quick. This is a limited edition and in years to come the ‘Emirati Ghutrah’ released on the UAE 40^th National Day will be a collector’s item.

Take a Look

Take a look at how the new Emirati Ghutrah looks in different styles in photos in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, photos and resources are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

G-Force Arts Rocks Fujairah With Sound, Light, Dance and Fireworks

G-Force Arts was hired by the Fujairah Municipality to produce and stage an event for its Sixth Family Festival that was timed as a Fujairah celebration of the UAE 40^th National Day celebration.

The event on Tuesday 29 November 2011, which will be repeated on Wednesday 30 November at 7.30pm on the Fujairah Corniche at the bottom of the main street, did not disappoint.

The Dubai-based events company prides itself on their goal of delivering a ‘flawless execution’ and the evening appeared to go off without a hitch.

Middle Eastern Dance and Music

The event commenced with a group of UAE women doing a stylish hair dance, then continued with a series of dances to rhythmic music performed by troupes from countries such as Lebanon, Palestine, each decked out in their traditional dress.

The performance included a modernized version of a whirling dervish from Egypt and Russian performers dancing with rows of lights.

The rear of the stage was lit with changing, colourful scenes while at the front of the stage there were smoke machines releasing their coloured puffs and cylinders that emitted thunderous flames.

A couple of the musical performances were enhanced with laser lighting that lit up the grassy park on which hundreds of people sat and relished the experience.

The evening concluded with a long and sparkling fireworks display arising from a barge in the water. The lights and explosions could be heard all over Fujairah.

G-Force Arts put on a spectacular and enjoyable outdoor event that was enjoyed by an appreciative multicultural audience.

Recommendations

Take a picnic dinner and get down to the corniche early tonight (Wednesday) to secure a good space for viewing the show and the fireworks (to the right of the stage looking from the road). Watch where you park your car. The corniche road was congested for a long time after the fireworks display.

G-Force Arts is professional and precise. They put on an event that all the family will enjoy.

Thanks

Mabrook! Congratulations to the Fujairah Municipality for hosting an event that was well done, a delight to all the senses and an appropriate celebration for people enthusiastically marking 40 years of UAE nationhood.

Take a Look

Some photos of the G-Force Arts sound and light dance show, plus the fireworks, are posted in this photo album.

Further

Sixth Family Festival Featured in Fujairah Celebration of UAE National Day, FIF, 28 November 2011.

40^th UAE National Day Activities in Fujairah—Detailed Program and Schedule for download in Arabic and English, FIF, 2 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Our Own Fujairah Kindergarten Salutes the Nation on UAE National Day Week

This report about the celebration of UAE National day by some of the very young of Fujairah is written and submitted by Shamsun Nahar Sherin, Class Teacher of Reception 2F at Our Own English High School, Fujairah.

Week Long Celebrations

The week long celebrations for 40 years of Peace and Prosperity concluded on Thursday 17th Nov 2011 on a high note with 'Daddies' sharing information about this beautiful country, UAE, with the classmates of their children.

Awareness and Pride

The awareness of UAE and their pride to be part of this country has grown 100 fold among the children, staff, the parents and the community at large.

Focus

The focus of each activity was the coming together of the school community as a whole with social and civil community. The signal of the success was participation that was at a maximum in every event.

Highlights

The highlights of the week were as follows:

+ Watching parent and child together put their palm (hand) prints on the banner in the colours of the UAE flag.

+ The presence at the kindergarten of people doing UAE crafts.

+ Children dressed in traditional clothes singing their love for UAE while parading in the corridors of Our Own Fujairah.

+ The Special assembly conducted by the IGCSE parents which strengthened our partnership.

+ Building family spirit in 'the traditional food sharing' when Guardians on Wheels (bus drivers and conductors) and Our Hardy Helpers (maids, watchmen & other workers of the school) joined in the celebrations.

+ The delightful date with the fruit of the desert and the Green Coast Nursery Official Partner, Mrs. Bosseineh Khazal.

+ The visit with a token of traditional sweets to the offices of: Ministry of Education, Municipality, Customs, Emirates Court, Fire department, Police Department, Free Zone, Media, Immigration and five neighboring schools. Children sang the 'I love UAE' song and announced 'Our Own Fujairah salutes The Nation' much to the delight of the executive staff in every office.

Congratulations

Bravo, Well done Staff and Students of Our Own Fujairah Kindergarten!!! Happy National Day!

Thanks

Many thanks to Shamsun Nahar Sherin for taking the time to write up what appears to be a very fruitful week in the life of the children and Our Own Fujairah Kindergarten.

Take a Look

Some photos of the students of Our Own Fujairah Kindergarten and special guests who were engaged in the week long UAE 40^th National Day celebrations are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, reports, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Hosts First Forum in Urban Planning, Diversity and Integration

The first Fujairah Forum was held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel on 23-24 November 2011 in the presence and with the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (pictured at the forum).

Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality welcomed delegates to the First Fujairah Forum and he explained the reason for the gathering in his opening remarks:

Unity in Planning

“This is why we, Fujairah Municipality, thought of organizing this event that is inspired by the directives of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, to highlight in it the concept of unity between the seven emirates and the urban and developmental wealth and diversity of projects to create an integrated environment that meets the leadership that is rightfully ours.”

Realizing the Emirati Dream

Mr. Afkham told attendees of the Forum that, “it is our ambition to leave the doors wide open for the participation of minds and the exchange of experiences. Our aim is to realize the beautiful Emirati dream in creating a base that will be a safety valve for future generations to continue this country’s journey of greatness.”

Exchange of Experiences

Afkham (pictured below) invited delegates to “exchange experiences with the aim of integration and sustainability.”

He stressed that the ambition of the designers of the Fujairah Forum is to create an interactive environment where ideas mature and objectives and proposals are established as we address the five pillars: urbanization and sustainability, the use of technology and its role in planning, urban expansion and integration, the role of transport and its role in urban planning and the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in the field of urban planning.

Speakers and Topics

A diverse range of speakers addressed the Forum. Here is a list of some of the keynote speakers and their topics:

Day One Wednesday 23 November 2011

Hassan Radoine ‘Territorial & Urban Planning Quest: UAE.’

Ghada Mahmoud Hafez, ‘The Application of Strategic Thinking in the Planning of Urban Development.’

Dr. Khaled Galal Ahmed, ‘’Investigating Social Sustainability in Public Neighborhoods in the UAE: The Case of Al Ain.’

Eng. Jean-Luc Wagner, ‘Technology in City Planning.’

Eng. Sara Ishaq A Mohammad, ‘Mechanism Projects, Transportation Systems and Transportation Projects Within the New Development in Dubai.’

Day Two Thursday 24 November 2011

Eng. Nadia Al Nakabi, ‘Development frameworks and sustainability in the planning and urban design in the Northern Emirates.’

Eng. Humaid Abdalla Mohammed bin Awash Al Yamahi, ‘Urban Expansion and Integration and its Role in advancing the overall development in the UAE.’

Dr. Mohammad Arar, ‘Metro Dubai and its Impact in Sheikh Zayed Road.’

Eng. Hadeel Amer Al Khateeb, ‘A Study of the Lines, Stations and the Positions of Mass Transport for the Emirate of Ajman.’

Naemma Al Hosani/Miss Farah Saeed, ‘Use of Technology in Planning.’

Eng. Mustafa Abdulla Almusawa, ‘The Experience of the City of Abu Dhabi in the Use of GIS in the Field of Urban Planning.’

Khaula Al Kaabi, ‘Importance of Transportation and its Role in Urban Planning.’

Carolina (Vectuel), ‘3D Presentation for the Emirate of Fujairah.’

Conclusion of the Forum and a Recording of Recommendations.

A book of conference papers in Arabic and English is expected to be published in the future.

Geoff Pound

Keep in Touch with Development in Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Municipality Celebrates UAE 40th National Day

The Fujairah Municipality has organized a variety of special events and activities to celebrate the UAE 40^th National Day.

The Municipality is collaborating with other organizations and from 25 November to 3 December 2011 there will be a variety of activities and performances designed for all members of the family.

At the outset of this festive period, Engineer, Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, the Director the Fujairah Municipality congratulated His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, their highnesses, Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the Senate and the UAE people and residents of this good land on this happy national occasion. Mr. Afkham wished ongoing progress and greatness of this generous country.

The Director (pictured below) said that preparations have been put in place for the UAE National Day including decorating the streets with coloured lighting and flags, photos of the UAE President. A series of events in different parts of the emirate of Fujairah have been planned with an emphasis on events that can be enjoyed by all the family in wide open spaces.

This year National Day activities have been encouraged in the universities, colleges and other institutions of the emirate of Fujairah and these have included heritage competitions with valuable prizes, the tasting of traditional cuisine and the reenactment of a traditional Emirati wedding.

Other National Day initiatives by the Fujairah Municipality include the following:

1. Participation in the march, ‘Spirit of the Union’ on 17 November in collaboration with the Centre of the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

2. Representation through the Department of Public Relations and Media in the UAE Pavilion at the University of Ajman (30 November to 2 December) which will include an exhibition of some films produced by the department and the distribution of brochures.

3. Organizing the sixth Family Festival on the Fujairah Corniche with laser shows and fireworks (evening of the 29-30 November).

4. Staging an Open Day for staff and their families of the Fujairah Municipality with heritage activities, an exhibition of artifacts and the National day of Action.

5. Holding a Fujairah Municipality staff competition (since the beginning of the month) for the most beautiful painting on the theme: ‘The Spirit of Union’.

Get Involved

The Fujairah Municipality invites all citizens, residents and visitors to the emirate to participate in the UAE 40^th National Day activities.

Further

Download your UAE 40^th National Day in Fujairah Program in Arabic or English by going to the links in this article:

40^th UAE National Day Activities in Fujairah, FIF, 2 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

Keep Up to Date with Fujairah

More Fujairah news, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Jet Ski Parade from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi to Show UAE Loyalty

A jet ski parade, sponsored by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, gets underway on Tuesday 29 November 2011, commencing at Fujairah and ending up in Abu Dhabi.

First Time

The drivers, who are all from Fujairah, plan to stop off at every emirate on their way and it is reckoned to be the first time this has been done.

Symbolic Seven

Seven jet skis—one for every emirate—will seek to make the journey, along with three boats, one for medical assistance, one for mechanics and one for catering.

Three-Day Parade

Those on the jet ski parade plan to spend three days to reach Abu Dhabi on 2 December. Their intention is to spend the first night in Dibba, the second in Ras Al Khaimah and the final night in Dubai.

Loyalty Letters

Marketing and PR Manager at the Fujairah International Marine Club, Shoaib Essa, commented:

“The interesting feature is that the jet ski riders will carry a loyalty letter signed by the Fujairah Crown Prince and will pass a copy to each Crown Prince of each emirate until finally they deliver a letter to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.”

Celebratory Commencement

The jet ski parade will start on Tuesday at 4pm at the Fujairah Corniche, where there will be a big celebration.

If you are free, get down to the beach to send off and show your support to the jet ski parade.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Photos courtesy of Shoaib Essa.

Take a look at the photos of the start (Tuesday 29 November 2011) of the Jet Ski Parade from the Fujairah Corniche in this photo album.

Sixth Family Festival Featured in Fujairah Celebration of UAE National Day

6^th Family Festival

The Fujairah Municipality is organizing ‘The Sixth Family Festival’ as part of its commemoration of the UAE 40^th National Day celebrations.

Light Show

The festival will include traditional and global events, a laser show and fireworks.

Location

Fujairah Corniche.

Dates and Times

Tuesday and Wednesday 29-30 November 2011 commencing at 7.30pm.

Related

40^th UAE National Day Activities in Fujairah—Detailed Program and Schedule, FIF, 2 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, reports, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.