The East Coast
The UAE’s eastern coastline, where the emirates of Sharjah and Fujairah meet the Gulf of Oman, contains some of the area’s most striking scenery. A day tour might include beaches and seaside towns, an ancient mosque, an inland oasis, a mangrove forest teeming with bird life, or all of the above.
topDibba
A collection of three seaside towns – Dibba Bayah, Dibba Muhallab and Hisn Dibba – each ruled by a different emirate/sultanate, Dibba is known for its fish souk, its ancient fort and its magnificent mosque. The mountains here are also impressive, rising sharply from the coast to a height of 6,500 feet.
topFujairah
Fujairah is the only emirate situated entirely along the Gulf of Oman. It’s filled with natural beauty, from rugged mountains to stunning, palm-lined beaches, and offers excellent scuba diving off the coast.
topSights
Fujairah Fort
Located in the town of Fujairah, this three-story fort was built in 1670 and is considered to be the oldest fort in the UAE. It was severely damaged in the early twentieth century by a British bombardment but has been recently restored.
Al Bidya Mosque
This Ottoman-style mosque is the oldest in the UAE, built in 1446. It’s an impressive feat of engineering for the time, with a single pillar supporting the multi-domed ceiling.
Bitnah Citadel
This 18th-century citadel guarded the strategic route through Wadi Ham. Many of the walls still feature ornate decorations.
Al Hayl Castle
One of the most impressive historic monuments in the emirate, this castle complex was built as the headquarters for the king and his family. It’s surrounded by free-standing towers and battlements once used for surveillance and defense.
topSharjah
The third largest of the emirates, Sharjah is the only one with a coast on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The terrain is scenic and varied – green farmland, mangrove forests, and vast deserts with some of the highest dunes in the world.
topSights
Khor Fakkhan
Situated on a beautiful natural bay, this thriving port city is famous for its long, sandy beaches. There’s great scuba diving here as well.
Kalba
This traditional fishing town features a well-known fort and museum, but the real draw is Khor Kalba, the mangrove forest just to the south, near the Oman border. One of the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia, it’s an important conservation site for endangered species, though development continues to be a threat. Bird life is particularly abundant here – you might be able to spot the rare Khor Kalba white-collared kingfisher. If you have a few hours, it’s well worth your time to hire a canoe and paddle up the inlets into the mangroves. Guided canoe trips are also available.
Al Dhaid
This lush inland oasis is surrounded by fertile farmland growing all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Nearby Fossil Rock is popular for dune driving, quad biking, fossil hunting and camping.
Masafi Friday Market
Daily 8am-10pm
Located just outside the village of Masafi, at the foot of Hajar Mountains, this roadside market sells local pottery, carpets, dried fish, toys, fruit and vegetables. Though it’s called the Friday Market, it’s open every day; worth a stop for a look, if not to purchase.