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Fujairah, November 19


Well, today was a surprise!  Docked at noon in Fujairah, UAE, to a temperature of 31C,  (sorry Melburnians but would almost swap you)!!  Our tour was at 1.30 and I was almost tempted to pass but am so glad I didn’t as it was one of the best tours!  We were welcomed at the port by white robed men doing a kind of stick dance then in the covered area were a large group of little girls dressed beautifully in white dresses performing a welcome dance. Then on the bus the guide’s name was Clyde!  He was terrific, very easy to understand and told us so much about the area.   Drove past dozens and dozens of oil tanks at the port, all oil from Abu Dhabi stored here ready for export.  First stop was at the fort, built in the 15th century then on to a very good museum. Drove into the city of Fujairah and saw fabulous buildings, hospitals, the university, and magnificent houses.  Someone asked about the houses in a particular area and Clyde told us they’re owned by the families of the Sultan.  

Fujairah city is the capital of the emirate of Fujairah and is the seventh largest city in UAE.  It’s located on the Gulf of Oman and is an industrial and commercial hub.  Hamad Bin Abdul’s Road runs through the city and connects Fujairah City to  Dubai through the Emirate of Sharjah!  Dubai is 120 kms away by road.  But it will take us all night to get there by sea!  

Fujairah is surrounded by massive mountains - we drove into the mountains via tunnels and the road system was something to behold!  All fairly new and the views were really special.  Fabulous buildings dotted the landscape. 

Stopped at the Friday Market which is open every day and saw stall after stall of lovely fruits and vegetables.  Tried some dates and should have bought a packet!  Back at sea level we visited the smallest Mosque in the world - very old but I actually didn’t go inside so can’t describe it.  

By the time we left the mosque it was getting dark and the drive was amazing - funny how buildings always look so much better at night.  

Sat on the back deck for dinner, was lovely there with a slightly cooler breeze.  



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