Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
MOSQUE
(cnr of Al-Ittihad & Al-Salam Sts )
By the time you're reading this, Fujairah's grand new mosque,
honoring Sheikh Zayed, should have started welcoming worshippers. Said to be the size
of three football fields and festooned with six 100m-high minarets, the white granite and
marble edifice can accommodate up to 28,000 worshippers, including 2500 women in a
basement prayer hall. It won't be open to non-Muslims, but the impressive exterior alone
warrants a look.
Al Hayl Fort
HISTORIC SITE
(Al Hayl; closed Fri)
Built around 1830, this is one of the best preserved forts in the
country, tucked deep into the jagged Hajar Mountains, yet easily reached without a 4WD.
There's usually a caretaker to show you around (tip appreciated). It's about 13km southw-
est of Fujairah via the signposted road off E89, opposite the City Centre mall. Best when
the sun is low.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
BULL BUTTING
On Fridays, Fujairah hosts the ancient sport of bull butting in a muddy patch off the Corniche, just south of the
'Hand Roundabout' (just look for the huge fleet of parked SUVs). Dozens of animals tethered to posts await their
turn, snorting derisively and kicking up dirt while, in the arena, two bulls lock horns and pit their strength against
each other as hundreds of locals cheer them on. The goal is for one bull to butt the other out of a circle, which
usually takes only a couple of minutes.
It's all a mad, disorganised spectacle introduced centuries ago by the Portuguese. Today, the tradition is upheld
by two local clubs who host fights on alternate Fridays. The animals don't get killed, but they do occasionally get
injured, usually around the ears and the neck.
Sleeping
Fujairah Youth Hostel$
HOSTEL
( 09-222 2347;
www.uaeyha.com
; 203 Al-Faseel Area, White City, next to Abu Jandal School; dm HI member/non-
member Dh50/65; reception 9am-11pm)
In a residential area close to small shops and the so-so
beach, this fairly well-kept hostel has 48 beds in gender-segregated dorms with air-con.
Bathrooms are shared. If there's space, families and couples can rent a dorm for them-
selves (Dh180). The town centre is about 3km south.
Hilton Fujairah Resort$$
RESORT
