As much as I love Dubai, there’s something magical about escaping the city’s frenetic energy and exploring the quieter corners of the UAE. One of my favourite destinations is charming Fujairah, a gem on the country’s east coast that offers a perfect blend of sea and mountains. Last Christmas, my husband and I decided to trade the glitz of Dubai for the tranquillity of Fujairah, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions yet.
A Scenic Journey Through the Mountains
Our adventure started with a drive through the stunning Hajar Mountains, a route that never fails to leave me in awe. The road winds through a series of tunnels, each opening onto a view more striking than the last. Coming out of one of them, we suddenly found ourselves at Shees Park.
Tucked away in the rocky landscape, Shees Park felt like a little slice of paradise, an unexpected stop on our scenic journey through the mountains. Its lush greenery stood out against the rugged peaks, and the walking trails seemed perfect for a peaceful stroll. The park has beautifully landscaped terraces, picnic spots, and even a small waterfall flowing gently over the rocks.
It was so tempting to stay longer and explore, but we decided to save it for another day when we could really take our time to enjoy everything. Shees Park felt like a hidden gem, and I can’t wait to go back and discover more of its beauty.
Continuing our journey, we passed the serene Al Rafisah Dam and headed toward the Al Suhub Rest Area. Sitting at around 600 metres above sea level, this viewpoint overlooks Khor Fakkan and the waters of the Gulf of Oman. We stopped at Café 53, set right at the top, and took a moment to sit with a coffee and take in the view before continuing the drive. The road leading up to the rest area winds through the mountains, making the climb feel like part of the experience rather than just a way to get there.
Once we reached the top, I was completely captivated. Sitting there with a warm cup of coffee, I found myself lost in the view – the mountains rolling down to meet the sea, and the way the sunlight played on the water, creating a shifting tapestry of light and shadow. It felt so different from the busy, familiar shores of Dubai. It was a moment of pure appreciation for the diversity and beauty of this region, a place where nature and human creativity come together to create something truly special.
Khor Fakkan: A Coastal Haven
Khor Fakkan, nestled between the mountains and the sea, is a sight to behold. Its crescent-shaped bay, lined with swaying palm trees and pristine beaches, offers a stark contrast to Dubai’s more developed coastline. The town’s laid-back atmosphere and rich history make it a perfect spot for those seeking a slower pace of life. We made a mental note to explore its newly developed waterfront and the 16th-century Khor Fakkan Fort on our next visit.
Dibba: Our Christmas Retreat
Our final stop was the Royal Beach Hotel Resort in Dibba, where we planned to spend our Christmas break. The resort isn’t flashy or modern, but it has a unique charm that makes it feel special. There’s a warmth to the place, the kind that comes from character and thoughtful details. The Turtle Bay restaurant was the highlight for us. A cosy, open-air spot that gave the whole resort an exotic and inviting vibe. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Our days at the resort quickly settled into a peaceful and satisfying rhythm. Mornings began with quiet walks along the beach, which was almost empty as it was still early. The soft sand met the gentle waves, and the sky transformed into shades of pink and gold as I sipped my tea, soaking in the stillness. The scenery was beautiful; schools of fish, likely mullet, darted through the water and occasionally leapt into the air, creating ripples across the surface, while turtles poked their heads up now and then for a breath of fresh air.
We enjoyed the beach and the simple pleasure of slowing down for a day or two. Time passed easily between early walks, swimming, and lazy afternoons playing cards and uckers (a British naval version of Ludo). But we’re not very good at sitting still for long. Once we’d had our fill of quiet beach time, we felt ready to move again and see what lay beyond the resort. So we began exploring the surrounding area, taking short drives and stopping at places that piqued our interest.
Exploring surroundings
One of the places we found ourselves drawn to was Dibba. Dibba itself is worth a pause. One of the oldest inhabited coastal settlements in the UAE, it has long been shaped by fishing, trade, and its position between the sea and the mountains. Unusually, the town is divided between three jurisdictions, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Oman’s Musandam peninsula, which gives the area a layered, almost patchwork identity.
We visited the old fort near Dibba Al-Hisn, where stone walls and shaded arches sit quietly against the rocky hillside. It’s a modest place, built to protect rather than impress, and as we walked around it, we could imagine how closely life here was once tied to the land and the coast. Despite its history and dramatic setting, Dibba remains understated and practical, a working town where fishing boats still come and go, marine life thrives just offshore, and daily life continues at an unhurried pace.
Stay in touch
If you like the content, subscribe to my monthly newsletter for updates about new articles.
I promise – no spam, no inbox flooding.
Journey Home
On our departure day, we decided to take a different route home. Before leaving the coast behind, we visited Fujairah Fort, one of the emirate’s oldest structures. Sitting at the edge of the city, with the Hajar Mountains rising behind it, the fort feels solid and unassuming rather than grand. Walking around the thick mud-brick walls and rounded towers, it was easy to imagine how this place once protected the town and its people. The fort’s simple design makes you slow down and look more closely, offering a glimpse into Fujairah’s past before modern roads and resorts arrived.
Khor Fakkan
From there, we continued south, passing the Khor Fakkan waterfall and the Fujairah oil terminal. Our next stop was Kalba Corniche Park, a place I’d heard was good for shell collecting. True to its reputation, I found some of the most beautiful seashells I’ve ever seen scattered along the shore. It felt like a fitting way to end the trip, a small thing to take home as a reminder of our time away.
We had hoped to visit the Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, but we arrived just before sunset and ran out of time. It’s now on our list for a future visit, along with the Hanging Gardens in Kalba and a hike through Wadi Zikt. Those missed stops are reason enough to return and explore more of this part of the UAE.
Driving back towards Dubai through the mountains, the condition of the roads stood out, even in more remote areas. Drainage channels run alongside the roads to manage rainwater runoff, making the journey straightforward and safe.
As we drove back towards Dubai through the mountains, I noticed how smooth and easy the journey felt. The roads were well maintained and, even through the mountainous areas, fully lit, which isn’t something you expect in this kind of landscape. With drainage channels running alongside the roads to manage rainwater runoff, the drive felt safe, allowing us to enjoy the changing scenery.
Charming Fujairah: Perfect Escape For All
What struck me most about our trip to Fujairah was how it caters to a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family looking for kid-friendly activities, or retirees in search of peace and natural beauty, the east coast of the UAE has something to offer. The combination of mountain scenery, pristine beaches, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal destination for those looking to experience a different side of the Emirates.
A Promise to Return
As we settled back into our routine in Dubai, my thoughts kept drifting back to the peaceful days we spent in Fujairah. The two emirates are so different, yet they balance each other beautifully. Dubai is all about energy and modernity, while Fujairah offers the perfect escape to slow down and reconnect with nature. Our Christmas getaway left us feeling refreshed and inspired to explore more of the East Coast. There’s still so much to see, and I’m already dreaming about our next trip to this tranquil part of the UAE. Stay tuned—there are sure to be more adventures in Fujairah to share!
This article is part of my Escape Dubai series, where I share places that offer a different pace of life across the UAE. From quieter coastlines to mountain roads and small towns, these trips are about stepping away from the city and noticing what lies beyond it. If this kind of slower, more grounded travel speaks to you, there are more articles in the series exploring other corners of the country.
If you’re curious, you can find the other articles in the series here:
You might also like:
No posts
What would you like to read now?
There’s more here: favourite places, personal stories, broken food myths, recipes and more.
Either way, I’m glad you’re here.
