A trip to the East Coast is a must – made up of the emirate of Fujairah and several enclaves belonging to Sharjah, the villages along the East Coast sit between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the gorgeous Gulf of Oman. Fujairah city has seen little development compared to cities on the west coast, but the real draw here is the landscape. 

The mountains and wadis that stretch west of the coast contain some of the country’s best and most accessible camping spots and the beaches, reefs and villages that line the coast attract visitors from Dubai throughout the year.

Previously, the journey to the East Coast involved a two-hour drive that took in some of the country’s most scenic mountain passes. If you’re happy to sacrifice some of those views for time, however, the new Sheikh Khalifa Highway cuts the journey time between Dubai and Fujairah to just 30 minutes.


Bidiyah

The site of the oldest mosque in the UAE, Bidiyah is one of the oldest settlements on the East Coast and is believed to have been inhabited since 3000BC. The mosque is made from gypsum, stone and mud bricks finished off with plaster, and its original design of four domes supported by a central pillar was considered unique, but the shape was changed to stepped domes during renovations. It is believed to date back to the middle of the 15th century. The mosque is still used for prayer, so non-Muslim visitors can’t enter. Built next to a low hillside with several watchtowers on the ridge behind, the area is now colourfully lit up at night.

Dibba

Located at the northern-most point of the East Coast, on the border with Musandam, Dibba is made up of three fishing villages. Unusually, each part comes under a different jurisdiction: Dibba Al Hisn is part of Sharjah, Dibba Muhallab is Fujairah and Dibba Bayah is Oman. The three Dibbas share an attractive bay, fishing communities, and excellent diving locations – from here you can arrange dhow trips to take you to unspoilt dive locations in Musandam. The Hajar Mountains provide a wonderful backdrop, rising in places to over 1,800 metres. There are some good public beaches too, where your only company will be crabs and seagulls, and where seashell collectors may find a few treasures.

Fujairah

Fujairah town is a mix of old and new. Its hillsides are dotted with ancient forts and watchtowers, which add an air of mystery and charm; most are undergoing restoration work. Fujairah is also a busy trading centre, with its modern container port and thriving free zone attracting major companies from around the world.

Off the coast, the seas and coral reefs are great for fishing, diving and watersports. It is a good place for birdwatching during the spring and autumn migrations as it is on the route from Africa to Central Asia. Since Fujairah is close to the mountains and many areas of natural beauty, it makes an excellent base from which to explore the countryside and discover wadis, forts, waterfalls and even natural hot springs.

Kalba

Just to the south of Fujairah, Kalba is renowned for its mangrove forest and golden beaches. It’s a pretty fishing village that has retained much of its historical charm. The mountain road linking Kalba to Hatta makes for an interesting alternative for returning to Dubai.

Khor Kalba

Set in a beautiful tidal estuary, Khor Kalba is one of the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia and is home to a variety of plant, marine and birdlife not found anywhere else in the UAE. The mangroves in the estuary flourish thanks to a mix of seawater and freshwater from the mountains, but they are now receding due to the excessive use of water from inland wells. 

For birdwatchers, the area is especially good during the spring and autumn migrations when special species of bird include Sykes’s warbler. It is also home to a rare subspecies of white collared kingfisher, which breeds here and in Oman, and nowhere else in the world. A canoe tour by Desert Rangers (+971 4 357 2200) is ideal for reaching the heart of the reserve. You may also bump into one of the region’s endangered turtles.