Fujairah: The Hidden Gem of the UAE

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaa'an]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlak]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aathirana]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayf halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'iinjlizia?]
• I don't understandلا أفهم
  [la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [urid ru'ya alqa'ima, min fadlak]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtak!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [urid 'an 'adfa', min fadlak]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baeedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [itassil bialshurtah!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [itassil batabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [urid 'an 'ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafd alsu'ur?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alsaa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالواحدة
  [alwahidah]
• Half past (10)العاشرة والنصف
  [al'eashirah walnusf]
• Morningالصباح
  [alsaabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [baed aldhuhur]
• Eveningالمساء
  [almasa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'a]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsa]
• 6ستة
  [sitta]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'a]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'a]
• 10عشرة
  [ashara]

• Where's a/the...?أين؟
  [ayn?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'awnan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'an turiyni (ealaa alkhariata)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى القادم؟
  [mata alqadim?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirat ('iilaa ...)]

Fujairah's history can be traced back to ancient times, with archaeological sites such as the Wadi Suq period settlements and the Umm Al Nar tombs. These sites reveal the existence of human habitation and complex societies dating back to 2500-2000 BCE.

Built in 1670, the Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in the UAE. It served as a defensive stronghold and a residence for the ruling family. The fort played a crucial role in protecting the area from invasions and providing a strategic vantage point.

In the early 16th century, the Portuguese established a presence along the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, including Fujairah. Their influence can be seen in the remnants of military fortifications and trade networks that connected Fujairah to the broader Portuguese empire.

Dating back to 1446 AD, the Al Bidya Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the UAE. It is an excellent example of traditional Islamic architecture and has been a significant site for worship and community gatherings for centuries.

In the 19th century, Fujairah, like other Trucial States, came under British protection through a series of treaties. This era saw the stabilization of the region and the establishment of modern administrative practices.

On December 2, 1971, Fujairah became one of the founding members of the United Arab Emirates. This union marked the beginning of a new era of development and modernization for the emirate.

In recent decades, Fujairah has seen significant growth in infrastructure, tourism, and commerce. Despite modernization, the emirate has made concerted efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, as seen in the restoration of historical sites and the celebration of traditional festivals.

Fujairah can be accessed via several means. The nearest major airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB), approximately 120 kilometers away. From Dubai, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a bus service to reach Fujairah. Alternatively, you can fly into Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) or Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) and drive or take a taxi from there. The drive from Dubai typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Fujairah offers various modes of transportation. Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable. Car rentals are convenient for those looking to explore the emirate and its surroundings independently. Public buses operated by the Fujairah Transport Corporation connect key locations within the city and to other emirates. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available.

The official currency in Fujairah, as in the rest of the UAE, is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange bureaus. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Fujairah is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, but it's prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and always keep an eye on your personal belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for ambulance services, and 997 for the fire department. Fujairah has several hospitals and clinics to handle medical emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places and religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of prayer times and avoid loud activities near mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful to other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, particularly men. Respect personal space and avoid physical contact with the opposite gender unless initiated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't drink alcohol in public places, as it is prohibited.

To experience Fujairah like a local, visit the Friday Market (Souq Al Juma) for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss exploring the Fujairah Fort and the Al-Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE. For a unique experience, take a boat tour to explore the coastline and enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters of the Gulf of Oman.