Fujairah is the only emirate entirely on the UAE’s east coast, facing the Gulf of Oman rather than the Arabian Gulf. A trip across the Hajar Mountains brings a change of scenery: rugged peaks, quieter beaches, old forts and the UAE’s oldest mosque. It works as a long day trip from Dubai or as a short beach break. This guide covers the journey and the highlights.
Distance and travel time
Fujairah city is roughly 130 km from central Dubai, and the drive usually takes around one and a half to two hours depending on where you start and the traffic. The main routes cross the mountains via the E611 and E88 through Masafi, or via Sharjah and the E102. Allow more time if you plan to stop along the way or continue north along the coast towards Dibba.
By train: Etihad Rail
Since 30 June 2026, the UAE’s national passenger railway has linked Fujairah with Abu Dhabi, according to Etihad Rail, and a Dubai station at Al Yalayis opened at the end of September 2026, as reported by the Dubai Media Office. The train is a comfortable option between stations; you will still need a taxi or car at both ends to reach beaches and sights, which are spread along the coast.
Places to visit in Fujairah
- Al Bidya Mosque: described by Fujairah Tourism as the UAE’s oldest existing mosque. Fujairah Tourism dates its construction to around 1599. It is about 35 km north of Fujairah city on the road to Dibba, and Fujairah Tourism lists visiting hours of 8 am to 6 pm. Dress modestly.
- Fujairah Fort: one of the oldest forts in the UAE, set below the mountains near the city, listed by Fujairah Tourism among its heritage sites.
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fujairah: a large white mosque in the city.
- Al Aqqah and Dibba beaches: resort beaches along the northern coast, popular for snorkelling.
- Al Hayl Fort and village: a heritage site in the mountains.
A sample day trip
Leave Dubai early to avoid the heat and the morning traffic. Head over the mountains to Fujairah city for the fort, then drive north along the coast to Al Bidya Mosque, stopping at a beach at Al Aqqah or Dibba for lunch and a swim. Return to Dubai in the late afternoon. It is a long day, and a driver means nobody has to drive the mountain roads home tired.
Some travellers combine the east coast with Khor Fakkan, which belongs to Sharjah, or continue north towards Musandam; see our guide to Dubai to Oman by road for the border rules.
Getting there with a driver
A car with driver booking is the most flexible way to see the east coast: you choose the stops and the pace, and the driver waits while you visit. Our inter-emirate transfers page explains how journeys between emirates are quoted, and the sightseeing with a private driver page explains how to send an itinerary. For a family or group, a V-Class style MPV or SUV gives everyone room for the long drive.
Staying overnight
If you would rather not do it in a day, the beach resorts north of Fujairah city make a relaxing base. A one-way transfer from Dubai, with a return a few days later, is simple to arrange: list both journeys with their dates and times in your enquiry.
Best time to visit the east coast
The east coast is most pleasant in the cooler months, from roughly October to April. Sea temperatures stay warm for much of the year, which makes it popular for snorkelling and diving, and the mountain scenery is at its best on clear winter days. In summer, temperatures are high, so plan beach time for the morning or late afternoon.
Snorkelling and diving
The coast north of Fujairah city is known for clear water and marine life. Several dive centres operate along the coast, and many resorts offer equipment hire and boat trips. Book with a licensed operator, and follow their safety advice.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, forts and villages; women may be asked to cover their hair at Al Bidya Mosque.
- Carry water and sun protection, especially if you stop at heritage sites with little shade.
- Check opening hours for heritage sites before you go, as they can change during holidays.
- Allow extra time on mountain roads, which can be slower than the motorways.
A day on the east coast covers a lot of driving. With a driver, you can enjoy the scenery and arrive back in Dubai rested. Send us your plans and we will help you pace the day.
Khor Fakkan and the coastal road
Many east-coast trips include Khor Fakkan, a coastal town that belongs to the emirate of Sharjah, between Fujairah city and the northern beaches. The drive along the coast links it with Fujairah city to the south and Al Bidya and Dibba to the north, so it is easy to add to a day out. Allow time for stops, as the coastal road passes through several towns and villages.
Travelling with a group
For a family or group, one larger vehicle keeps everyone together, with room for beach bags, coolers and snorkelling gear. Our inter-emirate transfers page explains how longer journeys are quoted, and a car with driver gives you the flexibility to change plans during the day, for example to spend longer at the beach.
Tell us when you book how many people are travelling, how much luggage you have, and any child seats you need. We will suggest a suitable vehicle and a realistic plan for the day.
Fujairah from Dubai Airport
Some travellers head to the east coast straight after landing in Dubai, for a beach holiday at one of the resorts north of Fujairah city. A direct transfer from DXB or DWC avoids changing between transport modes with luggage. Give us your flight number when you book, and the driver will track your arrival. See our DXB airport transfer page for how arrival pickups work.
Plan for the return journey as well. After a day in the sun, the drive back to Dubai over the mountains can feel long, particularly in the evening traffic approaching the city. Leaving the east coast in the late afternoon usually gets you back to Dubai in time for dinner.
Request a quote
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your Dubai pickup, the stops you want, the date, passengers and bags. We reply with availability and a quote. Nothing is booked until you accept.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Fujairah from Dubai?
Around 130 km to Fujairah city, usually about one and a half to two hours by car.
What is the oldest mosque in the UAE?
Al Bidya Mosque in Fujairah, dated to around 1599 according to Fujairah Tourism.
Can I take the train from Dubai to Fujairah?
Etihad Rail passenger services link Fujairah with Abu Dhabi, and a Dubai station at Al Yalayis opened in September 2026. Check timetables on the Etihad Rail website.
Is Fujairah worth a day trip from Dubai?
Yes, for mountain scenery, quieter beaches and heritage sites, but it is a long day, so leave early.
Can a driver take us around Fujairah for the day?
Yes. Send your planned stops and we quote a car with driver for the day.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 17 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
