The east coast of the UAE faces the Gulf of Oman rather than the Arabian Gulf, and the difference in character is immediately striking. The water is clearer, the mountains rise straight from the shoreline, and the pace of life is noticeably quieter.
Day One: Fort, Mosque and the Sea
The morning drive from Dubai takes around two hours through the mountains. The first stop is Fujairah Fort, the oldest fort in the UAE. From there you drive north to the oldest mosque in the UAE at Bidiyah, a whitewashed structure with four unequal domes in continuous use for over five hundred years. The afternoon is spent snorkelling at Snoopy Island where turtles and rays are regularly seen.
Day Two: Wadi Wurayah National Park
The second day moves inland to Wadi Wurayah, the UAE’s only mountain national park and a protected biosphere reserve. The wadi is fed by year-round springs and contains waterfalls and freshwater pools. Your guide leads a hiking route of around two hours passing the main waterfall where swimming is possible.
What is Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout
- Licensed, English-speaking UAE tour guide
- All entry tickets and reservations as listed
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah
- Bottled water and light refreshments en route
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 48 hours
Good to Know
Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing are recommended for mosque and heritage site visits. Most attractions require guests to cover shoulders and knees. Sunscreen and sunglasses are advisable year-round. Your guide will brief you on local customs before each stop.