The winter season is almost upon us and it’s the perfect time to explore, be with nature and inhale some fresh air! I know you are thinking to go on road trips from Dubai. So, check out my blog about the best things to do in Fujairah with your family.
Two weeks ago, my family and I went for a picturesque drive to the East Coast of the UAE, in the Emirate of Fujairah. Fujairah is well-known for its pristine beaches, rugged mountains, orange desert dunes, and beautiful wadis. But what’s unique about this Emirate is it’s the only place in the country with a coastline facing the Indian Ocean. Having said that, it’s quite a popular destination for divers, hikers, and adrenaline junkies. But what about families with young children? Well, there are lots of things to do with kids there. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Fujairah with children. Keep on reading!
The majestic Hajar Mountains surrounding Fujairah.
Have a scenic cruise in Dibba, Fujairah.
A typical dhow (boat) docked in the port of Fujairah.
Cruising in Dibba, Fujairah is a fun and enjoyable weekend activity that you can do with your kids. Children ages 3-and above can enjoy a typical cruise and have a chance to spot a pod of playful dolphins. The cruise will take you around the Oman Coast and you’ll get a glimpse of the beautiful fjords. Definitely, this cruise is one of the best ways to relax in the water and enjoy a scrumptious lunch on board a classic Arabic Dhow. Lunch normally includes salads, fresh grilled fish, and other Arabic dishes. The other thing that you can try is water sports. You’ll get the chance to do snorkeling or ride a banana boat in the middle of the Fjords.
I had the best cruise experience in Dibba as it was there that I first saw wild dolphins. It was a fun and relaxing experience and something that I’ll always remember fondly. So, if you’re thinking to visit this hidden gem in the UAE, don’t overthink it anymore. This sleepy fishing town is a haven for nature and beach lovers. You can book a family cruise online, and they will organize it for you and your family. This includes lunch, life jackets, and other sports facilities.
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and Snorkel with your Kids
The other best and most fun thing to do with your family is just to be on the beach. For instance, you can laze around, build some sandcastles, and spot fishes and crabs. Clear blue skies, cool breeze, and fine soft sand are just a few things you’ll see in Fujairah. My kids loved swimming there because the crystal-clear water is cold! But what they enjoyed most was running after the little crabs on the beach! It was clearly something they want to play with and something that you can’t easily spot on Dubai beaches. There’s a public open beach in Fujairah that you can visit. However, it’s great to stay overnight in Dibba or Al Aqah to make the most of your trip.
Create memories and take lots of pictures of Snoopy Island as your background!
Snoopy Island is one of the “not-so-secret” natural gems in Fujairah. It’s a small rocky island that locals and UAE residents quite known as the perfect place for snorkeling and water sports. It got its name from the famous cartoon called Snoopy as its shape resembles the dog lying on its back. If you want to visit Snoopy Island and snorkel there, it’s best to stay overnight in one of the hotels to have a full day of relaxation on the beach and get the chance to visit the rocky island by boat for one full day.
For families with babies and toddlers, you can still enjoy the view of the island. Most hotels in Fujairah have private beaches with a beautiful view of Snoopy Island. Plus, you can also have a beach photoshoot with the island and Hajjar Mountains as your backdrop. Indeed, just relaxing on the beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city is one of the best things to do in Fujairah with your loved ones.
Snoopy Island is a paradise for beach lovers and divers.
Grab fresh fruits and vegetables at the “Friday Market” in Fujairah
The open-air market in Fujairah is a typical Arabic Souk where you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, pottery, rugs, plants, and toys for kids. During one of our beach escapades in Fujairah, we stopped by this famous farmer’s market. My children tried fresh coconut juices from Oman and we also bought fresh mangoes and dates locally grown in Fujairah. If you’re not keen to buy fruits and vegetables in the farmer’s market, you can have a look and experience a day in a typical Arabic open-air market.
A typical souq or market in the United Arab Emirates.
Best Place to Stay in Fujairah with your Family
My favorite spot in Radisson Blu Hotel is the gazebo with a picturesque view of the ocean.
Over the years, I’ve been visiting Fujairah with my family, and I have stayed in different hotels that are perfect for families and couples. During my last visit, I stayed in Radisson Blu Fujairah. We stayed in a 2-bedroom villa with two bathrooms, a large lounge, and a dining area. Plus, a porch with a view of the Indian Ocean. The good thing about this hotel is all its rooms have sea and mountain views.
Moreover, there are 5 outdoor pools in the hotel, a fitness center, and a kids club! My 5-year-old son enjoyed the kids club toys and was entertained all throughout. There are also other activities with the kids like coloring and storytelling. In the afternoons, my kids had a blast swimming in the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. But what I love about this hotel is the panoramic vistas along the coast. Furthermore, there are many gazebos conducive for bird-spotting, photography, and meditation!
We also got pampered there having experienced the “ultra-inclusive” offer of the hotel. Here’s what you get if you avail of the offer. First, you will get the full-board option of the hotel. In other words, you can avail yourself of breakfast, lunch, and dinner at one of their restaurants without extra cost. Secondly, you can also have the option to order unlimited drinks including cocktails, water, coffee, and teas in the pool’s bar and the food truck by the beach, free of charge, and your kids get a treat too. They can avail free and unlimited ice-cream the whole day!
The other good thing about staying in this hotel is all the rooms have sea views so you don’t need to worry about the room setting.
To be honest, I’ve enormously enjoyed my mini holiday in Fujairah. To unwind on the beach, with cocktails in one hand while looking at the beautiful Indian Ocean and the Hajjar Mountains as a backdrop is something that calms me down and takes my mind off from the busyness of life.
In the evening, there are various activities that the kids will enjoy. We watched a live dance show and after that, we walked on the beach and just listened to the waves. There was complete peace and serenity on the beach!
So, if you’re yearning for that quiet time and that epic road trip with your family away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Then consider visiting the quaint fishing town of Dibba and stay in Radisson Blu Fujairah! I strongly suggest that families stay in the villa as it gives the children more space to run around and unleash their energy! Although this hotel is not as modern as the new hotels around the area, it’s still perfect for a short vacation. It has everything you need. Swimming pools with sea views, kids club, Instagrammable spots for a family photo shoot, and crystal-clear and emerald-blue water. Book a sea view room via booking.com
Radisson Blu Fujairah surrounded by the rocky Hajjar Mountains.
If you are a family looking for some good outdoor family activities, then Fujairah should be at the top of your “to-do” list. To sum it up, the weather is generally pleasant in the East Coast, there’s plenty of greenery and fresh air, and the beaches are amazing. Even if you don’t make it up to the mountains, visiting just one part of Fujairah will give you such a memorable experience and bring back memories for years to come.
So, plan that family drive to Dibba. And you will love every bit of it. On top of that, travelling by road is quite safe and easy from Dubai. Start planning a short vacation or just a weekend trip and try out these fun things.
