East Coast
Dubai to Fujairah Day Trip: UAE's Indian Ocean Coast
130 km east -- Snoopy Island, Fujairah Fort, Al Bidya Mosque, Khor Fakkan
130 km east -- Snoopy Island, Fujairah Fort, Al Bidya Mosque, Khor Fakkan
Fujairah sits on the Indian Ocean side of the UAE -- technically the Gulf of Oman -- which is a fundamentally different body of water from the Arabian Gulf on which Dubai sits. The water is clearer, the snorkelling is dramatically better, and the coastline feels genuinely wild in comparison to Dubai's developed beach front. Mountains descend almost directly to the sea in many areas, creating a landscape unlike anything on the west coast.
The drive from Dubai takes 1.5 hours via the E44 highway, which crosses the Hajar Mountains through a dramatic mountain pass. This road itself is part of the experience -- the transition from flat desert to mountain terrain to Indian Ocean coast within a single drive is striking.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi face the Arabian Gulf (Persian Gulf) -- a relatively shallow, enclosed sea. Fujairah faces the Gulf of Oman, which opens directly into the Indian Ocean. The east coast water is typically clearer, cooler in summer, and hosts significantly more marine life, making it far superior for snorkelling and diving. Water visibility at Snoopy Island routinely exceeds 15 metres.
The E44 highway (Dubai-Hatta Road, then continuing east) is the main route. From Downtown Dubai, join Al Khail Road heading south, then take the E44 east through the mountains. The road is well-maintained and does not require a 4x4. Google Maps navigation to "Snoopy Island" or "Fujairah Corniche" works reliably throughout the route.
| Transport | Cost | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | Fuel approximately AED 50-70 | 1.5 hours | E44 route, no tolls |
| Taxi / Careem | AED 180-240 one way | 1.5 hours | Negotiate intercity fare upfront |
| Organised tour | AED 120-200 per person | Full day | Pickup from Dubai hotels, guide included |
Snoopy Island is a small rocky island just offshore from the Sandy Beach Hotel in Dibba / Al Aqah, named for its profile which resembles the cartoon dog Snoopy lying on his back. The island itself cannot be visited, but the shallow reef between the shore and the island provides some of the best accessible snorkelling in the UAE.
The surrounding water holds colourful fish, sea turtles (common sightings year-round), moray eels, and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Water visibility is typically 10-20 metres. The reef starts at knee depth, making it accessible for non-swimmers with a life jacket and suitable for experienced snorkellers in equal measure.
Snorkelling gear can be rented from the Sandy Beach Hotel beachfront for AED 30-50 per set. Non-hotel guests pay a beach entry fee of approximately AED 50-80 (which often includes a food and beverage credit). Several other hotels in the area offer similar access.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Aqah, Fujairah (90 km from Dubai, past Fujairah city) |
| Snorkelling Gear Rental | AED 30-50 per set from Sandy Beach Hotel |
| Beach Access | AED 50-80 per person (sometimes includes F&B credit) |
| Best Time | Morning for calmest water; October-May for best visibility |
| Sea Turtles | Common year-round, especially mornings |
| Swimming Ability | Life jackets available for non-swimmers |
Fujairah Fort is the oldest fort in the UAE, with sections dating to the 16th century. The fort sits on a hill above Fujairah city with views across the surrounding plain. Entry is AED 5 per person -- one of the cheapest paid attractions in the country. The fort was restored in the 1990s and contains exhibition rooms covering the history of Fujairah emirate and the ruling family.
The fort is compact and can be explored thoroughly in 30-45 minutes. The surrounding old town area (Al Faseel) has a cluster of watchtowers and old buildings that can be walked around freely. Combine the fort with the Fujairah Museum (AED 5 entry) nearby for a comprehensive history overview.
Al Bidya Mosque is the oldest standing mosque in the United Arab Emirates, dating to the 15th century. It is a remarkable structure -- built without any columns using a series of domed chambers and thick mud-brick walls that have survived 600 years. Four domes of varying sizes top the prayer hall in an arrangement that is unique in Arabian mosque architecture.
Entry to the exterior and grounds is free. The interior is a functioning mosque and non-Muslim visitors may not enter during prayer times. Outside prayer times, respectful entry with appropriate dress is generally permitted. The mosque sits near the main coastal highway between Fujairah and Khor Fakkan.
Khor Fakkan is technically part of Sharjah emirate despite being on the east coast, an administrative quirk dating to the UAE's formation. The bay and corniche are free to access and offer one of the most scenic settings on the east coast -- a crescent-shaped bay with clear water, backed by mountains. The Khor Fakkan Beach is a public beach with free entry, clean facilities, and dramatically more pleasant swimming than most Dubai beaches.
Early start allows you to reach the coast before it warms up. The E44 mountain pass is especially beautiful in morning light.
Stop at the oldest mosque in the UAE. 20-30 minutes to see exterior and grounds. Continues north on coastal road toward Al Aqah.
Rent gear and snorkel for 2-3 hours in the morning when water is clearest. Sea turtles are most active before midday.
Sandy Beach Hotel restaurant, or several local seafood restaurants on the main coastal road. Fresh catch of the day, budget AED 50-100 per person.
30-40 minutes at the fort (AED 5). Walk the surrounding old town area. Option to add Fujairah Museum next door (AED 5).
25-minute drive south. Free beach, dramatic bay views. Swim, walk the corniche, or relax before the drive home.
1.5 hours back via E44 or E611. Mountain pass at sunset is spectacular if timing works. Arrive Dubai around 7pm.
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Fuel return (from central Dubai) | 60-90 |
| Snoopy Island beach entry | 50-80 |
| Snorkelling gear rental | 30-50 |
| Al Bidya Mosque | Free |
| Fujairah Fort | 5 |
| Khor Fakkan beach | Free |
| Lunch | 50-100 |
| Snacks and drinks | 20-40 |
| Total estimate | 215-365 |
October to May is best for the east coast. Summer months (June-August) bring humidity and the sea can be warm enough to reduce visibility. Water temperature is warmest in September-October and coolest in January-February at around 22-24 degrees Celsius.
Reef-safe sunscreen -- the Fujairah coast has marine protected areas and standard chemical sunscreens harm coral. Bring your own snorkel if possible (hygiene concern with rentals). Rash guard or long-sleeve swim top recommended for sun protection during extended snorkelling.
Fujairah city and Al Aqah / Dibba are 40 kilometres apart on the coast. Plan your route to drive the coast north to south or vice versa rather than doubling back. Al Aqah (Snoopy Island) is furthest north, Khor Fakkan is central, Fujairah city is furthest south.
Please log in to add this tour to your wishlist.