Overview
Fujeirah is the quietest of the seven emirates, sitting on the Gulf of Oman where the Hajar Mountains meet the sea. It swaps the skyscrapers of Dubai for empty beaches, dive sites, old forts and mountain wadis, which makes it a favourite with UK travellers who want the UAE at a slower pace. There are no scheduled direct flights from the UK to Fujeirah itself, so almost everyone flies into Dubai and transfers along the coast. This guide covers when to go, who flies the route and how to keep the airfare down — use the price charts on this page to see how live fares are moving.
Best time to fly to Fujeirah
The comfortable season runs from November to March, with warm days around 24–28°C, cooler evenings and calm seas that are ideal for snorkelling and diving. Fujeirah sees a little more winter rain than Dubai and the mountains keep it slightly fresher. From June to September it is very hot and humid, often above 40°C, though coastal hotel rates drop accordingly. Spring and autumn are a sensible compromise. Demand from the UK peaks over Christmas, February half-term and Easter, so the When to book chart above is worth checking before you fix your dates.
Airlines and routes
Because Fujeirah International Airport handles very little scheduled passenger traffic, the practical route from the UK is a flight to Dubai followed by an overland transfer. Emirates flies non-stop to Dubai from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle; British Airways and Virgin Atlantic serve Dubai from Heathrow. Non-stop flying time from London is around seven hours, a little longer on the return against the headwind. Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are alternative arrival points and can work out cheaper — Sharjah is in fact the closest major airport to Fujeirah. Connecting itineraries via other hubs exist but rarely save money on a trip this length.
Things to do in Fujeirah
Fujeirah rewards travellers who like history and the outdoors more than nightlife. A few highlights:
- Al Bidyah Mosque: the oldest known mosque in the UAE, a small mud-and-stone building dating from the 15th century.
- Fujeirah Fort: a restored hilltop fort overlooking the old town and its date plantations.
- Snoopy Island: a rocky islet off Al Aqah beach with the best easy snorkelling and diving on this coast.
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque: the striking white mosque on the edge of the city, one of the largest in the country.
- Friday Market: roadside stalls on the Masafi road selling pottery, rugs, honey and fruit.
At Fujeirah International Airport (FJR)
Fujeirah's own airport sits just a few kilometres west of the city centre, so if a charter or regional flight does bring you in, a metered taxi to a city or Al Aqah hotel is quick and inexpensive. Most visitors, though, land at Dubai International (DXB), roughly 130km away — about 90 minutes to two hours by road. Your choices are a pre-booked private transfer, a taxi, a hire car (an easy, scenic drive through the mountains), or the public E700 coach from Dubai to Fujeirah bus station.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Fujeirah
- Book roughly one to three months ahead for Dubai flights; last-minute fares in this market rarely fall. The price charts on this page show the current booking window.
- Fly midweek and avoid UK school holidays. Tuesday and Wednesday departures, and any dates outside Christmas, February half-term and Easter, are usually cheaper.
- Compare all three UAE airports. Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are each within easy driving distance of Fujeirah, and the lowest fare often isn't into Dubai.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the fare calendar to shift a day either side — shoulder-season travel in spring and autumn tends to save the most.
Travel essentials
British passport holders are issued a free visit visa on arrival in the UAE, normally valid for 30 days; your passport should have at least six months remaining. The currency is the UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar, so its value against the pound stays fairly steady — cards are accepted almost everywhere and ATMs are easy to find. No vaccinations are required for travellers from the UK; tap water is desalinated and generally safe, though most people drink bottled. The summer sun is fierce, so plan for shade and water. Fujeirah is relaxed but more traditional than Dubai: modest dress in towns and villages is appreciated, and alcohol is served in licensed hotels and resorts.