Exotic Fujairah

Portuguese-built forts, sword championships and fighting bulls
Rarely does this emirate strike as a tourist destination, but if you go the road less traveled, this adventure-packed vacation is guaranteed to leave you very well rewarded. Buckle up for Fujairah.
Whenever we hear the term ‘bullfighting’, the notorious Spanish spectacle springs to mind. The Arabian version, however, is utterly different. Staying away from blood, but still keeping adrenaline levels in the red, the Arabian take on bullfighting doesn’t involve death. It is actually a sumo-like competition where two bulls engage in a head butting tug of war. It is a one-round competition that lasts for about two to three minutes. That’s of course unless one of the two bulls manages to push the other outside the designated bullring.
Arabian bullfighting is a time-honored tradition that had been practised for centuries in the emirate Fujairah, as well as in the Sultanate of Oman. Rearing bulls for fighting has been passed on from father to son for generations. “My father passed it to me, and before him it was my grandfather, and before him it was my great-grandfather. My family has been breeding bulls for the past 160 years or so,” said Mohamed, one of the local bull breeders.
The weekly bullfighting competition takes place every Friday afternoon in a huge dirt ring right on Fujairah’s corniche. Though there is no sign, but if you ask any man in the street, he would point it out for you. During the holy month of Ramadan there is a four-week break.
Arabian bullfighting might be the highlight of your trip to Fujairah, but certainly it is not the only attraction on your to do and see list.
About 500 years ago Fujairah, and other areas along the southern coast on the Arabian peninsula, came under Portuguese rule. To strengthen their colonial presence, the Portuguese built defensive forts. While some fell into ruins, successive rulers took control after the invaders were expelled from the region and rebuilt other forts. To get a flavor of these old Portuguese-built forts head to either Khor Fakkan or Khor Kalba, both a stone’s throw away from Fujairah city. If you don’t wish to drive much more, then perhaps you could hop to Fujairah Fort. Located in the heart of the modern-day Fujairah city, Fujairah Fort dates back to the first half of the 16th century. It is the best preserved of the region’s forts and makes up for a perfect postcard shot with the rugged Hajjar Mountains as a backdrop.
Fujairah Fort plays a role in preserving the emirate’s heritage as it often hosts cultural events. One such event is the Sword Championship. Swords have left a deep mark on the local Emirati and the Arabian culture since it used to be a weapon of war, a day-to-day tool, and most importantly an indicator of wealth and prestige. Today’s Sword Championship aims to preserve the different aspects of the tradition. It consists of two main events: Dancing and fighting with swords. The dancing part sees participants dance to the rhythm of local tunes while waving their swords, balancing them on the tip of their finger, and throwing them high in the sky just to jump and catch them. The fighting part sees two competitors engage in a fight-like performance that highlights their sword handling skills. It is an amazing event to attend, so keep an eye open should it be held while you are in town.
Fujairah is a coastal city and it comes with an amazing promenade, ideal for leisurely strolls, as well as beautiful beaches. Spend the second day of your weekend in Fujairah unwinding on the beach. When your energy levels have been restored, then you might want to consider another adrenaline-filled adventure. Rent a kayak, a jet ski, or a boat and set out to explore Snoopy Island; one of Fujairah seamarks.
Fujairah makes up for a perfect off the beaten track weekend destination where you can go and travel around only a short hop from home.
Where to stay?
Accommodation in Fujairah might be limiting when it comes to choices; however, it is still diverse enough. While Hilton Fujairah Resort comes with the typical high-end flares, Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort is a great midrange option that offers rooms, chalets, and bungalows. Just have your pick.
The author
Dubai-based Egyptian Mohamed El Hebeishy is a freelance travel writer, journalist, and photographer whose work has appeared in several publications across the region. He is the author of Frommer’s Egypt guidebook (second edition), co-updater of Bradt Sudan guidebook, and photographer and author of the widely acclaimed coffee-table book Egypt Rediscovered.