I had been looking forward to my Day 2 Adventures in Dubai for weeks. Scenic desert landscapes and lush oases awaited us in the Emirate of Fujairah, as well as views into the history and culture of the region.
Many people go to Dubai for the magnificent man made structures but I really looked forward to the chance to get out of the city and see how people live in the rest of the Emirates.
Day 2 had all that on tap: by the end of the day we would have seen 5 more Emirates: Sharjah, Al Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
There would be hours of driving but I didn’t mind- the desert landscape still held quite a few interesting details. It was almost like being in another world.
After being picked up at the hotel quite early, we first drove through Sharjah to pick up our tour guide.
The city/ emirate of Sharjah is actually visible from Dubai. It was beautiful as well, with numerous high rise structures and magnificent mosques. We didn’t go over for a visit as we heard it was quite strict, with it being a completely dry Emirate (no alcohol served, sold etc). I was glad I got a chance to actually see it anyway.
After leaving Sharjah, we headed out on what seemed like the longest drive ever. Our tour guide was great, he showed us wadis (dry river beds) and other structures I would not have noticed otherwise.
Day 2 Dubai East Coast Adventures
Our first stop was at a “Friday” market which seemed to appear out of nowhere on the highway. There were numerous vendors selling luscious fruits and vegetables, gorgeous rugs and other homewares. We bought some cashews and creamy camel milk at the gas station and continued on our way.
Friday Market near the Al Hajar Mountain Range, UAE
Day 2 Dubai East Coast Adventures In the Hajar Mountains
We then stopped for pictures in the craggy Hajar mountain range. It was a magnificent sight. It was almost like landing on an alien planet, I had never seen a mountain range like this. It was completely devoid of trees, just rocks jutting out all around us. I was in awe.
The Craggy Hajar Mountain Range, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Are we on Earth? Beautiful.
Day 2 Dubai East Coast Adventures Off to the Villages
Back in the van we went, off to the border of Oman. We stopped at a little fishing village called Dibba, where the market was in full swing. Platters and baskets of fruit were everywhere, displayed in the most beautiful arrangements. I took no pictures as these were regular people just going about their daily lives, I just took it all in before heading out to check out the adjoining fish market.
Dibba Fishing Village, Border of Oman, UAE
After the fish market we headed to the nearby mosque where we took some more pics.
Dibba Mosque, UAE
Day 2 Dubai East Coast Adventures Ah the Indian Ocean
We were then back in the van to head to our lunch destination at the Sandy Beach Hotel in Fujairah. After a disappointing lunch, we headed off to the beach.
Indian Ocean Views, Sandy Beach Hotel, Fujairah, UAE
Let me tell you- this was the hottest sand I have felt in my life. It is literally impossible to walk on, it was like hot coals. The beach was pretty much deserted. I figure that blazing hot sand might have had something to do with it! Nevertheless, we were insistent on taking a dip in the Indian Ocean. We had come too far not to!
Indian Ocean Backdrop, Fujairah
The water was on the hotter side of warm, but it was still a pleasant experience. It was such a stark contrast to other beaches I have been to in the US and Caribbean, in terms of having the entire place to ourselves. It continued the unbelievable otherworldliness of this excursion. I loved it.
We then headed off to visit the oldest mosque in Dubai- Al Bidya mosque, a small mud mosque tucked into the hillside. It was quiet and serene at the site.
Entrance to Al Bidya Mosque
Al Bidyah Mosque and Fort
At the Al Bidyah Mosque
A visit to the Fujairah Fort and a stop at Al Bitnah Oasis rounded out our trip.
Fujairah Fort, UAE
The vegetation was surprisingly lush in the oasis, a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape.
Al Bitnah Oasis, UAE
As you can imagine, by this time we were exhausted and pretty much slept the rest of the way back to the hotel. This was probably my most memorable day of the trip, I really have not done it justice with my description.
Stay tuned for Day 3 where we recover at the hotel during the day and head off to explore Dubai’s nightlife at night!
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