About Fujairah

Geography

The Emirate State of Fujairah is the fourth largest in area in the U.A.E., covering 1,150 km², or about 1.5% of the area of the U.A.E.; in population it is sixth, with around 130,000 inhabitants. Fujairah is the only Emirate of the U.A.E. that is almost totally mountainous. All the other are largely covered by desert. Therefore, Fujairah boasts a higher than average yearly rainfall, allowing farmers in the region to produce vast crops.

Government

Fujairah holds a unique position in the U.A.E. It is the only Emirate that lies on the eastern side of the U.A.E., along the Gulf of Oman, while the other six Emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. The Emirate derives its name from a spring of water located beneath one of the mountains. The Hajar mountain range that divides the U.A.E. in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country. The historical importance of Fujairah dates back to the period before the birth of Christ. It was known in the old ages as the land of sea giants. The main cities and villages in Fujairah are Dibba, Murbeh, Qidfa, Al Bidiyah, Masafi and Al-Siji. Fujairah is a land endowed with remarkable beauty

Sun-kissed beaches, majestic mountain ranges and convivial weather conditions conspire to present Fujairah as an exotic land, ripe for discovery by tourists and business persons alike. Numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep sea fishing take place all year round and attracts enthusiasts and sportsmen from all over the world. Fujairah is rightly known as the jewel of the Middle East. Its unique location offers free access to the major shipping routes of the world, making it the pick of ports for entrepreneurs around the world.

The Ruler of Fujairah, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, succeeded his father in 1974. He has ably administered the land and has been instrumental in the commissioning of several industries. Fujairah has much to offer. This small community today enjoys modern facilities and conveniences, and is linked by modern highways to all major cities in the United Arab Emirates. Fujairah is a mere 90 minutes drive time from Sharjah, under two hours from Dubai and just three and a half hours from Abu Dhabi. Its strategic location, which provides easy access to international shipping routes, has played a key role in its development as one of the world's top oil bunkering ports. Over 40 giant tankers pass through the port daily.

Future Developments

The Ruler is planning to make changes that will affect Fujairah. Among tourism projects in the pipeline is an 817m USD resort, Al Fujairah Paradise, near Dibba Al-Fujairah, on the northern Omani boarder, next to Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. There will be around 1,000 five-star villas as well as hotels and it is expected that all the construction work will be finished within two years.

The Ruler is trying to improve opportunities for the local workforce, by trying to entice businesses to locate to Fujairah and diverting Federal funds to local companies in the form of development projects.

The Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline will originate from Habshan in Abu Dhabi and terminate in Fujairah, both of which are in the United Arab Emirates. The pipeline has been designed to transport 1.5 million barrels of crude oil per day (MMPBD) over a distance of approximately 370km to a main oil terminal or export through an offshore loading facility. Execution of the work will take place in 2009 and will be completed by the second quarter of 2010.

Port of Fujairah

The Fujairah Port is an important port for container liners and for the world's largest live stock shipping companies, which have set up their main holding station for sheep and cattle for the entire Arabian Peninsula here. The Government's liberalized procedures and well-structured infrastructure provides excellent support for entrepreneurs to build, grow and diversify. The Department of Industries and Commerce provides every infrastructural facility for business in Fujairah too boom.

Fujairah sees a bright future