Dubai is often chosen for holidays in the United Arab Emirates. But there are alternative options – Sharjah or Fujairah. These regions of the UAE border on each other, occupy almost the same area. But there are several significant differences between them. Therefore, before buying a tour, you need to study the features of each emirate.
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Emirates location
Sharjah and Fujairah are located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. The first is a satellite city of Dubai, which affected its development. In the emirate of Sharjah, there is a constant growth of infrastructure, new hotel complexes are being built, places for entertainment for children and adults. Fujairah is more conservative in this regard, the main focus is on beach holidays. Many hotels on the first line have been built here, but there are few attractions, parks and recreation areas.
Features of the location of each emirate in the country:
- If you plan a lot of excursions, you do not need to choose between Sharjah or Fujairah. The first one has many tour agencies, there are local attractions. The second one is much less.
- Public transport. In the non-alcoholic emirate, the bus station is much larger, there are several bus routes, you can go to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There is only one bus from Fujairah.
- Taxi. The work of the services is about the same, but the prices in Fujairah are lower.
- Service. In hotel complexes, the staff knows English, but in shops, supermarkets, and markets, one may encounter a misunderstanding of the national culture.
The capital of El Fujairah is a relatively small city with few shopping malls. Therefore, for shopping choose Dubai or neighboring Sharjah. From here it is more convenient to go to Ajman, which is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Here the sea world is richer, you can go diving, spearfishing.
Beach holiday
If you choose Sharjah or Fujairah for a beach holiday, the last emirate wins in many respects. There is a large coastline, many public beaches, and even during the peak season there are few tourists. You can calmly sunbathe, swim in the Persian Gulf. The disadvantage is the weak infrastructure. Not all beaches have umbrellas and sun loungers, the exception is hotel complexes. Well, sometimes they require payment to enter the sunbathing area – from 100 dirhams. The sand on the beaches is clean, fine, which is convenient for families with children in the UAE.
In Sharjah, the coast is being reconstructed, most of the public and wild beaches are closed. For tourists from independent travelers living in city hotels, there is only one option left – to go to the only local public beach. Sometimes city hotels negotiate with hotels on the 1st line and take their vacationers to their beach. The bus ride is free.
When choosing Sharjah or Fujairah for a relaxing, beach holiday, it is recommended to stay in the latter emirate for the following reasons:
- A small flow of tourists.
- Prices for renting sun loungers and umbrellas are lower than in other emirates.
- Clean sea, as there is no oil production or oil refineries.
- Gentle entry into the water, rescue and medical services are working.
Diving is developed in this region of the UAE. There are several clubs where you can order scuba diving courses. In addition to training, equipment and modern equipment will be presented. For a fee, you can order spearfishing.
Tours and attractions
One of the components of a good holiday is the organization of excursion programs. To do this, you can visit local attractions and historical sites. When comparing prices, take into account the distance or time of travel. When choosing the starting point of departure, Sharjah or Fujairah, it is recommended to stop at the first one.
Why Sharjah is chosen for excursions and sightseeing:
- More companies offer excursion programs. Therefore, prices are lower, more choice.
- Distance to attractions in the UAE. From the alcohol-free emirate, you can get to them faster.
- Shopping as one of the parts of the holiday in the United Arab Emirates. It can be scheduled in Sharjah or Dubai. From Fujairah, the journey is a little longer, about 10 km.
Prices for excursions in Fujairah are 3-5% higher, so many tourists and independent travelers book them from Sharjah. They reach this emirate by bus or taxi.
What to choose
If the priority in the rest is the beach and swimming in the sea, the last emirate is chosen from Sharjah or Fujairah. The beaches here are clean and relatively uncrowded. However, their infrastructure is not well developed. There are few entertainment, shops, bars and cafes on the territory. But the prices for food and souvenirs are lower than in other emirates. This is a convenient region for a budget holiday.
For an active vacation with the order of excursions to the sights of the UAE, shopping between Sharjah or Fujairah, the first emirate is chosen. Many modern attractions have been created here – a water park, an amusement park, a large aquarium (oceanarium). For shopping, you can visit one of the 12 shopping centers and Mall. The only drawback is the ban on alcohol. But you can get around it by going on vacation to Dubai or Ajman. On the territory of the latter there are several shops where you can buy alcohol.