Your complete travel guide to Al Aqah

Al Aqah, located in the emirate of Fujairah, is one of the most popular areas in the city. Whether you are on a budget or in the mood to splurge, this place has you covered! The area in Fujairah is a popular spot for staycations due to its key attraction: beach resorts. However, that’s not all there is to Al Aqah. Take a look at our comprehensive Al Aqah travel guide in order for you to plan your visit.

Fujairah is one of the hidden gems of the UAE with an abundance of scenic beauty and natural charm. In this Al Aqah travel guide, you can find more information about activities, attractions, hotels and restaurants in the area, so you can enjoy memorable time with your family and friends. 

Al Aqah Travel Guide: Commute and transportation

How to get there

Al Aqah is close to three hours away from the bustling city centre of Dubai. The drive is along the picturesque, mountainous highways that often take you through parts of Sharjah and Ajman before you enter Fujairah. For tourists, it is a 2-hour drive away from the Dubai International Airport. It also has two other airports located much closer. One is the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, 76.3 kilometres away. The other is Dibba Airport, located 27 kilometres away. 

There are two roads leading from Dubai to Al Aqah. The faster of the two, based on traffic, is the E611 Emirates Road. The other one is the E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road.

Commute in Al Aqah

If you have your own vehicle, the easiest way to commute within the area is to drive. People who prefer to use public transportation can plan ahead of time and book a cab in advance. If you are travelling to the place for a staycation, you may not end up needing to drive much within Al Aqah, as most people spend a considerable amount of time relaxing in the beach resorts. 

The best time to visit Al Aqah

Depending on weather conditions, the best time to visit Al Aqah, UAE is from the end of November to mid-March. That’s the time of the year when humidity and temperature are at its lowest. The Al Aqah weather around this time is breezy and pleasant. However, these are peak tourism months, which means flight fares and hotel bookings would be at their highest. If you want to get the cheapest deals, try to plan a visit in October instead.

Spring season is also a good time to plan a visit, as there are hardly any chances of rain there. In the summers, because of the proximity to the beach, the climate of the area can be quite humid and hot. 

Things to do in Al Aqah

There’s a lot you can do at Al Aqah, Fujairah. From a number of cultural and historical places to shopping centres and water sports, the area has you covered. 

Places to visit in Al Aqah

Use the places listed in this Al Aqah travel guide to make the most of your time in the area. 

Al Bidya Mosque

Located in the Southern part of Al Aqah, Al Bidya Mosque is a popular attraction. It is the oldest mosque in the UAE, which adds to its historical significance. Make sure you are modestly dressed when you visit the place.

Fujairah Historic Fort

Fujairah Historic Fort is yet another must-visit place for the history buffs. It is a well-preserved place having historical artefacts inside.

Fujairah Museum

The Fujairah Museum has a rare collection that bears testimony to the rich history of the city. The Museum houses artefacts discovered in excavations at Qidfa and Bithnah.

Shopping near Al Aqah

Although Dubai is more popular for luxury shopping, if you want to try some impromptu shopping in the local markets, Fujairah, which is the closest developed neighbourhood near Al Aqah is the place to be at. You can get beautifully-crafted handicrafts at a steal at the Friday market in Fujairah. Here are a few of the shoopping centres in Fujairah, which is near Al Aqah. 

Fujairah City Centre

Fujairah City Centre is the most popular shopping centre among families in Fujairah. It has kids play areas and a number of cafes. This is the largest mall in Fujairah, and also has many taxis clustered outside to offer easy commute.

Century Mall Fujairah

Although much smaller than other malls, Century Mall in Fujairah has a cinema as its main attraction. It is one of the best cinemas in Fujairah.

Friday Market Fujairah

People on a budget can head to the Friday Market, which offers you great bargain deals. You can also enjoy munching on the delectable street bites, including fresh coconuts, corn-on-the-cob, and even fresh fruit shops.

Al Aqah restaurants

Over time, a number of eateries and dining spots have opened up in the area. Catering to the wide variety of cosmopolitan guests that frequent the area, there are some interesting restaurants in Al Aqah.

Gonu Bar & Grill

This is one of the most famous restaurants in Fujairah. You must try out their Cajun chicken salad, which is prepared based on a secret recipe.

• Working Hours: Daily from 12:00 pm to 03:30 pm and from 07:00 pm to 10:30 pm
• Phone: +971-9-244-9000
• Cuisine: Seafood, Barbeque, Bar

Sapore

This one is located on Dibba Road, in the Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort.

• Working Hours: Daily from 12:00 am to 11:30 pm
• Phone: +971-9-244-9000
• Cuisine: Italian, has vegetarian and vegan options too

Swaad

Swaad is also part of the Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. If you are hankering for some Indian food in Fujairah, this is the place to be. 

• Working Hours: Daily from 07:00 pm to 10:30 pm, also open from 12:00 pm to 03:30 pm every Friday
• Phone: +971-9-204-4760
• Cuisine: Indian, especially North Indian delicacies

Water sports in Al Aqah

Most of the beach resorts in the area have a selection of water sports activities that you could indulge in. The Iberotel Miramar Beach resort has an Aqua Centre where you can try snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, banana boats and more 

The Le Meridien resorts are also known for their snorkelling and scuba diving packages in Al Aqah. 

Adventure Sports also has several branches in the area which organise boat tours, water sports and other activities. 

Al Aqah Beach Resorts

Fujairah is famous for its beautiful Al Aqah beach resorts, making it a popular vacationing spot. If you are not staying, you can still buy a day pass at one of the beach resorts in the area.

The Al Aqah beach hotels offer luxurious places letting visitors relax and enjoy the Al Aqah beach.

Popular Al Aqah hotels and resorts

No travel guide would be complete without a mention of accommodation options. There are a number of expensive and inexpensive Al Aqah Fujairah hotels you can choose to stay at. The area is famous for its water-based activities including snorkelling and diving. We have also included some popular hotels located in Dibba which is a short drive from the area. 

InterContinental Al Aqah

This is a 5-star hotel in Fujairah. It is a luxurious option and also offers a stunning view of the Hajar Mountains.

• Location: Dibba Road, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah
• Phone: +971-9-209-9999

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

This hotel offers excellent service and mountain-view rooms. Al Aqah Meridien also has a popular diving centre.

• Location: Dibba road, Anajaimat, Fujairah
• Phone: +971-9-244-9000

Miramar Al Aqah

This is another 5-star Moroccan hotel resort that is situated between the Indian Ocean and the Hajar Mountains.

• Location: Khorfakkan Road, Al Aqah, Fujairah
• Phone: +971-9-244-9994

In addition to this, there are a few other popular hotels in neighbouring Dibba, including Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa, Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah, Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort and Fairmont Fujairah Beach Resort. There are a few budget options which are also available in the area. 

Travel Tips for your visit to Al Aqah

• A key attraction of Fujairah, which makes it unique from the other emirates, is its coastline. The large number of beaches in Fujairah has makes it an excellent location for water-based sports. You could book a snorkelling or diving experience in the city to enjoy the adventure for yourself.
• To avoid the routine daytime traffic, especially if you are coming from the Dubai International Airport, you might want to consider booking a flight that would land at night. That should reduce your travel time.
• Don’t forget to pack sunscreen. Beach trips are usually daytime affairs involving a lot of sun! Keep your SPF-based makeup too as you pack.
• If you plan to visit during the month of Ramadan, which is considered Holy in Islam, you must dress modestly. Plan your dresses accordingly.
• Before you finalise your itinerary, check the weather. Although the area remains humid and hot for most parts of the year, planning ahead doesn’t hurt.
• Just to be safe, pack an umbrella too. It would give you additional protection from sunshine even if it doesn’t rain.
• If you are on a budget, you can consider Al Aqah beach camping as an alternative to a luxurious resort. That would let you enjoy the mountain view or the beach without burning a hole in your pocket.

We hope you have found Bayut’s Al Aqah travel guide useful. Keep the pointers in mind and book your water-based activities in advance if you are travelling during peak months.

In addition to Al Aqah, the nearby attractions in Dibba are also popular with tourists and UAE residents enjoying staycations in the area. Use this travel guide to make the most of your trip and have a fun time with friends and family. 

If you are looking for other exciting destinations to explore, don’t forget to check out our Al Ain travel guide. Are you in the mood for some adventure? Read MyBayut’s detailed Dubai Safari Park review. If you want to learn more about life in the Middle East visit the best property blog in the UAE.