Shajah Emirate
Shajah is one of seven emirates in the UAE and lies on the eastern coast. Known as the dry emirate, liquor isn’t allowed within its borders. Shajah reminds me of Kubwa in Abuja, Nigeria. Accommodation is cheaper here than in Dubai. Although it’s technically about 30 minutes away, because of traffic, it can be a two hour journey during rush hour.
Shajah is the market for second hand stuff in the UAE. You can get household goods at great prices here. They also produce gas, have solid minerals and rear racing camels.
The tourist attractions are the volcanic mountains and Friday Market (for fruits and carpets). A Guggenheim Museum is also planned. English is not as widely spoken here as in Dubai, but most signs are in Arabic and English.
Fujeirah Emirate
Fujeirah is another Emirate on the eastern coast of the UAE. Water sports and fishing are the main attractions. You have a choice of a luxury Japanese Resort or the more mainstream Sandy Beach Resort or the Rotana Hotel. There’s scuba diving, kayaking and spas.
On an interesting note, I noticed that during the tours, the guides spoke both German and English. German expatriates are involved in a number of building projects in the UAE and also make up a good number of tourists in the UAE.
Side trip to Oman
I visited a slice of Oman by the Indian Ocean. It is one of the country’s most fertile areas, with a lot of dates and “Dongonyaro” trees (Neem trees). Camel milk and flesh are sold and fishing is a major industry.
Continue to the next section of my Middle East & South East Asia tour here.
Read about my Middle East & South East Asia tour. In this post, I write about other Emirates besides Dubai. Click To Tweet