Ajman

It may be the UAE’s smallest emirate, but it is one of the most picturesque destinations. From its vast coastline to the rugged mountains, the quaint town packs a punch. While offering a range of accommodation across all categories, its five-star coastal resorts are world-class.

One of its popular developments is Al Zorah, a nature reserve surrounded by protected mangrove forests. It has become a favourite among golf enthusiasts and nature lovers in the UAE. Further afield, visitors can enjoy a taste of mountain life with a visit to Masfut and its 19th-century castle. The area is a prime location for adventure travellers, offering walking, hiking and biking routes for all levels in the surroundings of the Al Hajar Mountains.

Also in the area is the Bin Sultan Mosque, which was built in 1815 and has been a pivotal part of the remote community. The oldest mosque in the emirate, it is a hidden gem, made from traditional clay and plaster, with a canopy of date palm leaves woven together to form the roof.

Archaeological finds in the area go back as many as 5,000 years. Illustrating life as it once was in the emirate, the Ajman Museum, which was

Nestled on the UAE’s east coast, the emirate of Fujairah offers a wealth of things to see and do, from its sleepy coastal town to its dramatic mountain-lined shore and heritage sites. This landscape is one of the many reasons that is making Fujairah a destination for all. The emirate has also proved popular among UAE residents forgoing international travel for stays closer to home.

In Al Aqah, known for its serene seaside resorts, outdoor activities and mountainous backdrop, a range of properties offer attractive packages for visitors eager to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The area is preferred for water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving. Snoopy Island is especially popular among residents and visitors, as it is home to a vast array of sea life, from reef sharks to turtles.

In the city, age-old customs still practised today, such as the famous Friday bullfighting, offer an intriguing insight into the local culture and traditions.

For history and heritage, there is no shortage of sights, including the UAE’s oldest mosque – Al Bidya Mosque on Fujairah’s mountainous coastline.

Dating back to around 1446, it is a precious relic made of mud and stone.

The emirate’s forts, including Fujairah Fort on the Kalba border, offer a glimpse into a life gone by. Al Bithna, Awhala Fort and Al Hail Fortress are rich in history, having withstood battles from the region and beyond. They offer a fascinating way to see how life was in the emirate before the discovery of oil in the region transformed the economic fortunes of the UAE.

Fujairah Museum pays homage to the arts, crafts, weapons, costumes and traditions of the Bedouin tribes as seen generations before.

an 18th-century fort and served as the ruler’s residence until 1970, is home to a collection of fascinating exhibits. Visitors can discover pottery, jewellery and other items, while there is a section devoted to the pearl trade, which was once the mainstay of the local economy.

For a more modern experience, there is a wealth of things to do on land and at sea. Bounce Aqua Park promises a fun day for the family with the likes of climbing walls, balancing beams and swing ropes, all on the water.

Over at Al Zorah Marina, there is a range of entertainment venues, including The Groovy Park, a family-friendly food park with an outdoor cinema and flowerdecorated food trucks, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s. Promising fun for all ages, Funtastico, with attractions, games and rides, is filled with trampolines, bumper boats and quadricycles.