Much like Oman, Fujaira (the only Emirate on the East side of the peninsula) greeted us with mountains.
Much like Oman, Fujaira (the only Emirate on the East side of the peninsula)
greeted us with mountains.
As soon as we docked, local merchants started laying out their goods.
Our trip to Fujaira started at a little fort...
...which was part of an open air museum...
...where you could learn about the ways of life for both poor...
...and rich.
Then we climbed into the dry mountains...
...and arrived at the Al Bithnah oasis...
...where we took a short break.
Trade is very popular in Fujaira, both in the countryside...
...and in small towns.
Sometimes merchants form little shopping centers...
...where you can buy pretty much anything.
We caught a live broadcast of what appeared to be a local shopping network.
This town behind the shopping center was fairly modest...
...and completely surrounded by mountains.
Our next stop was a deep canyon with a wadi (dry river bed) at its bottom.
Cement is one of the main products in Fujaira
(and if Dubai was any indication, they need lots of it).
This is a local college near the port of Dibba.
As we were approaching the sea, the mountains became less black...
...and the houses around the road became more picturesque.
Unlike in the West, most houses are surrounded by a wall with an ornate gate.
Soon we reached the Gulf of Oman and headed back to the ship.
Our last stop was the oldest mosque in the UAE - Al Bidyah.
Its minaret resembled a little fort.
This view from the fort concluded our trip.