His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi (born 25 May 1948) is Ruler of Fujairah, having succeeded his father Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi in 1974. Sheikh Hamad is married to Sheikha Fatima bint Thani Al Maktoum from the ruling family of Dubai. They have six children - three boys and three girls, - Sheikh Mohammed(b.1986) who was appointed the Crown Prince of Fujairah on the 8th of January 2007 and who recently graduatedfrom Webster University, London. Sheikh Rashid (b.1987) who is Chairman of the Media Department of Fujairah and President of Fujairah Country Club & Tennis Stadium, and continues his university studies in the United Kingdom. Youngest son, Sheikh Maktoum (b.1991) currently studies at Fujairah Private Academy. The girls are Sheikha Sarah, Sheikha Shamsa and Sheikha Madiyah.

Educated in Britain, Sheikh Hamad is a progressive ruler, and his reformist leanings have held him in good stead with businessmen and expatriates alike. He attended the Mons Military Academy in 1970 and from 1971-74 served as Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries.

 

Often referred to as the Arabian Jewel the emirate of Fujairah is a beautiful, hospitable and safe tourist destination popular within the UAE and nowadays a favourite for European visitors. The emirate has rich culture, heritage and tradition. It is also beginning a period of dynamic economic development with many new exciting projects about to 'break ground'. The emirates' fourth largest city has experienced unprecedented investment and development and increased multi-national corporate presence and with the commitment of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, projects for the immediate future include new hotels and beach resorts and a multi-storey entertainment and shopping complex.
In a country renown for its desert terrain, Fujairah's uniqueness lies in the rugged Hajar Mountains which are the perfect backdrop to the Indian Ocean and the beautiful unspoiled beaches and coral reefs that attract divers from all over the world. Numerous water sports like swimming, yachting, water surfing and deep-sea fishing attract tourists all round the year.
Fujairah's main occupation in the past was fishing and agriculture. Nowadays the Port of Fujairah with its strategic position claims the 2nd most important bunkering port in the world with many shipping companies and other related businesses having set up offices there. At anytime one can look out to sea and expect to see a significant numbers of large vessels, offshore at the Fujairah Anchorage.
Fujairah hosts many international events including, the WPA World Eight-ball Championship, the Fujairah Classic International Bodybuilding Championship and most recently the 12th Asiania Parachuting Championship. Fujairah International Marine Club has hosted over many, many traditional racing events including International Powerboat Championships.
A more controversial topic is the ever-growing rock and quarry industries that have sprung up over the years and with that inevitably... dust, noise, heavy lorries and unsightly scars on the landscape. Whilst the Government of Fujairah has strict guidelines for the companies operating the quarries, there are still problems but quarrying is a necessary operation people want decent roads and nice homes, but many don't seem to realise that the raw materials for these must come from somewhere.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Ambulance 998/999
Fire Station 997
Police Station 999
Directory Enq 181

OTHER SERVICES (09)

Fujairah Hospital 2242999
Airport Enquiries 2226222
Post Office 2222235
Cinema 2243100

CLIMATE

The sun shines year round but Oct. to March, the days are pleasant (26°C, nights 15°C) Summer is April to Sept. and temperatures peak around 50°C with high humidity. The sun can be fierce so heatstroke, heat exhaustion are always a risk. Sunglasses, hats, and high factor sun creams are essential, especially for children.

DRESS

As in many Arab/Muslim countries dress should be modest. Wearing revealing tops or shorts in public places is not advisable.

CURRENCY

The dirham (pronounced dir-ham) is the U.A.E. official currency. Dirham notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 denominations. The dirham is divided into 100 fils. Coins are 1 dirham, 50, 25, 10 and 5 fils.

Credit cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted by car rental companies, the bigger stores, hotels and some restaurants, however you should carry some cash for general shopping and eating out at smaller establishments.

Exchange: There are no currency regulations and foreign currency of almost any denomination is readily exchanged in the U.A.E. The dirham is index linked to the US dollar. 1$ = Dhs 3.68. The exchange centres are found throughout the U.A.E. such as the U.A.E. Exchange Centre, opening hours are from 8:30am right through to 9:30pm, 365 days a year. There is also Thomas Cook Al Rostamani Exchange Centre.

Banks: Most Banks open at 8:00 am and close at 1:00 except Mashreq Bank who open until 4:15pm. They are closed all day Friday and public holidays.

SHOPPING/TIPPING

Bargaining is expected, especially in the souqs, where prices can drop dramatically. Tipping is common for most services but it is not obligatory

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Religious holidays are tied to the Islamic calendar and therefore dates vary. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Islamic Public Holidays are often not announced until a day or two before they occur:

Islamic New Year Jan 7th
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad 9th March
Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad 20th July
Ramadan begins 22nd August
Eid Al Fitr - Ramadan Ends 20th Sept
Eid-al-Adha 27th Nov
Islamic New Year 18th Dec


Death of a minister or member of the royal family is usually marked by a 3 day official mourning period.

TAXIS are readily available and are the best way to get around. They can be flagged down on the street. In general fares are Dhs 5 for around town. If you leave the built-up area there will be an increase. Distances any further should be negotiated before embarking on your journey.

DRIVING is (usually) on the right and there is an excellent road network throughout the Emirates and petrol is cheap. Traffic regulations are strict, with radar and cameras in use by the police. The speed limit in built-up areas is 60– 80 kph and 100–120 kph for cars on the open road. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without police permission. Under no circumstances can you drink and drive. Seat belts are compulsory. Children under 12 are prohibited from travelling in front seats of vehicles.

WARDENS

Britons
John Mittelstein 050 6490700 – Warden
Virginia Valentine 050 4843470 – Deputy Warden

New Zealanders
Jane Teen
Mobile: 050 57 99232
Email: [email protected]

Egyptians
Dr. R Housan 050 4909701
Egyptian Club 09-2223724

Sweden
Robert Olsen

Philippines
Mrs. Maria Theresa Bautista 050-5106170

Sri Lankans
Mr. Tony De Costa 050 4551546
Mr. Rohan Ajith 050 6496133
Mr. Ajantha Ratnayaka 050 6707776
Mr. Kariyasena Gange 050 5796025

Indians
Dr. P. Abdul Rahman 050-6497123
Mr. Nasirhudeen 050-7998411
Mr. Sanjeev V.A 050-4950970

Association /Clubs

BANGLADESH ASSOCIATION OF FUJAIRAH
Contact Person Mr. Manoj Barua (President)
Tel: 09- 2233631 or Mob: 050-7649130

EGYPTIAN CLUB
Contact Person: Dr. Raffat Hussain (President)
Tel: 09-2233124 or Fax: 09-2244530
or Mob: 0504909701

FUJAIRAH YOUTH HOSTEL
Contact Person: Mr. Kamal Hamdi
Tel/Fax: 09-2222347 or Mob: 050-5145148

INDIAN SOCIAL CLUB
Contact Person: Mr. Aziz (Off Secretary)
Tel: 09-2221155 or Mob: 050-4709263

SUDANESE CLUB
Contact Person: Mr. Yasir Algarrai (Secretary)
Tel: 09-2224651 or Fax: 222-4651
or Mob: 050-6904433

UNITED FILIPINO ASSOCIATION EMIRATES AT EAST COAST
Contact Person: Ms. Theresa Bautista (President)
Mob: 050-5106170