In 2016, the city had a population of 97,226, a significant number (43%) compared to 225,360 in the entire emirate.[7] In 2023, the population grew to 118,933. Fujairah's population has grown steadily over the past few decades, driven by economic development, urbanization, and an increasing number of expatriates settling in the emirate. The native Emirati population in Fujairah is estimated to make up about 30-40% of the total population.[citation needed]
Climate
The climate of Fujairah is characterized by a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh), with very warm winters and extremely hot summers. In the summer months, daytime temperatures typically reach highs of around 41 °C (106 °F), while winter temperatures are milder, averaging around 25 °C (77 °F) . Humidity can be quite high, especially during the summer, making the heat feel even more intense. The region experiences minimal rainfall, with most precipitation occurring between December and March. Fujairah receives an average annual rainfall of about 120 mm (4.7 inches).
2022 Floods in Fujairah:
In 2022, Fujairah experienced significant flooding due to heavy rains that occurred in July. This led to widespread damage in the emirate, affecting businesses and residents alike.[8] The floods were part of a larger weather event that brought the highest recorded rainfall in nearly three decades. The damage was substantial, with traders in Fujairah reporting major losses. Additionally, the floods resulted in rescue operations for hundreds of people and the establishment of temporary shelters for those displaced by the flooding.[9]
Fujairah City is the main business and commercial centre for the emirate, with tall office buildings lining Hamad Bin Abdulla Road, the main route into the city.[13] The road runs through the city and connects Fujairah City to Dubai through the Emirate of Sharjah.[14] The city's location provides direct access to the Indian Ocean for the United Arab Emirates, avoiding use of the Persian Gulf, which requires access via the Strait of Hormuz. The northern part of the waterfront has many cylindrical tanks for oil storage.
The Port of Fujairah is located on the city's eastern coast, just outside the Strait of Hormuz, and was built in 1978. It began its operations in 1983 and today has a quay that stretches over 6.7 km.[23][24][25][26]
It is located on a major global shipping route and is one of the world's largest bunkering hubs alongside Singapore and Rotterdam.[27][28][29][30] The port is an oil hub and has launched plans to expand its oil storage capacity by 75% by 2022.[31][32][33]
The Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) is located north of the Port of Fujairah and has a storage capacity of 10 million cubic meters for refined oil products. It was established to develop and regulate the hydrocarbon industry in the emirate of Fujairah and to support growth and investment in the sector.[34][35][36][37] Eighteen companies operate in the FOIZ, and the Aramco Trading Company opened its second overseas office in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone in 2019, the first one being in Singapore.[34][38][39][40][41][37]
Shopping
There are a number of shopping malls, including the large City Centre Fujairah mall, opened in 2012.[13] Other malls include the Fujairah Mall (opened in 2016), LuLu Mall (opened in 2014), and Century Mall.[15] Markets include the Central Market, Fabric Souk, and a Fish & Vegetable Market.
The Fujairah Museum opened its doors in 1991 and is home to archeological exhibits discovered in various parts of the emirate. Some of the exhibits date back to the sixth millennium BC while others are from Islamic rule of the city's more modern history. They include pottery, jewelry, and spearheads. The most famous item at the museum is an ostrich egg that dates back to 2,500 BC.[55][56]
The bullfighting held in Fujairah City is a significant public event. It does not include matadors like the Spanish form of bullfighting and does not kill the animals. It consists of two bulls locking horns, which can result in injuries. Families and betting to attend the events are not allowed.[57][58][59][60]
Most major hotels are on or close to Hamad Bin Abdulla Road and Al Corniche Road.[15]
Additionally, EgyptAir operates flights to Cairo,[66] and SalamAir offers regular flights to Muscat[67] and onwards to destinations in India and South East Asia, with seasonal flights to Salalah.[68]
The UAE's national railway, Etihad Rail, is set to connect Fujairah with other emirates, facilitating freight transport and reducing traffic congestion. This railway aims to link the industrial cities across the UAE, enhancing the transportation infrastructure of Fujairah and contributing to its economic growth.The first passengar station in the Etihad Rail network is currently under construction in the Sakamkam Area of Fujairah City.[69]
