From Dubai to Fujairah - Episode 2
Welcome to our second of three episodes of Michael’s and my game of “Which new way can we find to get to Fujairah today.” The aim of this game is to explore the vast and beautiful back-country of the United Arab Emirates.
The Route - Curiosity Driven Meandering
The map shows the route that we took. It evolved over the course of the day.
We’ll take you from Dubai’s cycle track to absolutely marvelous side roads and chance camel encounters back to the Khorfakkan road.
We had initially planned a stop at the archaeological centre at Mleiha but deferred that to the third and last episode of this trip.
Starting at “The Last Exit” Al Qudra
Starting at “The End” definitely calls for a cup of coffee! At the “Last Exit” is a retail trailer park that is charmingly decorated with a gas station, a bike rental shop and a café with little grocery store. The store has an unexpected array of special diet items and of course re-hydration drinks as it is geared towards cyclists. Ciquala indulges in fresh fruit juices and date bars here, while we have tea and coffee to start the day.
This is where the Al Qudra cycling track starts. The Al Qudra cycling track is a baffling asphalted double lane cycling track through the desert. There are four routes that vary from 18km to 49km in length. I secretly vow to come back cycling here!
Camels - Backcountry encounters
Our “spot the camel” game took new heights when we encountered camels moving about freely in the outskirts of the small town of Margham. We stopped the car and they came close inquisitively looking at us yet passing by in their tranquil way.
How to transport a Camel?
In case you ever wondered how camels are transported from one place to another, here is your answer! We had encountered this on our trip to Oman as well. The camels usually appear peaceful and happy, looking at the landscape going by on either side of the truck.
Changing Landscape - From Sand to Mountains
Near Nazwa
While near the town of Nazwa the landscape is still dominated by beautiful sand dunes and scattered oasis, the landscape changes abruptly north of Nazwa, where the road climbs a little higher and sports views overlooking the Madam plain which gives specatcular views of the Hajar mountains in the background.
North of Nazwa
Hungry? Just Stop!
On the Khorfakkan Road I have always loved the fruit vendors that just set up shop on the emergency lane. We have fun imagining how that would work on a German Autobahn and will leave you with that thought!
Your Turn - Comments Please!
Have you traveled between Dubai and Fujairah? What are your favorite spots?
What did you enjoy in this post? What would you like to hear more about? Please leave me comments, wishes and suggestions so this blog may evolve with you in mind.
Practical Information
Al Qudra cycle track interactive map: https://www.dubai-online.com/maps/al-qudra-cycle-track/
Trek Bicycle store at Al Qudra: Reserve rentals a few days ahead. Kids bikes available. All rentals with helmets.