The emirate of Fujairah, which enjoys an exceptional geographic location, was formerly part of Sharjah until it became independent in 1952. Spread out over a land area of 1,300km², it is the only emirate to have a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman. It also differs from its fellow emirates in having little in the way of desert terrain, being more renowned for its mountains and green plains, which make it a hive of agriculture and fishing.
Fujairah owes its name to the numerous springs rich in minerals and sulphur, and known for their healing qualities, that nestle in the shadows of its mountains. Ain Madab are Ain Al Ghamour are the two most celebrated examples, while Wadi Al Waria is famous for its array of springs and waterfalls originating in the depths of the earth, and also boasts a nature reserve protected by the government.
Given its strategic location on the edge of the Strait of Hormuz, Fujairah serves as the eastern entry point to the United Arab Emirates, making it an important gateway between the markets of the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East and Europe. As a crossroads for goods moving between East and West, the United Arab Emirates has a privileged status as one of the region's major economic hubs.
Fujairah is likewise famous for its natural beauty, which attracts tourists from all around the globe. Its mountains are strewn with archaeological sites, earning them wide recognition as the 'jewel of the Arabian peninsula', while the forts of Fujairah, Al Bathna, Hisn and Al Hayl are also very popular with visitors. Indeed, the increase in tourism has led to significant developments in the real estate sector over the last few years.
As in the other emirates, football enjoys pride of place in Fujairah. Local club Al Imara may have slipped out of the top tier, but Dubba have taken over where their rivals left off after earning themselves a place in the elite for the 2012/13 season. As for Al Ourouba, who emerged from a merger between Al Wahda and Al Najma in the 1970s, they are Fujairah's third club.
Fujairah's stadium was recently renovated and, as well as playing host to several local matches, it served as a venue for games at the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship.