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KHOR FAKKAN
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Khor Fakkan
Khor Fakkan (sometimes written as 'Khawr Fakkan') (Arabic:خورفكان) is geographically situated within the Emirate of Fujairah on the East coast of the United Arab Emirates on the Gulf of Oman, but is actually an isolated enclave belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah.It is a natural deep water port which has been developed into a major container terminal.
History
In 1580 the Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi noted "Chorf" in a list of places on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, which is considered by historians to indicate Khor Fakkan. The Portuguese built a fort at Khor Fakkan, which was a ruin by 1666.
This fort and another one is mentioned in the log book of the Dutch vessel the Meerkat, which describes "Gorfacan" as place on a small bay, with about 200 small houses built from date branches, near the beach. It refers to a triangular Portuguese fortress on the northern side, in ruins, and a fortress on a hill on the southern side, also in ruins, without garrison or artillery. As well as date palms, the Meerkat's log also mentions fig trees, melons, watermelons and myrrh. It notes several wells with "good and fresh water" used for irrigation.
One reason suggested for the ruinous state of the forts is an invasion by the Persian navy, under the control of Omani Sheikh Muhammad Suhari, in 1623. Suhari, facing a Portuguese counter-attack, withdrew to the Portuguese forts, including that of Khor Fakkan. When the Persians were expelled, the Portuguese commander Ruy Freire urged the people of Khor Fakkan to remain loyal to the Portuguese crown, and established a Portuguese customs office as well.
In 1737, long after the Portuguese had been expelled from Arabia, the Persians again invaded Khor Fakkan, with the help of the Dutch, during their intervention in the Omani civil war. In 1765 Khor Fakkan belonged to a sheikh of the Qawasim, Sharjah's ruling family, according to the German traveller Carsten Niebuhr.
Archaeology
Khor Fakkan has a long history of human settlement. Excavations by a team from the Sharjah Archaeological Museum have identified 34 graves and a settlement belonging to the early-mid 2nd millennium BC. These are clustered on rock outcrops overlooking the harbour.
One site of interest is the Rifaisa Dam, in the mountains of Khor Fakkan. This is believed to have been built over a village, and when the water is very still, the tops of the old houses are still visible.
Tourism
Khor Fakkan is a popular tourism spot, surrounded with huge mountains and attractive beaches. Its most famous hotel is the Oceanic. It also features coral outcrops suitable for diving and snorkelling. Tourism is somewhat held back by Sharjah's ban on alcohol.
The fish, fruit and vegetable souq is located at the southern end of the corniche.
Al Wurrayah Falls is reachable by four-wheel-drive around 4.5km north of the Oceanic hotel.
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Hotels in Khor Fakkan
 | Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach  |
Score 8.3 from 112 reviews | | Dibba Al Aqah Beach |  |
| We offer 3 meeting rooms, acres of al fresco beach and garden banquet venues and a spacious ballroom. Dedicated conference staff is efficient in facilitating meetings and events. We also offer the latest audio-visual equipment and special theme nights.
The resort’s recreational activities include:
- Unique massage tent overlooking the Indian Ocean
- Zen the Spa: 10 treatment rooms and various relaxation areas (will open in November 2007)
- Professional dive centre located on property ( will open in September 2007; diving available off site)
- Marine centre offering free water sports, including water skiing, glass bottom boat, pedalo and snorkelling trips
- Beach volleyball, 2 flood-lit tennis courts and 2 squash courts
- Animation team
- The Kid’s Club Flipper’s includes children's pool and menu (Opening August 2007)
The hotel is accessible for wheelchairs in the restaurants, public area and outdoor area. Our hotel entrance has a ramp. We don't offer special rooms for the disabled. ... more | | |
 | Coral Residence Tower  |
Score 7.225 from 17 reviews | | Sheikh Hamdan Bin Abdullah Street | |
| Our rooms are designed to fit your every need so that you can entertain yourself, while enjoying the endless activities that are available in the city itself. Beautifully decorated in a contemporary urban style, the rooms offer all modern and classic comforts. Equipped with the finest amenities and services, the hotel takes you a step beyond the ordinary. ... more | | |
 | Al Diar Siji Hotel |
Score 8.5 from 1 reviews | | Hamad Bin Abdulla Road | |
| A special feature of the hotel is a state-of-the-art 104-seat theatre, where films and videos can be viewed and which can also be utilized for training sessions, meetings, etc. Furthermore we have a Masafi Ballroom, auditorium and a private boardroom for our guests.
Another unique feature of the property is a 6-lane bowling alley, including a fully stocked bar & snack menu for refreshment purposes.
Our hotel has the best conference facilities with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, including L.C.D projector, electronic screens etc. ... more | | |
 | Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort |
Score 8.425 from 39 reviews | | Al Aqah | |
| Le Méridien is world renowned for our attention to detail and dedication to exemplary customer service. In addition to all of the global features and activities you would expect at Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts, impeccable service is promised at every turn.
Discover all that the city has to offer at the sumptuous Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort. Located 90 minutes away from Dubai and perfect for events of all kinds, the hotel offers 218 ocean view rooms, nine meeting rooms, eight restaurant and bars, Spa al Aqah and a dive centre. ... more | | |
 | The Oceanic Hotel  |
Score 6.825 from 27 reviews | | Cornich Street | |
| All rooms offer common amenities.
The hotel offers you 20 connected rooms located on various floors and ideal for families as well as 18 spacious and prestigious suites boasting special amenities and facilities.
Various king-size and twin queen-size bedrooms are available upon request.
... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Khor Fakkan |
| Dubai Private Arrival Airport Transfer |
10 - 45 minutes |
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Travel from Dubai International Airport to your Dubai city, Jumairah, Sharjah or Jebel Ali Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Dubai city, Jumairah, Sharjah or Jebel Ali Hotel details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours of booking and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
It's that easy!
Don't forget to book your Dubai Private Departure Airport Transfer, simply type the product code 2168DXBHTLAPT into the Keyword Box.
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details in the "Special Requirements" box:
- Airline
- Flight Number
- Departing City / Arrival City
- Arrival Time
- Hotel Name
- Hotel Address
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Private Day Tour to the East Coast - Orient Express |
9 hours |
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Your tour begins with a drive through the lush oasis of Al Dhaid, renowned for its fruit and vegetable plantations. Then its on to Masafi, and the picturesque Hajar mountains before reaching the village of Dibba, for a wander around the small port.
The drive continues along the coast, through fishing villages. During your lunch break enjoy a relaxing swim in the cool waters of the Indian Ocean if you wish.
Next you will drive to Al Badiyah, the oldest mosque in the Emirates, then take a short break at Khor Fakkan souk for a photo-stop. In Fujairah you stop at the renovated Fort.
Before returning to Sharjah/Dubai there is a last stop at the oasis by the old citadel of Bithnah and time to browse around the "Friday Market" in Masafi.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Private Overnight Safari - 1001 Arabian Stars - Camel Farm, Sandboarding, Camel Rock and BBQ Dinner |
2 days / 1 night |
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This tour departs in the afternoon, travelling across the desert of Dubai in your own 4x4 vehicle. You will have several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination, the camel farm.
The drive continues across the desert where you will have the opportunity to witness a beautiful desert sunset. Upon arrival at the campsite, you have the opportunity to ride on a camel, experience the thrill of sandboarding and try out a henna design on hands or feet.
After all that activity you will have worked up an appetite, so enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner and a shisha (the famous Arabic water pipe). Enjoy a belly dancer performing her show around the campfire by starlight, before you pitch a tent beneath the star studded sky and sleep the dreams of the desert.
After breakfast is served the tour continues to a rock formation hidden in the middle of the amazing red sand dunes called Camel Rock, before returning to Dubai.
Please Note: All afternoon and evening activities at the camp site may be shared with other travelers.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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