Khor al Fakkan

Khor al Fakkan lies within the Sharjah enclave.

The cruise dock forms part of a large container facility, so free shuttles take you to the port entrance because walking through the port is prohibited. There are an AM-only fish market, fruit and vegetable market and a few taxis offering tours at the entrance. Town centre is at least a 20 minute walk away, along the corniche and beach, with a supermarket and small souq as the main highlights. Temperatures may be high and there is no shade.

Sharjah is among the more conservative emirates, so western style bathing suits are not permitted on the beach.

Opposite the ship dock is a well stocked, well priced duty free store and a seaman's cafe with good WiFi: 2 minutes are free, then $4 per hour. Looking like a "seaman" might cost less.

Take the map with you.

Khor Fakkan, or Khawr Fakkan', is a Gulf of Oman town in Sharjah emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Khor Fakkan occupies the splendid natural Bay of Khor Fakkan on Sharjah's short Gulf of Oman coast. Shark Island and Port Khor Fakkan are its main features. The expanding container port anchors the local economy; the Oceanic Hotel's porthole style windows appear first, with the Ruler of Sharjah's Palace high above on the hilltop.

Surrounded by huge mountains and attractive beaches, Khor Fakkan is a popular local tourism spot. The Oceanic is its best-known hotel, while coral outcrops support diving and snorkeling. Sharjah's alcohol ban somewhat limits tourism.

Sharjah city's Heritage District centres on Sharjah Fort Museum. The present Sheikh lovingly restored the fort, and its museum offers a glimpse of Emirate social history. Many signs are only Arabic, and English ones often contain errors.

The Heritage District also contains the Islamic Museum, a fascinating place for visitors interested in the faith, with handwritten Qur'ans, letters from the Prophet to contemporary leaders, artifacts from Mecca and a comprehensive Arab handicrafts display. Some sites reserve certain opening times for women, so visitors of both genders should confirm these on arrival.

Ladies should pack below-the-knee trousers or skirts rather than shorts, keeping knees, cleavage and upper arms covered.

As town has little to offer, either remain onboard for the pool etc. or choose a ship's organized tour if it interests you.

From portside, see at least 50 large tankers waiting at Fujairah port for Arabian gold, oil, to be loaded. It is an impressive sight, as is the well organized container terminal across the dock in operation.

Sharjah has no public transport, so visitors need their own wheels or taxis. Wherever you go in the UAE, ask the taxi driver to switch on the meter, even for a taxi tour.

For ancient spots and old forts nearby, a cruise organized tour is probably the best option.

The "Blue Souq" (Souq Al Markazi or Central Souq) is a slightly shambling but interesting two-wing shopping centre with around 600 shops. Ground-floor shops usually sell gold and expensive designer clothes; upstairs shops carry carpets and curios from Afghanistan and Tibet. Haggling upstairs often brings massive discounts. It is an excellent source of gifts and traditional goods, considered superior to Dubai for carpets by Western expatriates. Also visit Souq al-Arsah, considered the country's oldest souq.

The town belongs to ultra-conservative, booze-free Sharjah emirate.

The United Arab Emirates dirham (AED, abbreviated locally as dhs) is the currency. Its peg to the USD makes variations against that currency unlikely.

Arabic is official, though the majority of the population does not speak it: Iranian, Indian, Asian and Western expatriates outnumber Arabs in Dubai and usually have very limited Arabic. English is the lingua franca.

Shopping hours are Daily 0900-1300 and 1600-2100, although many shops open all day. Shops close for prayers Fri 1130-1330.