Al Bidyah Mosque and Fujairah Fort

Al Bidyah Mosque is a small structure built into a hillside above a palm grove on the Gulf of Oman. It is thought to date from the fifteenth century, which makes it the oldest mosque in the UAE, and its simple domed rooms of stone, mud and gypsum have changed little. It is still used for prayer, so visit respectfully and dress modestly.

Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest and best-restored in the country, with a large tower and a view over the surrounding old settlement. The nearby heritage village shows traditional crafts and housing. On Friday afternoons, the traditional sport of bull-butting is staged at an arena near the corniche, a very local event that is not designed for tourists.

Fujairah is about 90 minutes to two hours from Dubai. A heritage morning, lunch on the corniche and a swim or snorkelling stop at Snoopy Island fills a day. Check fort opening days before you go.

Heritage sites on the east coast are small, so they work best as the first half of a day. Start at Al Bidyah in the morning when it is quiet and the light on the hillside is good, see the fort and the heritage village, and then head for the water: Snoopy Island for snorkelling or the corniche for a long lunch. The Masafi market on the road to the coast is a traditional stop for carpets, pottery and fruit on the way back.

Plan the drive rather than the stops. From Dubai the route over the mountains takes around two hours each way, and weekend afternoons slow down on the return. If you can, go on a weekday and stay a night: the east coast is at its calmest after the day-trippers leave.