FUJAIRAH// Big steps were taken in 2015 in developing Fujairah’s infrastructure and public services with the aim of improving the quality of life to its residents.
One of the major improvements was the launch of the Fujairah 2040 plan with new roads, housing complexes and the expanding port and airport.
The plan included the development of Fujairah port by adding new terminals for oil, marine services, dry bulk and containers with an anchorage area, along with the expansion of Fujairah airport apron and runway and relocating the cargo terminal and airport
Another improvement was the opening of a two kilometre stretch of corniche from Qidfa to Merbeh.
Meanwhile, three health centres began operations in Dadna, Al Khulaibia and Al Okameya, which will serve around 15,000 residents.
The Dh9 million expansion of Fujairah Hospital also took place, with new A&E and physiotherapy units.
Another highlight was the opening of the Dh210 million Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
The mosque is the second largest in the country, has 65 domes and six minarets and can accommodate 28,000 worshippers.
rhaza@thenational.ae
Read more on the UAE’s developments in 2015 in:
› Ras Al Khaimah: Improved emergency services and roads for Ras Al Kahimah
› Umm Al Quwain and Ajman: Tourism focus for Ajman while Umm Quwain pushes outdoor activity
The specs
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Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
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Stars: 3
Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
