Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while other six emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. The Emirate derives its name from a spring of
water located beneath one of the mountains. The Hajar mountain range that divides the UAE in two, from Ras Al Khaimah to Al Ain has kept Fujairah separated from the rest of the country.
Fujairah is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and the only one of the seven that has a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman and none on the Persian Gulf. The emirate of Fujairah covers approximately 1,166
km2, or about 1.5% of the area of the UAE, and is the fifth-largest emirate in the UAE. Its population is around 152,000 inhabitants (in 2009); only the Emirate of Umm al-Quwain has fewer occupants. Fujairah is the only emirate
of the UAE that is almost completely mountainous. All the other emirates, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are located on the west coast, and are largely covered by deserts. Consequently, Fujairah boasts a higher than average yearly
rainfall of the UAE, allowing farmers in the region to produce one crop every year.
Fujairah's economy is based on subsidies and federal government grants distributed by the government of Abu Dhabi. Local industries consist of cement, stone crushing and mining. A resurgence in the construction activity helped the
local industry. There is a flourishing free trade zone, mimicking the success of the Dubai Free Zone Authority, which was established around Jebel Ali Port.