The bottled water sold across the UAE has a starting point right here: Masafi Mineral Water has drawn from underground springs in these mountains since 1976, and now holds around 40% of the domestic market. The Friday Market that gives the town its modern fame is a different draw entirely — carpets, pottery, plants and honey, strung along the highway where roads from Dubai, Sharjah and the east coast all meet.
A natural halfway point between Dubai and the beaches, it rewards a pause, as part of our main Fujairah guide.
Updated: July 2026 — by Monica Bonalto
Getting your bearings in Masafi
The town sits in the mountains where the roads from Dubai, Sharjah and the east coast meet, with the Friday Market strung along the highway.
Things to do in Masafi
Browse the Friday Market for carpets, pottery, plants and fresh fruit, and take in the dramatic mountain scenery on the drive in and out — a genuine change of pace from the coast.
Wadi Wurayah, if you have a permit
Nearby Wadi Wurayah became the UAE’s first protected mountain area in 2009, and holds the country’s only permanent natural waterfall — fed by more than 60 springs, dropping 13 metres, and reportedly flowing continuously for at least 10,000 years. Around 1,050 recorded species live across its 220 square kilometres, including caracals and Blandford’s foxes. Entry requires a permit and access to the dam area has been intermittently restricted for nearby development work, so check current status before building it into your route.
Where to eat in Masafi
Roadside cafes and simple local eateries cater to travellers passing between the coasts.
The halfway stop, best on a Friday
On the mountain road between Dubai and the east coast; a natural stop by car, about 75 minutes from Dubai. The cooler months are best for the market and the mountain drives, and Fridays are liveliest for the market itself.
Passing through Masafi
Cooler than the coast, Masafi works as a natural stop-and-stretch point before the east-coast beaches. Fold it into a wider itinerary with our 20 things to do in Fujairah and complete Fujairah guide, then push on to Fujairah City or Dibba.
Onward to the coast
Head back to the main Fujairah guide to explore more of the emirate.
Top things to do in Masafi
- The Friday Market — carpets, pottery, plants and honey strung along the highway where roads from Dubai, Sharjah and the east coast all meet.
- Wadi Wurayah — the UAE’s first protected mountain area (designated 2009) and home to the country’s only permanent natural waterfall, fed by more than 60 springs; a permit is needed to visit.
- Masafi Mineral Water’s source — bottled from underground springs in these mountains since 1976, now holding around 40% of the domestic bottled-water market.
Do you need a permit for Wadi Wurayah?
Yes — it’s been a protected mountain area since 2009, home to the UAE’s only permanent natural waterfall, and visits require a permit rather than free open access.