RAJEEV CHERIAN (MASAFI, FUJAIRAH)
Wedged between the majestic Hajar mountain range and the E88 highway, the Masafi Friday Market in Fujairah attracts visitors from across the UAE with its pastoral charm.
A wide variety of farm-fresh produce neatly arranged on stalls, along with carpet stalls, nurseries, furniture shops and household items, entices even busy motorists to stop for an impromptu shopping experience.
Located on Al Dhaid-Masafi Road (E88), some 230 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, the souq is a popular weekend stop, connecting visitors with the agrarian way of life and offering a taste of countryside flavours. The small town of Masafi is best known for its natural mineral water, drawn from underground springs beneath the mountains.
Masafi in Arabic means pure water. Its lush wadis offer a fertile ground for growing fruit and vegetables. Despite its name, the Masafi Friday Market, the souq is open throughout the week.
The market experience is incomplete without experiencing the lively street food scene. Freshly cut fruits, fresh juices, tender coconut treats and sweet potato barbecues delight visitors. Hearts of palm, honey, herbs and other kitchen essentials also fill the market shelves.
“During weekends, the market gets busier, and winter draws more tourists as the market offers a wider variety of produce. Now, during Ramadan, many customers come specifically for carpets, to upgrade before Eid,” said Benny Alex, who runs a restaurant at the market.
“The open-air feel and the variety of local offerings strike a chord with customers. On busy days, the market stays open past midnight,” he added while preparing snacks for the evening.
Tending to his shop amid piles of fruits and vegetables is Jahid.
"Everything is fresh here. Every season brings its own yield. Come during summer, it will be a celebration of mangoes," he said.
Masafi is home to heritage sites such as Masafi Fort, and the village is also a destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Once the market experience is over, visitors can head to the nearby orchard with barbecue facilities and other amenities ideal for picnicking. The serene, green surroundings with mountain views offer an ideal place to relax and unwind before heading back to the hectic pace of the cities.