Bull Butting / Bull Fighting - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Miscellaneous

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Fujairah): 4 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr

Place Location: At Fujairah Corniche

Transportation Options: Bus / Cab

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 4 km from Fujairah Airport, Bull Butting or Bull Fighting is a traditional event in Fujairah. Held at Fujairah Corniche, it is one of the most popular events held in Fujairah and among the must-experience things to do while holidaying in UAE.

Introduced by the Portuguese between the 17th and 18th centuries, Bull Butting in Fujairah is a bizarre but popular family event. It has been practiced for hundreds of years. Every Friday evening in the cooler months, it takes place in a muddy patch off the Fujairah Corniche around 5 PM (except during Ramadan) attracting a lot of tourists and families on an open field. In the arena, two sumo-sized, humpbacked animals lock horns and pit their strength against each other as hundreds of locals cheer them on.

The day begins with 20 bulls battling each other, and numbers slowly dwindle as winners move on to the next round. Little harm comes to the bulls beyond a sore head and dented pride. There is no prize money, but a win increases the value of the bull and brings honor to its owner. For tourists, the contest has an extra frisson of danger, as even though bulls are tied up and handled by attendants, they sometimes break free and have been known to charge spectators, especially those in red.

Timings: Every Friday from 5 PM, Closed during Ramadan

Entry: Free