Located between Ras al Khaimah and Ajman, Umm al-Quwain is one of the seven emirates in the UAE, spanning a land area of 750 to 800 square kilometres. It is located along the vital trade route between Asia and India. Umm Al Quwain was formed in 1775, when Sheikh Majid Al Mualla established Umm Al Quwain as an independent sheikhdom.
Umm Al Quwain comprises the Rulers office, banks, establishments, commercial markets, seaport and Research and Pisciculture Centre. Over the past few years, Umm Al Quwain city has witnessed drastic developments, including construction of buildings, parks, roads, and other amenities. Located 50kms south of Umm Al Quwain is Falaj Al Mulla, the agricultural part of the emirate. Umm Al Quwain also offers a dash of daring sports, which makes it an extreme holiday for anyone.
Economy of Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain economy is based on fishing, pearl diving, agriculture and breeding of livestock. This has been further diversified and expanded to meet the development policy of the emirate. Expansion of creek and wharves, construction of Ahmed Bin Rashid Port, establishment of Free Trade Zone, has all helped boost industrialization here. Fishing is still a major aspect in Umm Al Quwain, and it is still famous for its supply of grouper and oriental sole, and is a major exporter of sea foods throughout Europe and Middle East. The Falaj Al Moalla includes the first poultry farm established in the UAE. This area is also considered to be a large supplier of meat, poultry and dairy products to the local market.
Population of Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain has the smallest population in the UAE and is the only emirate where the females outnumber the males. As per the figures by National Bureau of Statistics last year, there were total of 17,482 nationals (8,671 males and 8,811 females) in Umm Al Quwain.
Major attractions in Umm Al Quwain
Although Umm Al Quwain is a smaller and less urban emirate than others, its natural and wildlife features make it an excellent place for naturalists and tourist, as for those who are not into bird-watching or fishing, there are several land/water sports and recreations as well.
Umm Al Quwain Fort
The fort was once upon a time, home to the Ruler of the emirate and guarded the entrance to the old town, facing the sea on one side and the creek on the other. It was later developed into a police station and then a museum. The museum now includes artefacts found in the neighbouring sites, apart from collections of weapons.
Old Harbour
Located in the old town, facing the traditional dhow building yard, wherein the skilled craftsmen continue to assemble the traditional boats, the harbour is surrounded by old coral stone houses displaying features of the original architecture and intricate sculptured plaster work.
Umm al Quwain Islands
These islands lie in the east of mainland peninsula, along a unique stretch of coastline, comprising of sandy islands, surrounded by dense mangrove forests, separated by series of creeks. The Al Sinniyah is the largest of the seven islands, followed by Jazirat al Ghallah, Al Keabe, and smaller islands such as Al Sow, Al Qaram, Al Humaidi, Al Chewria and Al Harmala.
Al-Dour
This is the largest pre-Islamic site on the Gulf coast. Al-Dour was a vital trading port from 200 BC to 200 AD. Several graves were found among houses of Al-Dour. There are two public monuments too here, a small square fort with round corner towers, and small square temple dedicated to semitic sun god Shamash.
Dreamland Aqua Park
Located along the Umm Al Quwain coastline, is the Dreamland Aqua Park, featuring landscaped gardens, and more than 30 rides, slides and attractions. Spread across an area of 250,000 square meters, the park is just 90 minutes drive from Dubai, and operates all year round with daily capacity of 10,000 visitors.
Falaj Al Mualla Garden Park
Located few minutes away from the UAQ bridge is the emirates road or outer bypass road. The park offers several amenities including swimming pools for children and adults, kids playground, bbq areas, bikes rental, mini grocery and tricycle rides.
UAQ Museum
The Umm Al Quwain Museum is a renovated ancient fort used to guard entrance to the old town. The Museum houses various artefacts and archeological sites.
Aquarium
The Aquarium forms a part of the Marine Research Centre and is located on the headland, beside the new port. Several large varieties of fishes and sea life found in the region, including snakes and corals are displayed here.
Umm Al Quwain also has great shops such as the Lulu Hypermarket and Al Manamah Hypermarkets, while for eateries, it houses renowned names such as the KFC, Arabian Chicken Hut, Al-Ramlah Cafeteria, Wadi Al Neel Seafood restaurant, baskin robbins, and the like.
