A quiet and slightly provincial emirate, 34 km north of Ajman, located on a very picturesque coast, indented with lagoons and bays. In the old part of the city, many valuable architectural monuments have been preserved, and in the new one (built on the coast 10 km from the old one) there are residential areas, villas and government buildings. The special attraction of Umm al-Quwain is its relative territorial isolation, which allowed the emirate to preserve its traditions and way of life unchanged.
In addition, this sleepy fishing port provides tourists with a rare glimpse of real Emirati life – not only the skyscrapers and luxury of Dubai, but also the quiet backwaters of one of the country’s most decorated emirates. The name Umm al-Quwain, which translates as the name “Mother of the Two Forces”, comes from the power of the emirates both at sea and on land. The city itself is located on a small sandy peninsula north of the road connecting Sharjah with Ras al-Khaimah.
The old town and business center are located in the northern part of the peninsula, along King Faisal Rd (aka Muroor Rd).
The old town and business center are located in the northern part of the peninsula, along King Faisal Rd (aka Muroor Rd). Banks can be found there, in the King Faisal Rd area, Internet access is available at the Palma Beach Hotel.
According to baglib, Umm al Quwain’s Corniche is the best place in the world for those who want to enjoy the sound of the waves and the tranquility of an Arabian evening. Over the fragrant smoke of a first-class hookah, most of the tourists spend their evenings this way, having first enjoyed a hearty dinner.
How to get there
Intercity buses to Umm Al Quwain run from Sharjah (33-44 AED, every hour) and Dubai (25 AED, every 45 minutes). You can use a taxi: from Sharjah from 280 AED, Deira and Dubai 330-550 AED, Ajman from 200 AED and Ras Al Khaimah from 600 AED.
The prices on the page are for September 2022.
Weather in Umm Al Quwain
From November to March, the weather in the emirate reaches +26 °C during the day and 15 °C at night. In summer, the thermometer of the thermometer steadfastly hangs at the position of +40 ° C. Rains are rare, but the midday heat pleasantly dilutes the fresh sea breeze that constantly blows on the coast.
Umm Al Quwain Hotels
Emirate hotels can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Among the recommended ones are Flamingo Beach Resort next to the old fort, Palma Beach next to a good sea club and Barracuda Beach Resort, from where Dreamland water park is within easy reach.
Transportation
There are no public buses in Umm Al Quwain. People mostly use taxis: in the central part from 12 AED, in the commercial part (near Lulu) – from 20 AED.
Entertainment and attractions of Umm Al Quwain
In terms of “see-take pictures” in the emirate, three high watchtowers and a fort, the Historical Museum, a riding school, and an old market area with wind towers are interesting. You can make an excursion to the huge date garden of Falaj al-Muala, as well as a trip to the island of Al-Sharyah, where many birds live.
The best camel racing tracks in the country, a shooting club where you can shoot with all kinds of weapons, the Marine Club, where you can windsurf, water ski and sail.
The best camel racing tracks in the country, a shooting club where you can shoot with all kinds of weapons, the Marine Club, where you can windsurf, water ski and sail. There is also the largest Dreamland water park in the Middle East, in which, in addition to many water activities, there is an artificial volcano 18 meters high. Entrance tickets for adults cost 160 AED, for children – 100 AED.
An alternative to the water park, the Aquarium is the main attraction of the new port, part of the Marine Research Center, which is open to visitors every day. Here you can meet a variety of marine life, including corals, sea snakes and rare fish. Barracuda Beach Resort offers group tours.
Finally, you can go to the nearby islands of Umm Al Quwain, which are located to the east of the main peninsula. There is not only a unique coastline, luxurious sandy beaches, but also picturesque mangrove forests, secluded bays. The largest of the islands is Al Sinniyah, followed by Jazirat Al Ghallah and Al Keabe, all of which are visible from the old city. Much smaller, but no less colorful, are the small islands of Al Sow, Al Qaram, Al Humaidi, Al Chewria and Al Harmala. Between them is the Madaar Strait, an important fishing route for the emirate. The Barracuda Beach Resort can book a group tour of the islands.
- Umm Al Quwain Map
Historical Museum
The historical museum of Umm al-Quwain is located in a restored ancient fort, the entrance to which must be sought from the old city. Most of the museum exhibits were found in the neighboring village of Al Dour (or Al-Dur) and belong to the various historical eras of the country. Al-Dur was formed on the coast in 200 AD. e., archaeological sites can also be visited, they are located along and to the right of the Sharjah-Ras al-Khaimah highway, not far from the exit from the city.
In the fort itself, restoration work continues to restore the wall, which was erected by the first local settlers (this does not bother visitors at all).
The fort offers a great view of the sea and the port.
Aeroclub Umm al-Quwayna
The first flying club in the United Arab Emirates, located near the Dreamland water park, was created in this Emirate with the support of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mualla. Here are exhibits such as the Antonov-2 biplane and the Ilyushin-76 cargo plane, as well as a large coffee shop for those who want to take a break.
The club is known for its skydiving and parachuting championships, including the Asiana Championship 2005, Boogie 2005, 2006 and 2007. In addition, the Umm Al Quwain Air Club is the only place in the UAE where you can go skydiving, paragliding or even ride an inflatable ball. Trained and given lessons by friendly and experienced certified pilots. You can also take a couple of lessons in piloting microlights, a glider, a Cessnas or an aerobatics aircraft.
