Umm Al Quwain Tourism (2024), UAE - Top Places, Travel Guide

Umm Al Quwain Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: November to March Read More

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Also Refered As:

Umm-Al-Quwain

"A traditional fishing village amidst a futuristic nation"

Umm Al Quwain Tourism

Umm Al Quwain is the least populous and the second smallest emirate of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike its neighbours, the sudden burst of modernisation hasn't impacted here like its southern Emirate. This makes it a quaint and retro village where fishing is still the main occupation amongst the locals.

With a lack of luxury hotels, extravagant malls and other grandeur, Umm Al Quwain is like a city that was frozen in time. It is still reminiscent of a fishing village, with dhows carved out on the beach, its large population of green turtles and mangroves. It represents what UAE was before getting its oil wealth and basks in the remains of its once-flourishing fishing culture as evident from the importance of seafood export to its economy.

Dreamland Aqua Park

UAQ National Museum

Al Sinniyah Island

Abandoned IL-76

Falaj Al Mualla

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History of Umm Al Quwain

Umm al-Quwain is a place of immense archaeological interest. Various flintstone tools have been extracted across UAQ. Evidence of a full-fledged ceramic industry that existed as early as the 3rd century B.C have also been discovered in the area. The modern history of Umm al-Quwain began around 200 years ago. The Al-Ali tribe shifted from Al-Sinniyah Island to their present location due to a scarcity of water resources.

A sheikhdom in Umm al-Quwain was established in 1775 by Sheikh Majid Al Mualla. Sheikh Abdullah signed the General Maritime Treaty 8 January 1820 thus accepting a British protectorate. This was done to keep the Ottoman Turks out. The position of Umm al-Quwain on the route to India made it important enough to be recognised as a salute state with a three-gun salute just like Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah. Sheikh Ahmad II joined the UAE federation which included its neighbours Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah on 2 December 1971.

Shopping

Although Umm al-Quwain isn’t exactly a shopper’s paradise, there's enough material to momentarily satisfy your shopping needs. The city has a couple of malls with good enough brands. The local shopping centres known as the souks can also prove to be very interesting places to shop for Arabian clothing, cuisine and souvenirs.

Nightlife in Umm Al Quwain

Nightlife is limited to a few sheesha bars in the city. The emirate otherwise has no nightlife and alcohol too is hard to come by, especially when compared to the rest of UAE. There are no public bars in the city.

Retro Feel of the CIty

The most fascinating thing about the city would be the fact that it has no mega malls or world-class resorts, in stark contrast to its neighbours. The place has a distinctly retro feel to it and the old town area has very few landmarks, namely the fort and the museum.

There's an island right off the coast named Al Sinniyah. The island is protected by a lagoon and sees several varieties of seabirds annually. Umm al-Quwain is nothing like the rest of the UAE.

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How to Reach Umm Al Quwain

How to Reach Overview

Umm al-Quwain has only one domestic airport. There are no public buses available either. Personal vehicles and taxis are the only option.

How to reach Umm Al Quwain by flight

Ras Al Khaimah International is the nearest International airport at just 55 kilometres (around half an hour). Umm al-Quwain has a domestic airport.

How to reach Umm Al Quwain by road

Take the E11 from Abu Dhabi or Dubai. It passes through Umm al-Quwain and extends upto RAK.The E611 from Dubai to RAK also passed through Umm al-Quwain.

How to reach Umm Al Quwain by train

No rail connectivity

How to reach Umm Al Quwain by bus

There is only one bus that goes to Ummal-Quwain from Dubai on the way to Ras-Al-Khaimah. E601 from Ittihad station.

Local transport in Umm Al Quwain

The only mode of transportation is the cabs and rental cars. All rental are usually self-driven in the region. Repeated usage of cabs can turn out to be quite expensive. Rentals start from AED 65 to AED 400.

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Umm Al Quwain Photos

UAQ National Museum - Depicts the Heritage of UAE

Falaj Al Mualla Fort - Constructed in 19th Century

Umm Al Quwain - Located in the East of Umm al-Quwain

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FAQs on Umm Al Quwain

What are the places near Umm al quwain?

The top places near to Umm al quwain are Dubai which is 45 km from Umm al quwain, Sharjah which is located 23 km from Umm al quwain, Ajman which is located 13 km from Umm al quwain, Fujairah which is located 69 km from Umm al quwain, Ras al khaimah which is located 51 km from Umm al quwain

What is the best way to reach Umm al quwain?

Umm al-Quwain has only one domestic airport. There are no public buses available either. Personal vehicles and taxis are the only option.
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What is the local food in Umm al quwain?

Despite being seemingly small and rural, Umm al-Quwain still houses all the major restaurant chains in the world and there are also excellent options to discover authentic Arab cuisine.

The traditional cuisine comprises mainly of barbequed chicken, shawarma rolls, Khubz (Arabic bread), mandi rice, Kabsa rice and so on. All these apart from international cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, American, Italian etc are available in Umm al-Quwain. The city also has a myriad of cosy cafes.
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What is the best time to visit Umm al quwain?

The best time to visit Umm Al Quwain is from November to March. Like other Emirates, Umm Al Quwain weather also remains hot all-year-round but during this time, the temperature is cool with a requirement of light jacket and sweater. However, if beaches are on your mind then plan your visit in October, March or April when the weather is hot but in a pleasant way.
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What is not so good about Umm al quwain?

Rural, underdeveloped, seemingly poor infrastructure, not much to do

What is famous about Umm al quwain?

Coasts, Mangroves, Laidback lifestyle, Perfect for birdwatchers, Historically value

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Umm Al Quwain

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Umm Al Quwain Travel Essentials

Umm-Al-Quwain

"A traditional fishing village amidst a futuristic nation"

Umm Al Quwain Tourism

Places To Visit In Umm Al Quwain

Top Hotels In Umm Al Quwain