Umm Al Quwain lies between the Emirates of Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. It’s located along the Arabian Gulf’s western coast and covers an area of approximately 300 square miles. It is located 37 miles north of Dubai.

By Train: Umm Al Quwain does not have a direct train service. To reach Umm Al Quwain, you must first reach Dubai or any other emirate that is accessible by train, and then continue by road.

By Flight: The nearest airport to Umm Al Quwain is the Sharjah International Airport, which is approximately 18 miles away. Alternatively, you can fly into Dubai International Airport, around 31 miles away from Umm Al Quwain.

By Road: Umm Al Quwain is accessible by road from the surrounding Emirates. If traveling from Dubai or Sharjah, you can use E11 highway that offers a direct route to Umm Al Quwain. The driving distance from Dubai to Umm Al Quwain is around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. It is also easily accessible from other emirates via well-maintained highways.

There are no buses in Umm al Quwain. People generally take taxis, which there are several throughout town.

Umm Al Quwain is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly its beautiful coastline along the Arabian Gulf. The emirate boasts picturesque beaches with clear blue waters, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts.

From November to March temperatures are ideal with average daytime temps in the high 70's low 80's F and in the 60's at night. Temperatures can rise over 104 degrees F in the peak of the summer and the humidity levels are high. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year. The coastline experiences cooling sea breezes during the day.

The currency in Al Ain is AED (Emirati Dirham). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted around Umm Al Quwain and throughout the UAE. ATMs are available at numerous locations in the emirate, including local banks, petrol stations and shopping malls.

When it comes to tipping, most restaurants and hotel establishments automatically charge a service charge. In addition, you are free to tip service staff – the norm is 10%. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in the UAE by clicking here UAE

Umm Al Quwain is considered a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. However, like any other destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions and adhere to local laws and customs.

Because laws are strict in the UAE, we always recommend respecting the culture and laws, don't do anything that could harm anyone or that could be offensive.

Because Umm Al Quwain is a Muslim city, do not eat or drink in public in the holy month of Ramadan.

Also, appropriate clothing should always be worn at all times anywhere in the UAE.

Umm Al Quwain is known for all kinds of food. It is brimming with down-to-earth cafeterias and roadside restaurants, offering a cheap meal, fusing South Asian and regional flavors. Pipping hot pieces of bread, curries, grilled meats, hummus, and Karak tea are all served at these establishments. There are plenty of food court in the UAQ Mall offering a variety of cuisines including all the chain restaurants westerners are familiar with, such as KFC, Starbucks, Dunkin, etc.

Some must-try local cuisine:

Machboos: This is a popular rice dish that's cooked with a variety of spices and meat, such as chicken, lamb, or fish. It's often served with a side of salad or pickles.

Luqaimat: These are small, sweet dumplings that are fried and then drizzled with honey or syrup. They're a popular dessert in the UAE, and you can find them at many local sweet shops.

Balaleet: This is a sweet vermicelli pudding that's flavored with saffron and cardamom. It's often served for breakfast or as a dessert.

Grilled seafood: As a coastal city, Umm Al Quwain is known for its fresh seafood. Some popular options include grilled hammour (a local fish), prawns, and squid.

Shawarma: While shawarma is not unique to Umm Al Quwain, it's still a must-try street food that you can find throughout the city. It's a Middle Eastern wrap that's typically filled with grilled meat (chicken or beef), vegetables, and sauce.

These are just a few of the must-try foods in Umm Al Quwain. There are many more local dishes to explore, so be sure to keep an eye out for other traditional Emirati dishes as well.

Yes, alcohol is available in Umm Al Quwain, but it is primarily sold in licensed hotels and bars. Visitors should be aware of the regulations regarding alcohol consumption and purchase, as they may differ from those in other emirates.

Visitors to Umm Al Quwain can enjoy a variety of activities, including water sports, desert safaris, dhow cruises, birdwatching, and cultural experiences such as visiting historical sites and traditional markets.

Umm Al Quwain has several healthcare facilities where you can receive medical care. If you are staying at a hotel or resort, you can contact the front desk or concierge for assistance. They can help you locate nearby medical facilities or arrange for transportation.

You may call the emergency phone number (999) at any time, whether you need police assistance, an ambulance, or for any other emergency situation. Calls to this number are free.