Overview

Umm Al Quwain, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is highly famous for its culture and natural beauty. Situated between the Emirates of Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast, the lesser-known little emirate is home to excellent historical landmarks, quiet lagoons, museums, waterparks, and beautiful beaches. Here, you can embark on refreshing water activities, such as kayaking, water skiing and windsurfing. Above all, you can delve into the glorious past of the region through museums and forts. Umm Al Quwain is a seemingly underrated gem of the UAE, serene and uncrowded, and an ideal place to explore.

Things to See and Do

Travel back in time to the Umm Al Quwain National Fort and Museum where you can explore the rich culture and heritage of the area. Formerly the home of the royal family of the emirate, the fort has a lot of fascinating artifacts. It was constructed in 1786 and guarded the entrance to the old town by overseeing both the sea and the creek. Today, the fort serves as the national museum where you can find stunning artwork and craftwork depicting the life and customs of the emirate. These include paintings, coins, glassware, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and more. This is surely a must-visit place to visit in Umm Al Quwain.

Located in the heart of Umm Al Quwain, the Marine Club is an outdoor adventure center to experience the thrill of sports and recreational activities. These activities include skiing, waterboarding, kayaking, canoeing, wall climbing, zip-lining, and more. The Marine Club also offers boat trips to explore the mangroves and Umm Al Quwain’s beautiful natural habitats. It also houses some of the finest restaurants in the area.

The Beaches of Umm Al Quwain offer a tranquil coastal paradise to enjoy some peaceful time and rejuvenate yourself. Far away from the skyscrapers and city noise, you can enjoy water activities such as paddling and kayak tours, suitable for beginners and experts. Kite Beach is a hot spot for kite surfers. The consistent wind and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners and advanced kite surfers alike. It is relatively uncrowded and there are several options for activities to choose from. UAQ’s Mangrove Beach is home to a lush mangrove forest that creates a picturesque landscape, much different than the other beaches in the area. Here, you’ll be surrounded by natural habitat for a wide variety of marine and bird species and you can often spot herons, flamingos, and other wildlife. The beach itself has a variety of activities to do, like kayaking and even riding giant water tricycles.

One of the most classical traditions and UAE’s national sport is camel racing. The races generally take place on Fridays early in the morning, and several spectators gather around to watch the thrilling races. Compared to the ancient sport, the camel race in UAE is between camels ridden by robot jockeys. If you are in UAQ, it’s worth taking some time to experience a race that takes place in the Al Labsa Area.

Umm Al Quwain is a paradise of natural beauty and heritage. This scenic city includes a series of exquisite islands located just off the coast, surrounded by lush, dense mangrove forests. Some of these islands include Al Harmala, Al Chewria, Al Humaida, Al Qaram, and Al Sinniyah Islands. The largest and most popular island nearly 6 miles long, is Seneyah Island which has a lining of mangrove forests, sandy beaches, seagulls, and flamingos. It is accessible by boat, either from Umm Al Quwain or Ajman. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers come here to watch the exotic flora and fauna. It’s a tranquil retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle.

See the Abandoned Ilyushin IL 76 Aircraft. This odd sight lies beside the Barracuda Beach Resort in Umm Al Quwain. The plane was abandoned in the Soviet era and has since been left to rust. The engines of the plane are long gone, and its wings are covered in rust. Despite this, IL 76 is a piece of aircraft nostalgia with a lingering mystery, and because of this, it ranks among the top tourist destinations in UAQ.