Umm Al Quwain is the capital and largest city of the Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. It is located on the peninsula of Khor Al Bidiyah, with the nearest major cities being Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. The city had a population of 59,098 as of 2022. The local economy is largely based on fishing. The history of Umm Al Quwain dates back to the Bronze Age, around 3000 years ago, with the discovery of tools and equipment used by semi-nomadic tribes. The city has a rich ancient history, with artifacts found on Al Sinniyah Island dating back 700 years. Modern history began around 200 years ago when the Al Ali tribe moved to its present location, and in 1775, Sheikh Majed Al Mualla established an independent sheikhdom in Umm Al Quwain. The city was the site of a fort built in 1768 by the founder of the modern Al Mualla dynasty, Sheikh Rashid bin Majid of the Al Ali tribe. The development of Umm Al Quwain began around 200 years ago, when the Al Ali tribe settled in the area. In 1820, it became a British protectorate as part of the General Maritime Treaty and was considered a separate emirate in 1971 when it joined with other emirates to form the United Arab Emirate.
Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and least populated emirate in the UAE, with a rich coastal environment and a focus on tourism, fisheries, and general trading activities. Umm Al Quwain is also a tourist center, with many popular tourist attractions.
Umm Al Quwain as a Tourist Centre:
Umm Al Quwain offers plenty of attractions and activities for tourists, suitable for different interests and age groups. Some of the top tourist attractions in Umm Al Quwain include:
1. Umm Al Quwain Fort:
Umm Al Quwain Fort, also known as Al Ali Fort, is located in the city of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates. The exact location of Umm Al
Quwain Fort is in the Madeena Al Qadeema, or old souq area, of Umm Al Quwain. It was built in 1786 by Sheikh Rashid I bin Majid Mu’alla to protect the town and harbor and was used as the Sheikh’s residence and a seat for his government. The fort was restored and opened to the public in 2000 by the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain at the time. Today, it houses the Umm Al Quwain National Museum, which includes artifacts from the important archaeological site of Ed-Dur. The fort has a rectangular ground plan with one round corner tower and a larger round tower in the center. Umm Al Quwain Fort is an excellent example of traditional Emirati architecture.
2. Dreamland Aqua Park:
Umm Al Dreamland Aqua Park is a water park located in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. It has a variety of water slides and attractions suitable for all ages, including toddlers and young children. Some of the most popular rides include Kamikaze, Twister, Black Hole, Twisting Dragons, Family Raft Ride, Mighty Go Round, Rafting River, Slide Five, Dream Stream, Aqua Play, Dead Sea, and Jacuzzi. The park also has a mini-zoo where visitors can experience wildlife up close. The park is affordable compared to other water parks in Dubai and has its own camping area. Visitors are not allowed to bring food and drinks from outside. The park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
3. UAQ National Museum:
The Umm Al Quwain National Museum, also known as UAQ National Museum or Umm Al Quwain Museum, is a museum located in an old fort that
was established in 1768 as the residence of the ruling family in the city of Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The fort was later renovated by Sheikh Rashid bin Majid Al Mualla and turned into a museum. It is considered one of the oldest structures in the Emirates and has countless artifacts dating back to ancient times. One section of the museum is allotted to the heritage of the royal family, while another has important Umm Al Quwain documents. The museum also contains exhibits on sea equipment, weapons, old military uniforms and documents, utensils, and the prison of the fort.
4. Falaj Al Mulla:
Falaj Al Mualla is a small oasis town in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates. The town’s name translates to “water channel of (al) Mualla” and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The town was originally called Falaj Al Ali and was settled at the same time as the Al Ali tribe moved from the island of Sinniyah to the area. The Falaj Al Mualla Fort was built in the first part of the 19th century by Sheikh Abdullah I bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, who reigned from 1816 until 1853. The fort was constructed to protect the oasis and was restored in 2009. The
town is also home to a bathing house, built in the early 19th century by the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla. Falaj Al Mualla is notable for its three watchtowers (east, west, and north) that guard the fertile wadi. Today, Falaj Al Mualla is a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance and attractions.
In addition to these attractions, Umm Al Quwain also offers opportunities for traditional Arabian sports such as falconry, fishing, and camel racing. Umm Al Quwain is a great place for a family vacation, and it is a must visit destination for people visiting the UAE. Umm Al Quwain continues to attract visitors from around the world.
