Umm Al Quwain

Situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the United Emirates’ West Coast, Umm Al Quwain, which literally means “mother of two powers”, covers an area of 500 square miles, and is one of the major agricultural centres of the UAE. It is also fast making a name for itself as an extreme sports destination.  Traditionally renowned for its fishing industry and date cultivation, Umm Al Quwain features more often now on a tourist map of the region, thanks to its extensive and pristine beaches, the Umm Al Quwain lagoon, ideal for watersports, and its archaeological and cultural heritage.

Other than Umm Al Quwain city, other noted places within the emirate are Falaj al Mualla, 30 miles to the south, which is the more traditional part of this emirate, still dedicated to agriculture, and   Seneyah Island, just under a mile from the city, which is a nature reserve home to a variety of native species.

Capital City – Umm Al Quwain City
Population Size: 35,000
Country Size: 780 sq km         
Currency/FX rate:  Emirati Dirham (current rate £1 = 7.37 dirham)
Time Zone: +4GMT
Language: Official language is Arabic, though English is widely used. 
Weather: Subtropical climate with year round sunshine and infrequent rainfall. Hottest from June to September, with average temperatures of around 33C. Coolest in January and February.
Visa: British travellers to Umm Al Quwain do not need a visa.
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Attractions

Tourists to Umm Al Quwain will doubtless start their journey in the city of the same name, but visits to the following attractions are a must:

Falaj al Mualla: a rich agricultural oasis in the Al Batha Valley, the main attraction is the scenic route from Umm Al Quwain city through the river valley.

Al Dur Island: Along the coast from Umm Al Quwain city, this is a renowned archaeological site, from which numerous artefacts have been excavated. The remains of a 2000 year old town can be viewed

Al Seneyah Island: an island bird sanctuary located just across the creek from Umm Al Qwain City.

Umm Al Quwain fort: Historically important, and housing artefacts from various archaeological excavations throughout the United Arab Emirates, but also known for the story behind the murder of ruler Ahmed Bin Ibrahim al Mualla by one of his servants, who was burnt alive in the tower for his crime.

Finally, Umm Al Quwain is home to Dreamland. Covering over 250,000 sqm, it is the world’s largest waterpark and features numerous rides, games, shops and restaurants.
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Accommodation

Umm Al Quwain has relatively few hotels in comparison with the other states of the United Arab Emirates, but those that are to be found are of high quality, and popular with visitors who perhaps want to escape the busier resorts of neighbouring Dubai.