Umm Al Quwain - History

Umm al-Qaiwain is situated between Sharjah to the south-west and Ra’s al-Khaimah to the north-east, about 20 minutes drive from Ajman. The area of the emirate is equivalent to 1 per cent of the UAE’s total landmass.

Umm al-Qaiwain city, capital of the emirate, is situated on a narrow peninsula encircling a large creek, Khor Umm al-Qaiwain. The old town and the business district are at the northern tip of the peninsula, along King Faisal Rd. The town boasts no less than seven forts, one of which, its main gate flanked by defensive cannons, has been renovated.

Traditional occupations of fishing and date cultivation are still important, but a mariculture research centre and a free zone have helped to develop the emirate whose main attraction lies in its small size, relatively remote location, and long clean beaches.