Facts about Umm Al Quwain: Discover Emirati heritage
Umm Al Quwain might be the UAE’s least known and the least populated emirate. Nonetheless, it has a rich history and culture, which is worth exploring further. Read on as MyBayut looks at various facts about Umm Al Quwain.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT UMM AL QUWAIN
Here’s a look at the history of Umm Al Quwain.
THE NAME UMM AL QUWAIN
The name of the emirate comes from the phrase Umm Al Quwatain. It refers to “two powers” and the richness of activities on land and water.
HISTORY
The emirate has a long history with discoveries like arrowheads, flint tools and pottery hinting towards the presence of semi-nomadic tribes from the Bronze Age, an estimated 3,000 years ago.
GEOGRAPHY
The city of Umm Al Quwain is located on a peninsula called Khor Al Bidiyah. To the southwest is the emirate of Sharjah, and to its northeast is Ras Al Khaimah. It is home to major archaeological sites and mangroves stretching around seven kilometres.
The covered area of Umm Al Quwain is approximately 720 sq. km. One of the exciting facts about Umm Al Quwain is that it covers just 1% of the country’s total area.
THE RULING FAMILY
The emirate’s ruling family comes from the Al Mualla lineage of the Al Ali tribe. Today, the emirate is ruled by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla. During the family’s rule, the emirate modernised, and the government focused on the prosperity of the residents.
ECONOMY
The local economy banked traditionally on the sea with pearl diving and fishing. While pearl diving is the history of Umm Al Quwain, fishing remains relevant even today as a key contributor to the economy.
UAQ exports seafood to numerous countries in the Middle East and Europe. The construction of Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and the Free Trade Zone was evidence of the expanding focus towards economic growth.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy 2031 aims to transform the emirate as the “capital of the blue economy”. One of the key promises is to expand the already strong mangrove cover threefold by the year 2031.
One of the key things to know about Umm Al Quwain is that the first poultry farm in the UAE opened here at Falaj Al Mualla.
TOURISM
From sailing to skydiving, there is lots to do in Umm Al Quwain. There are marina clubs which offer water sports facilities at the beaches. You can find numerous spas. Similarly, it is home to UAE’s largest waterpark Dreamland Aqua Park, attracting tourists from across the country.
Umm Al Quwain Fort is another popular attraction constructed in 1768 using coral stone, gravel and lime. It offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Then there is the Falaj Al Mualla Fort representing the emirate’s rich history.
Al Seniah Island is a natural reserve for migratory birds such as gulls, terns, and flamingos in the relatively warm winter. It is also home to Socotra cormorants, reef sharks and green turtles. Al Seniah Island and Khor Al Beidah are two of the best places in the UAE for bird watching.
One of the fun facts about Umm Al Quwain is that traditional Emirati activities like dhow building, falconry and camel racing are thriving here. One can visit Dhow Building Yard and learn the intricacies of it.
FAQS RELATED TO FACTS ABOUT UMM AL QUWAIN
WHAT FUN ACTIVITIES CAN I ENGAGE IN UMM AL QUWAIN?
Are you planning a tour of the emirate? Here’s a list of the top things to do in Umm Al Quwain.
WHERE ARE THE BEST RESORTS IN UMM AL QUWAIN?
Here’s a list of popular resorts in Umm Al Quwain you could consider booking.
This concludes our look at some interesting facts about Umm Al Quwain. The emirate remains relatively unexplored by tourists. If you plan to book a holiday and want to try something different, this might be your chance to visit Umm Al Quwain and enjoy its serene beaches and incredible historical sites.
