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Umm Al Quwain is situated between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the West coast, separated from Ajman by a stretch of Sharjah territory, which includes the creek and village of Hamriyah, and then a long undisturbed sand beach. |
Tucked away beyond the long belt of Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman and between the highlands of the Musandam peninsula, this emirate enjoys among the most attractive natural environments on the entire Arabian Gulf coast. Umm Al Quwain's attraction lies in its long clean beaches, an enclosed lagoon and public horse riding stables.
It enjoys what is arguably the most attractive natural environment on the whole coast, built on a north-pointing promontory, in a watery setting of creeks, inlets and islands, a haven for fishermen, seabirds and wildlife of various kinds.
Seneyah Island, one kilometre away from the town of Umm Al Quwain, is a natural reserve for a large species of birds, deer and Al Qaram trees. This long low-lying island of Siniyyah is found across the creek where fragments of pottery found show that it was inhabited since perhaps the early days of Islam.
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One can also find large mangrove trees at the water’s edge lining the inlets of its eastern shore and huge colonies of cormorants nest around this place. Occasional dugong (seacows) are said to have been spotted in the shallows here and fishermen still catch large turtles in these waters. About 32 kilometres inland from the capital is the oasis of Falaj al Mualla, with its vast green canopies of date palm plantations overlooked by an old hilltop fort. |
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Umm al Quwain is a waterworld of sorts. The city stands on and around the creek, but the waterway is a system by itself as watersports, birds and marine life all co-exist here. Presiding over this all is the Marine Club, which is a short walk from the Emiri Diwan. This is the fount of activity in and around the creek and a focus of much that is social in the emirate. "Dreamland" - the world's largest aquapark, is another large attraction for tourists in this region.
Along the creek there are three strong towers, which once served as reliable defences for the old town. They still stand firm and beyond them are the narrow alleys and exotic souqs of the original settlement.
Across the creek from the old town is the island of Siniyyah, which today is a much-loved conservation area and you will need permission to visit.
Further away from the modern Umm al Quwain city, near the crossroads, is the big and very important archeological dig of Tell Abraq. This was the site for a great tower built at least two millennia ago and the great mound has yielded valuable bits of knowledge about the ancient Gulf communities.
