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Introduction
The Emirate of Umm Al-Quwain is located on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, stretching over a distance of 24 Kilometres long, between Sharjah to the west, and Ras Al-Khaimah to the east. The land spreads towards the interior for a distance of 32 Kilometres approximately. The total area of the emirate is 777 Sq. Km., equivalent to 1% of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. The population is estimated to be 36,000 for 1996.
The town of Umm Al-Quwain is situated on a deep creek one Kilometre in width and 5 Kilometres long. It is the centre of the Ruler’s office, companies, establishments, banks, commercial markets, Port and the Research and Pisciculture Centre which help to develop fishery wealth in the country.
The region of Falaj Al-Mulla is known to be the agricultural part of the Emirate, located 50 Kilometres South east of Umm Al-Quwain. The other large part is the Seneyah island, with a total area of 90 Sq. Km., known to harbour large species of birds, deers and Al-Qaram trees.
Time seems to stand still in Umm al Quwain. 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.
The second smallest in area (after Ajman) and the least populous of the federation's seven emirates, Umm al Quwain's coastline is actually much larger than its 27-odd kilometres of straight line along the Gulf. That's because up close, the coast is very irregular with numerous small inlets, spits, and offshore islets.
On one of these spits lies the capital. Till the UAE embarked upon its tremendous pace of development from the late sixties onward, Umm al Quwain's local economy was traditionally dependent upon pearl diving and fishing, most of which was based in what is now the capital. Interestingly, between the two world wars, the capital city's harbour was one of the chief trade emporiums of what was then known as the Trucial Coast.
Today the long and narrow creek to the east serves optimally as an excellent water sports centre. This is where you can still find any number of practitioners of the old ways: boat-building and fishing. 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. As with neighbour Ras al Khaimah, through the sixties and into the early seventies Umm al Quwain was noted for its colourful, superbly designed postage stamps, the many series of which became - and still are - collectors' prizes.
City Tours
Umm al Quwain is a waterworld of sorts. The city stands on and around the creek, but the waterway is a system by itself: 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.
Along the creek the eye is drawn to the three strong towers which once served as reliable defences for the old town. They still stand unbowed and beyond them are the narrow alleys and exotic souqs of the original settlement: a ramble through this brings back the hoary past better than anything else can.
Across the creek from the old town is the island of Siniyyah, which today is a much-loved conservation area: you will need permission to visit. Further away from the urban spread of modern Umm al Quwain city, near the crossroads, is the big and very important archæological 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.
Statistics
Ruled by: H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu'alla How large is it? 777 sq km. How many live there? An estimated 40,000. Best known for: The very active Marine Club which hosts a range of water sports activities; the habitats of seabirds and marine wildlife What else can you find in Umm al-Quwain? The inland oasis of Falaj al Mualla with its old fort. Commercial hotspots: Its free trade zone.
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