Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are often mentioned first when the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is discussed in relation to tourism. While these locations are unparalleled, there are others that offer visitors a break from the bustle of major cities.
One of these places is Umm Al Quwain. The city of Umm Al Quwain is the emirate’s capital and is a great starting point for a trip to the Middle East. Peaceful beaches, tranquil lagoons, and a variety of exciting water sports draw visitors from all over the world to this little emirate.
Top 5 attractions in Umm Al Quwain
Here are a number of the top attractions in Umm Al Quwain to check out if you find yourself in the area.
- Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum
- Seneyah Island
- Watch Camel Racing at Al Labsa
- Dreamland Aqua Park
- Umm Al-Quwain Beach
Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum
The Al-Ali Fort in Umm Al-Quwain was constructed in 1768 to protect the city’s historic port against invaders from the sea and the creek. Umm Al-Quwain’s museum is housed within, while the well-restored exterior has two circular towers. This fort and museum represent the rich history of the city, and it is one of Umm Al Quwain’s top attractions.
The museum’s displays center on objects discovered at or around neighboring locations, with particular emphasis on the Al-Dur and Tell Abraq sites. Anyone with even a passing curiosity for the past would benefit from a trip here.
Two thousand years ago, the city of Al-Dur was a major hub. Among the many artifacts from Egypt and Syria that have been unearthed in Al-Dur are tombs, stone homes, enormous storage jars, and glassware. Some of the crockeries discovered feature the distinctive orange and black painted motif characteristic of Al-Dur art.
The museum also displays some of the numerous coins that were discovered in Al-Dur. These include both foreign coins and hundreds of locally made coins that bore the name of Abi’el.
Ethnographic displays provide visitors with local culture and traditional Emirati arts and crafts such as jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and an almost 200-year-old collection of weapons.
Seneyah Island
Mangrove trees encircle the chain of islands off the coast of Umm Al-Quwain, making it an important stopover for migrating birds. Seneyah Island is the largest of the group and is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in the UAE and enjoy some time in nature among the native Al Qaram trees.
The island is a popular day excursion for Dubai residents interested in the Gulf’s natural environment and is also one of Umm Al Quwain’s best attractions. The island is a convenient day trip destination from both Umm Al-Quwain and Ajman since it is located just 19 and 39 kilometers away, respectively.
Watch Camel Racing at Al Labsa
The United Arab Emirates’ national sport is camel racing. Al Labsa (about 29 kilometers southeast of Umm Al-Quwain city) is home to Umm Al-Quwain’s camel racing track, where you may spend a fun morning watching the races, which is one of Umm Al Quwain’s best attractions.
During the fall and winter (typically October through April), races are held on Friday mornings at 7 a.m. This traditional sport is given a modern hi-tech twist by having robot jockeys ride the camels.
The easiest way to find out if there will be any races at the track is to ask a local, as timetables are difficult to come by. There are also local travel operators that provide trips to the races.
Dreamland Aqua Park
Families flock to this massive amusement park because of its 25+ attractions which makes it one of Umm Al Quwain’s best attractions. Water coasters, kiddie pools, twisters, a crazy river, a kamikaze ride, and a massive wave pool are just some of the attractions available. Both locals and visitors bring their kids here in the summers to get away from the sweltering heat.
Palm gardens provide welcome shade, and the area’s faux roaring volcano, surrounded by lifelike representations of animals, is likely to be a hit with the youngsters.
If you have kids, Aqua Dreamland Park could be your idea of paradise. The park may provide a welcome reprieve from the sweltering temperatures of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Take the kids there and let them enjoy more than 30 exciting rides.
You may start with the water attractions, go through the kiddie pools and twisters, and end with the wild river ride. The big wave pool and the kamikaze ride offer even more excitement and enjoyment. These rides are great because they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. After going on the rides, you and your loved ones may relax with a picnic in the park’s beautiful palm gardens.
Umm Al-Quwain Beach
The major beach in Umm Al-Quwain may be found along the emirate’s western coast, and it is one of Umm Al-Quwain’s best attractions. Umm Al-Quwain is a popular destination for Dubai residents wishing to escape the city for the weekend on a budget because of the abundance of affordable resorts and hotels in the area.
You can spend a relaxing time at the beach in complete comfort at the Kite Beach Center, a secluded area of the main beach with a great restaurant and all the amenities you could want.
The variety of aquatic activities available has made it famous. Beachgoers seeking a more active day at the beach may hire stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and kitesurfing equipment and even take lessons in these sports.
Tours of the mangrove forest at Umm Al-Quwain are available by kayak or paddleboard with a guide from Kite Beach Center. It’s great for families because there’s a pool, a restaurant, and plenty of play and adventure equipment for kids.
