UAQ National Museum (Al Ali Fort)
The ruling family's 1768 fort, archaeology from nearby Ed-Dur and royal history.
05 / 07 · The Quiet Lagoon Emirate
Umm Al Quwain أم القيوين
Umm Al Quwain, "Mother of Two Powers" (land and sea), is the UAE's smallest emirate by population and its most tranquil.
Quiet lagoonsAl Sinniyah Islandkite beachcamel racingDreamland Aqua Park
Now in Umm Al Quwain32°CMostly clear · 27° / 35° · 61% humidity
About
The emirate
Umm Al Quwain, "Mother of Two Powers" (land and sea), is the UAE's smallest emirate by population and its most tranquil.
Life centres on the old town peninsula between a natural creek and the sea, where the ruling Al Mu'alla family has governed since 1775.
The emirate keeps an old-Arabia charm: fishing harbours, mangrove islands and archaeological sites, plus a micro-business-friendly free zone attracting modern startups.
Key facts
At a glance
- Capital
- Umm Al Quwain City
- Ruler
- HH Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu'alla
- Area
- 777 km²
- Population
- ≈ 90,000
- Coastline
- Arabian Gulf
- Joined the union
- 2 December 1971
- Government portal
- uaq.ae
- Utilities
- Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), 800 3392
- Known for
- Old town, Dreamland Aqua Park, Al Sinniyah Island
- Character
- Quietest emirate, heritage & nature
- Average rent (2BR apt)
- AED 22,000-40,000/year, the lowest in the UAE
- Utilities provider
- Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), 800 3392
- Health insurance
- Mandatory, employer or private plans
- Popular residential areas
- Old Town, Al Salamah, Al Haditha
- Lifestyle note
- Quietest emirate, short commutes, village feel, growing corniche scene
Places
What to see
Landmarks, heritage, nature and days out in Umm Al Quwain.
Dreamland Aqua Park
One of the region's original waterparks, 250,000 m² of slides and gardens.
Al Sinniyah Island
Protected island with flamingos, dugongs offshore and the ancient Ed-Dur archaeological site.
Old Town & Harbour
Coral-stone houses, watchtowers and the traditional fishing harbour on the creek.
Kite Beach Center
Boho beach club with kitesurfing, mangrove tours and over-water swings.
UAQ Marine Club
Sailing, rowing and water sports on the lagoon.
Directory
Who to call in Umm Al Quwain
Emirate-level services. Nationwide numbers such as 999 work everywhere.
Emergency number 4
UAQ PoliceAll emergencies
Etihad WE, utilitiesWater & electricity faults
UAQ MunicipalityMunicipal & food safety services
UAQ Government call centreGeneral enquiries
Hospital 3
Sheikh Khalifa General HospitalPublic (EHS), main hospital
Umm Al Quwain HospitalPublic (EHS)
EHS primary health centresGovernment clinics in Old Town, Falaj Al Mualla & Al Salamah
School 3
The International School of Choueifat, UAQSABIS curriculum
Umm Al Quwain American SchoolAmerican curriculum
British / Indian curriculum schoolsSmaller community schools serve the emirate
University 2
Emirates Canadian University College (UAQ)Higher education programmes in UAQ
Nearest major universitiesAjman University & University of Sharjah, 20-35 minutes away
Court / legal 1
UAQ Courts / Judicial DepartmentCivil, criminal & personal-status matters; notary
Transport 3
UAQ taxisMetered, main option within the emirate
Intercity busesE601 to Dubai, connections via Sharjah
CareemAvailable; own car is the practical choice for the countryside
Free zone 1
UAQ Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)Micro-business, consulting, trading, very low-cost packages
