T
eeming with natural bounties - both on land and water — Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) is an emirate held in time. Its calm way of life, lush green mangroves that are alive with a variety of aquatic and avian life, and rolling sand dunes that beckon thrill seekers, leave visitors enthralled. Lying on the narrow peninsula of Khor Al Beidah, its unique geographical position has helped the emirate develop a strong eco and water tourism base.
Umm Al Quwain Museum
ATTRACTIONS
The authentic feel of Arabian heritage and Emirati charm are the key attractions of Umm Al Quwain.
MALLS Al MAnAMA MAll
Manama is the leading shopping destination of the emirate. It features 43 stores inclusive of boutiques, toys, gifts, coffee shops, salons, pharmacies and multi-cuisine restaurants, as well as a bank and currency exchange centre.
lUlU HyperMArket
Another popular one-stop shop, LuLu offers a convenient shopping experience by integrating food, fashion, jewellery, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes and every other conceivable consumer need under one roof. The hypermarket also has play areas for children, a food court, money exchange and bank counters.
HERITAGE AREAS UAQ MUseUM
The roots of Umm Al Quwain Museum go back to 1768 when it served a dual purpose: as a fort it guarded the entrance to the emirate and was also the royal residence for the Emiri family. In 2000 it was converted into a museum and houses artefacts discovered at important local sites such as Al Dour.
Al DoUr
Al Dour is of great historical significance; it is considered the largest pre-Islamic site on the Arabian Gulf coast. From 100BC to 200BC, Al Dour was an important trading port and excavations at this fascinating site have unearthed impressive tombs, stone houses, large storage jars and glassware from Egypt and Syria. There are two public monuments at Al Dour, a small square fort with round corner towers and a small square temple dedicated to the Semitic sun god Shamash. 88 | Umm Al Quwain
olD HArBoUr
A historical boat-building yard where skilled craftsmen continue to assemble traditional dhows. The harbour is also surrounded by old coral stone houses that display features of the original architecture and intricate sculptured plaster work.
Al AkAB DUgong MoUnD
The spot of the oldest bone sanctuary in Arabia, Akab is an islet off the coast of Umm Al Quwain. Belonging to the Neolithic period, the mound comprises a structured platform of dugong bones, containing skulls laid in parallel and ribs in sets, together with artefacts of the Neolithic period. Akab has no parallel site in the region and no site of this type is known for the Neolithic period in other parts of the world.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS FAlAj Al MUAllA gArDens
A modest green space in Umm Al Quwain’s agricultural belt, the Falaj Al Mualla gardens are perfect for a lazy day. The swimming pool, bike