Let The Trip Begin!
Planning to go on a vacation now that the pandemic is almost over and the lockdown has been lifted is something that everyone has one their minds. However, what is the place that you should visit?
Is it going to be an old favorite? Or are you planning to go somewhere that you have never visited before? I have a great solution for you. A visit to one of the Emirates of the UAE can be a cure to your heart.
Keep on reading the article till the end to find out what you can do in Umm Al Quwain, one of the hidden gems on the planet…
Umm Al Quwain: The Lesser Known Emirate
Umm Al Quwain is located in the small peninsula of Khor Al Bidiyah. It is the largest city in the Umm Al Quwain Emirate of the UAE. The city is located on the coast, which makes most of its scenic beauty.
It is also one of the second smallest in the United Arab Emirates, but that is not the most important or the most interesting point about this article.
What is actually interesting about Umm Al Quwain is the fact that there are so many fun and unique things to do in the country.
So if you are planning to visit the UAE and are looking for what are the things that you can do in the country, you must have Umm Al Quwain on your bucket list.
Things To Do In Umm Al Quwain: Top 10!
The world is a book, and those who don’t travel are stuck on only one page. I read this line somewhere when I was a child, and it has stuck with me ever since.
Trust me when I say this, I could not find a better place that will fit the essence of the quote other than Umm Al Quwain.
Here are the top ten things to do in Umm Al Quwain:
1. Walk Along The Kite Beach
Are you a sea person? Then you will love to pay a visit to the Kite Beach. The beach looks straight out of your imagination.
With swings that are attached to the trees and the ones that are made from the trunks of the trees, and a beautiful view of the sea, the Kite Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the Emirate.
It is considered to be the hidden gem in the Emirates, and people who do not visit the beach are undoubtedly missing out on a huge thing.
You will be able to surf the waves if that is something you like. You can also spend hours on the beach huts that are available for rent. Occasional live musical performances are also a major cause of attraction among tourists.
Read : Top Qwerky Things To Do In Sharjah In 2022
2. A Visit To The Zoo Wildlife Park
If you are planning to travel to Umm Al Quwain with your family and ids, then make sure that you visit the Zoo Wildlife Park. Also known as the Umm Al Quwain Zoo, it is one of the best private zoos that you can visit.
It is nothing less than a treasure that is hidden from the crowd. If you are a nature lover and want to watch several animals in one place, then this zoo is the best option that you have in Umm Al Quwain.
You can spend hours looking at the tortoise, orangutans, and several other birds in the zoo. However, the most interesting thing, and the most popular one, among the visitors are playing with the tiger cub. So if you are looking for an experience of a lifetime, you must visit the zoo.
Read more : 10 Things To Do In Abu Dhabi In 2022
3. Witness The Camel Race
One of the national sports that you can witness when in Umm Al Quwain is Camel racing. The never ending sand dunes make the city the best place for a camel race.
If you want to witness this unusual yet magnificent sport, make sure that you visit the city in winter. This is because the long time that you spend in the sandy area will be less unbearable during this season.
The camel race is one of those sports that have been going on for a very long time. This is a part of the tradition of the land. And there is no other place than Lubsha located in Falaj Al Mualla for this sport.
Also read : 10 Things To Do In Ajman In 2022
4. Know The History Of Umm Al Quwain Fort And Museum
Established in the year 1768, the Umm Al Quwain Fort is one of those ancient forts that have stood the test of time. The fort was reportedly the residence of the family of the Al Mualla dynasty.
Located in the old souq, which is the most traditional area of the country, the fort was later used as a police station and headquarters till the year 2000.
After 2000, the government decided to restore the first and turn it into a museum. And there we have it, the Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum.
The museum is known for exhibiting ancient artifacts of the Ed-Dur archaeological site. You can learn about all the history that the Emirate has gone through from the museum.
5. Trip To The Al Sinniyah Island
Among the many islands of the country, Al Sinniyah Island is worthy of mention. The island lies on the east coast of Umm Al Quwain mainland and is most noted for the huge number of dense mangroves that grow here.
If you are into bird watching and love to observe nature in its real self, then a visit to the Al Sinniyah Island of the Umm Al Quwain is a must for you. The best part about this island is that you do not have to pay any fee to enter.
Once you step foot on the island, you will be taken aback by the immense flora and fauna of the land. Also, if you love flamingos, then it is a treat for you!
Read : Outdoor things to do in Dubai, here are some great experiences to include in your Dubai vacation and have a wonderful outdoor experience in the city.
6. Dreamland Aqua Park
One of the best things that you can do when in Umm Al Quwain is to visit the water park called the Dreamland Aqua Park. It is probably the largest waterpark in the city. It has an area of about 300,000 meters square.
It is a popular destination among tourists who are looking for a fun time in the Emirate. With more than thirty rides to choose from, the visit to the Dreamland Aqua Park has to be on your list.
7. Eat Your Heart Out
This is something that is a given when you hit any of the Emirates of the UAE. The food of Umm Al Quwain is no different.
You can visit the best restaurants in the city or decide to explore the best street foods. You can find places that serve authentic and traditional foods like the baba ganoush and falafel.
You can even find yourself sitting at the local cafes and eating some delicious bread dips and hummus while observing the people.
8. Visit The Marine Research Center
Also known as the Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Center for Marine Research, it is one of the most interesting places to visit in Umm Al Quwain. One of the most famous things about this research center is the Aquarium.
The center is affiliated with the Ministry of Environment and Water of UAQ. It is dedicated to The Development Of Several Marine Organisms.
9. Watch The Wildlife At Khor Al Beidah
A tidal wetland in Umm Al Quwain is Khor Al Beidah. It is a great place for you to visit if you like to go birdwatching. It is also one of the best places for you to have a look at several marine species like crabs and mollusks.
Among the unique bird species that you can see here are the crab Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, and Kentish Plover.
10. Head Over To The Marine Club
If you are someone who loves water sports, then you must head over to the Umm Al Quwain Marine Club. This is one of the most famous places for tourists to visit.
A visit to the Umm Al Quwain is incomplete without the visit to the Marine Club. Keeping in mind that the UAE is not a favorable place for water sports, the Marine Club in UAQ is one of the best choices for water sports lovers.
It does matter whether you are a skilled person or a beginner; you can still enjoy the water activities like canoeing or kayaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the most special and popular things to do in Umm Al Quwain is the visit to the Kite Beach. The scenic beauty of the pace is sure to leave a mark on your heart.
There are many restaurants in Umm Al Quwain which serve barbecue. But, if you are planning to barbecue by the sea in the resort that you are staying at, it is best to talk to the authorities.
Most of the time, they do not allow it. However, if luck favors you, it can be a totally different experience.
The Emirate of Umm Al Quwain is not the real name of the land. It was earlier known as the Ahmed Bin Rashid Port. The land started as a Free trade Zone in 1987.
This is the reason why it was known as Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Free Zone. Even though it sounds funny, it is true.
Wrapping It Up!
If you are planning to visit Umm Al Quwain, you must know that it is one of the smallest Emirates and also the least populated in the United Arab Emirates. This means, there are a lot of chances that most people are unaware of the things that the city has to offer.
If you were looking for the things to do in Umm Al Quwain, I hope this article has been of help to you. I have listed the ten best things that you can do in UAQ. let us know after you visit the place if there are any other places that have missed.
