Umm Al Quwain
The least developed emirate: mangroves, flamingos and an old fort.
Umm Al Quwain is the UAE's quietest emirate, with a small old town, a lagoon and mangroves that fill with birds in winter. It is for people who want to see how the lower-key Emirates look, about an hour from Dubai.
Khor Al Beidah
A lagoon and mangrove system along the coast that is home to flamingos and other waterbirds in winter. Kayak and boat tours run in the cooler months.
The old fort and museum
The eighteenth-century fort in the old town now houses a museum with displays on the emirate's heritage and archaeology.
Archaeology
Umm Al Quwain has important prehistoric and ancient sites, including Tell Abraq on the border with Sharjah, which shows settlement from the Bronze Age through the Iron Age.
Events in Umm Al Quwain
UAE National Day 2026 (55th)
The UAE marks its 55th National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, under the theme “Spirit of the Union”. The city programmes had not been published when this page was checked.
New Year's Eve in the UAE 2026
The 2026-27 New Year's Eve programmes had not been announced when this page was checked. Last year's pattern: Burj Khalifa and fireworks at 40+ sites in Dubai, a record-attempt show in Ras Al Khaimah and a drone-and-fireworks night at Sheikh Zayed Festival.
Ramadan 2027 and Eid Al Fitr
Astronomers expect Ramadan 2027 to begin in the UAE on Monday 8 February, with Eid Al Fitr falling on 9 or 10 March. The moon sighting decides the final dates, and the holiday length depends on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Eid Al Fitr 2027 holiday
Eid Al Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027 depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days; the UAE announces the holiday after the moon sighting.
Umm Al Quwain: common questions
What is Umm Al Quwain known for?+
Its mangrove lagoon at Khor Al Beidah, birdlife in winter, the old fort-museum and several archaeological sites.
Next door
Part of the UAE Experiences guide to Umm Al Quwain and its neighbours.
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