About Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and the least populated emirate in the UAE. It covers an area of approximately 720 sq. km. which is equivalent to 1 percent of the UAE’s total land.
Population
According to the December 2005 census, the total population of Umm Al Quwain was 49,159. The population of UAE nationals in Umm Al Quwain in mid-2010 was
17,482 consisting of 8,671 males and 8,811 females. This is the only emirate where females outnumber males.
Location and Geography
Umm Al Quwain is situated between Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. The city of Umm Al Quwain is built on a narrow peninsula called Khor Al Bidiyah.
Economy
Fishing is a key contributor to the economy of Umm Al Quwain. The emirate exports seafood throughout Europe and the Middle East. The first poultry farm in the UAE was established in Falaj Al Mualla. It is considered a key supplier of poultry and dairy products to local markets.
The construction of the Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and the Free Trade Zone signifies the emirate’s plans to expand its commercial and investment base.
Touristic Importance
The emirate has rich coastal mangroves on the
coast of the Arabian Gulf and many islands that lie to the east of the
mainland. The biggest island, Al Seniah, is home to Arabian gazelles,
falcons, and turtles.
Umm Al Quwain provides facilities for numerous recreational
activities; from sailing to skydiving. Traditional activities such as
dhow building and sports such as falconry and camel racing are also
popular in the emirate. Dreamland Aqua Park, the UAE’s largest water park and resort, attracts several thousands of visitors each year.
The Ruling Family
The ruling family descends from the Al Mualla
lineage of the Al Ali tribe, which moved from Seniah Island due to
scarce water and established an independent Sheikhdom in Umm Al Quwain.
Umm Al Quwain is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla.
He became Ruler and Member of the Supreme Council after the
demise of his father H. H. Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, the then
Ruler of Umm of Quwain, on 2 January 2009
Useful links:
- The official portal of the Umm Al Quwain Government