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Umm al-Qaiwain
The tiny emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain (1 per cent of the UAE's total landmass) is situated between Sharjah to the south-west and Ra’s al-Khaimah to the north-east, about 20 minutes drive from Ajman.
Umm al-Qaiwain City, capital of the emirate, is situated on a narrow peninsula encircling a large creek, Khor Umm al-Qaiwain. The old town and the business district are at the northern tip of the peninsula, along King Faisal Rd. The town boasts no less than seven forts, one of which, its main gate flanked by defensive cannons, has been renovated.
Traditional occupations of fishing and date cultivation are still important, but a mariculture research centre and a free zone have helped to develop the emirate whose main attraction lies in its small size, relatively remote location, and long clean beaches.
Umm al-Qaiwain Fort and Museum (06 7650888)
Once UAQ police headquarters, it has kitchens and storerooms downstairs and majlis and bathrooms upstairs. The majlis room is very attractive with carved wooden balconies and high ceilings.
Sinaiyah island and Khor al-Beidah
Sinaiyah island, close to the town of Umm al-Qaiwain is home to the UAE's largest Socotra cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) colony with over 15,000 pairs, probably the third largest colony in the world. In fact there are less than 15 extant colonies known for the species, most in the UAE.
Arabian (mountain) gazelle (Gazella gazella) have been introduced to Sinaiyah and appear to be prospering. Marine life, although thus far little studied, is remarkable for its abundance and diversity. Black-tipped reef sharks patrol the outer shoreline, while green turtles are ubiquitous in the inner leads.
Between Sinayah and the mainland is Khor al-Beidah an expansive area of sand and mud flats of international importance for its waterfowl.
Apart from evidence of occupation in the Late Islamic period, probably by fishermen, little archaeological evidence has been identified on the island, although coins from the early first millennium AD have been recovered.
Although not formally protected, the island of Sinaiyah, along with Khor al-Beidah, is one of the largest areas of undisturbed and varied coastal environment remaining anywhere in the UAE.
Boat trips around Khor al-Beidah and to Sinayah island are run from Umm al-Qaiwain Tourist Centre at the top of the Corniche. However, you will not be permitted to disembark on the island. The Tourist Centre also has a private beach, swimming pool and restaurants.
You can hire boats at the Marine Club and Riding Centre (06 7650000) on Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Moalla Rd.
Around Umm al-Qaiwain
Falaj al-Mu’alla, an attractive natural oasis, is located 50km south-east of Umm al-Qaiwain City. It also has a delightful racetrack. Archaeological sites such as Al Madar, Tell Abraq (on the border with Sharjah), and Ed Dur are also worth a visit.
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