Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain is a coastal city in the emirate of the same name in the United Arab Emirates, situated on a peninsula between water channels and offshore islands. The city lies about 50 kilometers northeast of Dubai and can be reached by a coastal road that runs along the gulf.

The city signed the General Treaty of Peace with Britain in 1820 and was thereby recognized as an independent entity in the region. This treaty laid the foundation for the later formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.

The city museum sits inside an old fort and displays archaeological finds and historical objects from the maritime era. The exhibition helps visitors understand how life by the sea used to unfold and what role trade played.

Getting there is best done by car using well-maintained roads that run along the coast and provide direct access. Visitors should keep in mind that summer months can get very hot and a stay during cooler months is more comfortable.

On the offshore island of Siniyah, archaeologists discovered one of the oldest known pearling settlements in the Persian Gulf. The finds show how important pearl diving was for the economy of the region over several centuries.