UAE Area Guide, Part 8 Of 8 - Umm Al-Quwain By John Hill At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Umm al-Quwain is a sovereign state or emirate of the United Arab Emirates (the UAE) and has many sites of interest, tourist attractions, sports and activities for visitors to the emirate to view or participate in. Umm al-Quwain offers a mix of cultures from the traditional Bedouin culture to an ultra modern city for visitors to explore and learn about. Umm al-Quwain, like all of the UAE has a long and proud history and examples of this history and ancient architecture are still in existence today for visitors to view.

Umm al-Quwain museum holds a collection that includes several ancient artefacts found in the surrounding area from sites such as al-Dur a city that existed 2000 years ago; many interesting artefacts have been found here including glassware that was imported from Syria and Egypt in biblical times. The Umm al-Quwain museum is housed in the fort of Umm al- Quwain which was historically used to guard the entrance to the old city.

Siniyyah Island is a natural island just off the coast of Umm al-Quwain city, this island is a bird sanctuary noted for the vast numbers and varieties of birds that inhabit it, most famous of these are flocks of flamingos that can be regularly seen here. The island also has a large area of mangroves, a very delicate and important eco system.

Umm al-Quwain is home to the world’s largest water park, The Dreamland Aqua Park which covers some 250,000 square meters and offers all manner of water rides and games as well as food and beverage outlets and a souk so that even shopaholics are catered for in this fun park. Happy Land is another fun park tourist attraction but this park caters specifically for children and the rides and educational entertainment, arts and craft activities and shows are aimed at families with children of all ages.

Umm al-Quwain has a long history of Camel racing and camel races are still held every week in the winter months with the site of caravans of camels being transported from one race venue to another not uncommon in this emirate. Falcons and Hawks are also traditional animals that have been a part of the sporting and cultural life of people in this emirate for hundreds of years and visitors can still to this day see these magnificent birds of prey and their owners hunting in the emirate.

Four wheel drive tours into the dessert are a popular activity for visitors to the region to participate in and day trips and overnight tours can be easily arranged.

Shopping is a much enjoyed pastime with many visitors to Umm al-Quwain both in the modern malls, boutiques and specialty shops of the city as well as in the tradition souks where traditional goods, arts and crafts can be purchased.

Umm al-Quwain marina Club is situated on a large stretch of shaded beach overlooking the lagoon and offers every form of water sport imaginable from sailing windsurfing to water skiing and power boating which are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

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