UMM AL-QAIWAM

The Emirate of Umm al-Qaiwain is located on the Arabian Gulf coast of the UAE, extending over a distance of 24 kilometers, between Sharjah to the southwest, and Ras al-Khaimah to the northeast. Its inland border lies about 32 kilometers from the main coastline. The total area of the emirate is about 777 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 1 per cent of the country’s total area, excluding the islands.

The town of Umm al-Qaiwain is built around a lagoon formed by a narrow peninsula on the west side and a few islands on the east. This lagoon, called Khor al-Baydah, offers some of the best sailing and bird watching in the Emirates. It has a long tradition of dhow building and fishing. The town boasts no less than seven forts, one of which has been renovated and now houses the museum.