Umm Al Quwain Overview

The tiny emirate of Umm Al Quwain , sitting around an island-dotted lagoon, is very laid back and relaxed. Without a flashy international resort or mega-mall to call its own – UAQ stands in sharp contrast to the glitz going on to the south.

Much of the emirate’s 12km-long narrow peninsula, accessed by the busy strip-mall-lined King Faisal Rd, feels a bit “deserted:, though the handful of resorts on the peninsula tip are all well-maintained. The complete lack of glamour and action is maybe because the emirate has no notable energy deposits to call its own. For an idea of how the entire UAE might have looked if oil hadn’t been struck, head here.