Things To Do In Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain, one of the underrated emirates in the UAE, is a charming destination known for its serene landscapes and rich heritage. Unlike its bustling neighbours, it offers a peaceful environment with plenty of fun things to do in Umm Al Quwain. The place gets rushed with millions of tourists just for its nature retreats, historical significance, vibrant souqs, and adventure.

In this blog, we will journey you to the place you can visit in Umm Al Quwain – So let's begin!

#Best Time to Visit Umm Al Quwain

The best time to visit Umm Al Quwain depends on what kind of weather you prefer and what activities you're interested in. The weather will be pleasant for Umm al-Quwain sightseeing and outdoor activities from November to March. It is also the peak season with the comfortable weather ranging from 27°C (81°F) to 18°C (64°F). It is ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying water sports, and relaxing on the beach without the scorching heat.

However, if you are short on budget, you can prefer shoulder season starting in August and lasting till October. This season offers a good balance between the pleasant weather around 29°C - 84°F) and fewer crowds for you to do the best things in Umm Al Quwain, like activities without the peak season heat.

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Try to avoid summer seasons as the temperature reaches up to 40°C. However, if you want to enjoy indoor activities in Umm Al Quwain, these months are the best for budget-conscious travellers who can handle them.

#Best Things to do in Umm Al Quwain

Umm al Quwain has diverse attractions and activities catering to every type of traveller. Here are some places that places that you can explore -

Explore the Mangrove Beach

Home to a lush Mangrove Forest, it is one of the best picturesque landscapes of the Emirate. The place has always been one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain. Take a boat tour to get close to these fascinating trees and observe the diverse wildlife that calls them home. Here, you will discover numerous marine and bird species like herons, flamingos and more. Apart from this, you can;

• Prepare your food and camping gear to join a beachfront camping experience on the soft sand, where you can relax to the soothing sounds of the waves.
• Organize a picnic for your family and enjoy a beach day with a BBQ party.
• Go on a serene paddle through the calm waters of the Mangrove Forest on a guided Mangrove tour. Prices start from AED 160 for adults and AED 100 for kids.

Once you are tired of all the activities, head towards MIKOKO. One of the best restaurants in Umm Al Quwain - offers a delightful blend of bohemian Zanzibar vibes and an exceptional coffee selection.

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Spend A Night Camping at Open Beach

As the name suggests, Open Beach in Umm al Quwain is one beach that is open 24*7 for visitors. It is one of the best places to visit in Umm Al Quwain at night. The beach offers a spacious and inviting setting, allowing you to set up your grill and enjoy a delightful outdoor dining experience. The beach transforms into a picturesque setting during sunsets, creating a magical ambience for your BBQ party. You can gather around the grill, sizzle up some delicious BBQ treats, and enjoy your loved one's company as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Open Beach. Tourists can spend the night at the beach and enjoy the silence it has to offer. However, the best way is to club with another camping group of people and create the best memory ever. Remember, they might charge 20 AED per car for an overnight stay!

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View The Architectural Masterpiece at Umm Al Quwain Fort.

Take 2 hours of your schedule to witness the Emirate's rich history and architectural heritage - Umm al Quwain Fort. This fort dates back over 200 years and offers a glimpse into the Emirate's past and the traditional way of life in the region. The place transports you to the era of Bedouin tribes and pearl diving. Inside the fort, you'll find the Museum in Umm Al Quwain, which houses a collection of artefacts, weaponry, and household items that offer insights into the daily lives of the people who once inhabited the fort. The fort also has a souvenir shop; tourists can return home with a piece of Umm Al Quwain, a cafe and refreshment areas for lunch, and parking for their cars. You can take photographs here, but inquire with local staff to avoid penalties. The place is open from Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 am to 02:00 pm and on Fridays from 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm. The cost of the place keeps fluctuating according to the season. The place will be one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain.

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Capture The Oldest Fish Market in Umm Al Quwain

What's the best way to capture the authenticity of a place? It's always to visit their local markets. Being one of the oldest markets in Umm Al Quwain, this fish market is the Emirate's rich maritime heritage. We suggest you visit early in the morning when the fisherman brings in their day catch, and the atmosphere is filled with the sea's salty scent and the lively chatter of vendors and customers. To capture the raw photographs for this Umm al Quwain tourist attraction, especially showing the authentic and traditional market experience, capture the local fishermen selling directly from their boats. On your way back from the market, buy fresh food from a wide variety, including fish, crabs, prawns, and lobsters, for on-site cooking during camping.

Take your kids to Dreamland Aqua Park

To have quality time with your family, especially kids, visit the Dreamland Aqua Park. It has numerous water slides, ranging from gentle slopes for younger children to adrenaline-pumping rides for adults. This best water park in Umm Al Quwain features a lazy river, a wave pool, and a children's play area. The park has trained lifeguards stationed throughout, and strict safety protocols are in place. This lets you relax and enjoy your day, knowing your kids are in good hands. In addition to its water attractions, the waterpark provides numerous facilities and services to enhance your visit. It includes restaurants, cafes, and picnic areas to relax and enjoy a meal or snack. The park also has changing rooms, lockers, and showers for your convenience. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!

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Spend the Day at UAQ Marine Club

The UAQ Marine Club is heaven for water sports enthusiasts and beach lovers. One of the main attractions at the UAQ Marine Club is its pristine beach, which offers soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Here, you can easily swim in the seas, soak in the sun or simply relax with a book. But if you want adventurous activities in Umm al Quwain, the UAQ Marine Club offers numerous water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, Paragliding, and paddleboarding. The place is regularly open for tourists from 8 AM to 6 PM and has 24-hour security. Check their official website, as the hours might fluctuate during summer.

Discover the Wonder of Nature at The Zoo Wildlife Park

This family-friendly attraction in Umm Al Quwain is dedicated to conservation and education, allowing visitors to learn about wildlife while enjoying a fun day. It gives you a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with various fascinating animals worldwide, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, and more. The park's spacious and naturalistic enclosures are designed in a way that mimics animals' natural habitats, which provides them with a comfortable and enriching environment. The park also features numerous amenities, including a café, restaurants, and gift shops, where you can relax and purchase souvenirs for your family!

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Learn the Mystery of Abandoned Ilyushin IL 76

The best thing to do in Umm Al Quwain is to learn about the mystery of this abandoned plane! This large cargo plane from the Soviet era sits silently in the desert, its enormous body standing out against the sandy backdrop. The IL-76 was once a tough plane used by the Soviet Air Force. Now, it's a mysterious attraction, drawing in curious visitors who want to explore its empty insides and think about its past. Walking around the aircraft, you'll notice its vast size and feeling deserted. The plane's windows are broken, its paint is faded, and its engines are quiet, making it seem eerie and strange. Not to mention that some tourists also stated the place was a ghost house during their best place visit in Umm Al Quwain.

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Relax at Imar Spa

Give yourself a full day of pampering at the spa. The place offers treatments like massage, facials, body scrubs, and wraps. These treatments are designed to soothe your body. They use the finest techniques to ensure you leave umm Al Quwain feeling completely refreshed to join your daily life. Also, try their traditional Hammam, where you can experience an authentic Middle Eastern bathing ritual that will leave your skin glowing. The other fun thing to do in Umm al Quwain spa is to take a sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi and detoxify as per their needs.

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Take Home souvenirs from the Umm Al-Quwain Centre of Antiquities.

Situated in the heart of the town, this centre showcases a diverse collection of artefacts and handicrafts that make for perfect keepsakes or gifts. It is one of the umm Al Quwain tourist spots that promote craftsmanship. You can choose from the items, including traditional pottery, handwoven textiles, intricate wood carvings, and ancient artefacts. Every piece is carefully crafted and tells a story of Umm Al Quwain's heritage, making it a meaningful souvenir to take home. One of the best things to do in the Umm Al Quwain Centre of Antiquities is to collect antique jewellery, including Bedouin silver and pearl. These beautiful pieces will be cultural souvenirs from your Umm Al Quwain trip!

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Have the Best Retail Experience in UAQ Mall

Situated in the heart of the Emirates, UAQ is a one-of-a-kind retail experience with dining and entertainment. It is one of the best things to do in Umm al Quwain. The mall has something for every shopper with its store - Lulu Hypermarket and Department Store. You can shop for numerous products, including fashion, accessories, home goods, beauty, and more. Once you feel exhausted from your shopping bandwidth, you can take a break and dig into something delicious at the dining options available. As boredom starts to kick in, move towards the entertainment portion. The mall is an excellent place for fun-filled activities with an amusement arcade offering numerous novelty & arcade Games, simulators and more to keep you entertained for hours. The other best Umm Al Quwain shopping malls are China Mall Umm Al Quwain and City Mall.

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Witness the Untouchable Beauty of Al Sinniyah Island

To escape the hustle and bustle of the place, go for a day trip to a pristine island. It is a series of islands that lie east of the mainland of Umm Al Quwain, of which Sinniyah is the largest. Mangroves and beaches surround the island. Al Sinniyah Island is home to various bird species, including flamingos, herons, and ospreys. It is one of the best places for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The place also boasts numerous flora and fauna, like the rare Socotra cormorants and seagulls. You can bring your binoculars for some excellent bird-watching opportunities. Or just take a boat tour to discover the island's coastlines and mangroves for fascinating insights into the island's ecosystem. You can also picnic with your family on the island in the backdrop of the stunning surrounding view – and make it one the best thing to do in Umm Al Quwain.

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Pray at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

End your trip with peace and spirituality. You can visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Umm Al Quwain for worship and community gatherings. This mosque was named after the founding father of the UAE – Sheikh Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan. However, the praying rights are reserved for people of a particular faith; you can admire the mosque for its positive energy and architecture. One of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain Mosque is to take a tour guide to learn about the mosque's history, design, and cultural significance. Moreover, if you are interested in learning more about Islam, you can visit the cultural centres within the mosque that are open to the general public. However, inquire about the visiting hours and dress code from locals for respectful observations.

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#Fun Things to Do in Umm Al Quwain

Surf at Kite Beach

Located along the picturesque coastline, this beach is a popular spot for kite surfing for beginners and experienced surfers. The centre's location offers breathtaking views of the sea and the coastline, making it the most fun thing to do in Umm Al Quwain. The Centre provides all the necessary equipment and instruction for a safe and enjoyable surfing session. Whether you're looking to catch your first wave or improve your surfing skills, the experienced instructors at the centre help you make the most of your surfing adventure. Apart from sports activities, the place has stunning surroundings.

Enjoy a Fun-filled Day at Palma Bowling Club

Palma Bowling Club is among the best places to enjoy indoor activities in Umm Al Quwain. The place has numerous activities that suit people of all ages and interests, including snooker, bowling, billiards, PS4 games and more for adults and kids. If you love a bit of physical games, grab a paddle and enjoy the lively table tennis fun with your family. The local says the fun never stops at this! Once you are tired and hungry, head towards the cafes the place offers. Try the traditional and international cuisine and beverages with your family. The best part is the place is open till late at night so that you can enjoy the nightlife in Umm Al Quwain.

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Experience a Traditional Arabian Voyage on a Dhow Cruise

Do not forget to have the Dhow cruise experience on your Umm Al Quwain city tour! Dhow are beautifully crafted wooden boats that offer a unique way to explore the tranquil water of the Emirates while enjoying the serene surroundings. This dhow cruise will give you a glimpse into the region's rich maritime heritage with traditional music and a warm Arabian ambience. The best thing you can do is to watch the sunsets and then see the sky getting dark and filled with the stars. Star gazing is another activity that you'll love about your ride!

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Swim with a camel at the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre

This centre offers you a super fun thing to do in Umm Al Quwain that you couldn't find anywhere. The centre is the UAE's first licensed for camel training, racing and race preparation. You can watch these and learn the most about the camel. But among these, the best thing is to swim with the camel – the camel gets the rest it deserves after the heavy training, and simultaneously, this allows you to get better at animal interactions. This activity happens only twice a month and under the supervision of the trainers.

Feel the Rush at Emirates Motorplex

If witnessing the raw power and speed of drag racing is not one of the fun things in Umm Al Quwain, then we don't know what is. Emirates Motorplex is a premier drag racing venue hosting races for ages. You can watch the seasoned driver push their vehicle to the limit, experiencing the thunderous roars and heart-stopping moments as they complete the quarter-mile track. After this, you can also participate in the amateur drag race event (only If you qualify). The place also offers off-roading racing experiences, where the course is filled with bumps, jumps, and sharp turns. If you have no racing experience, you can ride along with a Pro and experience the G-force and sharp tunes as a professional driver navigates the track at high speeds.

Ready to experience the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain?

The blend of old and new, along with ecological and cultural heritage, Umm Al Quwain is an emirate that is the destination of any traveller's dream. All you need to do is apply for a visa, book your flights, pack your bags, and do the most fun things in Umm Al Quwain. Remember to be a responsible traveller – Do not litter, follow the rules and be humble to the people!