Insider Umm Al Quwain Travel Guide 🇦🇪
Looking for something different to do in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? Well you have come to the right place! In this article, you’ll discover one of the most unique destinations in the UAE, which should be immediately added to your bucket list!
The lesser known gem I’m talking about is Umm Al Quwain, which is a seemingly undiscovered and retro Emirate of the UAE. This fascinating place lies between the Emirates of Sharjah to the southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast. It’s located along the Arabian Gulf’s western coast and covers an area of about 800 square kilometers, with a population of around 80,000 people.
Even though it seems like worlds away from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it actually only took us about an hour to drive here from downtown Dubai! Since this underrated gem is generally not on peoples radar, it feels totally serene and uncrowded.
Umm Al Quwain packs a punch when it comes to offering a diverse range of experiences. From exploring historic landmarks to indulging in aquatic adventures and immersing yourself in nature, this Emirate promises a memorable and authentic taste of the UAE.
We were fortunate enough to spend a blissful week here and it’s truly a hidden paradise. This gorgeous coastal city is generally overlooked by tourists, but trust me when I say it has plenty to offer. So, why not step off the beaten path and discover the charms of Umm Al Quwain on your next visit to the region!
Now without further ado, let’s discuss all of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain, as well as some insider tips.
Top things to do in Umm Al Quwain ✨
So what kind of fun things can you get up to in Umm Al Quwain? Despite there being almost no travel blog posts in existence on this wonderful place in the UAE, there’s actually quite a lot of cool things to do in Umm Al Quwain.
#1 Explore Umm Al Quwain’s Mangrove Beach
As its name suggests, Umm Al Quwain’s Mangrove Beach is home to a lush mangrove forest! This creates a picturesque landscape that’s totally different from the other beaches in the region.
The mangrove trees provide a natural habitat for a wide variety of marine and bird species and you can often spot herons, flamingos, and other wildlife here. This is easily one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain.
Entry tips: There’s a checkpoint upon arrival at Mangrove Beach, and if you mention that you’re visiting the on-site restaurant (Mikoko) you won’t be charged an entry fee (usually AED20). You just need to keep the receipt for any purchases and show it at the checkpoint upon exiting the beach.
Where to eat at Mangrove Beach?
I highly recommend lunch at Mikoko. This restaurant seriously exudes boho Zanzibar vibes and the coffee selection is to die for! Mikoko overlooks the mangroves and feels extremely peaceful, like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. For me, this is the best restaurant in Umm Al Quwain.
Activities at Mangrove Beach
In my opinion, Mangrove Beach is easily one of the top things to do in Umm Al Quwain, as it has so much to offer. The beach itself is super fun, as there’s loads of activities to do here, like Kayaking and even riding giant water tricycles!
We went for the second option, which is a totally unique Umm Al Quwain activity and a great way to check out the mangroves.
Overall, Mangrove Beach is one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain, offering you the chance to connect with nature and enjoy a fun and relaxing day out in the UAE.
#2 Check out Kite Beach
I spent my B’day at Umm Al Quwain’s Kite Beach, which is undoubtedly one of the most underrated places in the UAE and a true highlight of Umm Al Quwain.
As the name suggests, Kite Beach is a hot spot for kite surfers. The consistent wind and shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners and advanced kite surfers alike. I spent practically half the day watching the surfers fly through the air!
Kite Beach is relatively uncrowded and there are loads of optional activities to choose from, including kite surfing, kayaking, and mangrove tours. This makes Kite Beach one of the best beaches in Umm Al Quwain.
You can even rent a private beach hut at Kite Beach in Umm Al Quwain (pictured above), which accommodates up to 6 people. However, if don’t want to splash out the cash, there’s so many gorgeous and free seating areas on the beach.
The food at Kite Beach Centre is extremely good as well. I highly recommend getting 🍕, as they’re made fresh in a giant pizza oven. If you’re looking for chilled vibes over a tasty lunch, this is the place to be and one of the best cafes in Umm Al Quwain for sure.
After devouring some fresh pizza, you can head to the on-site ‘’Tarzan Gym’’ to burn off some calories!
The gym is all natural and made from African wood and stone, it’s pretty fun to use and very Instagram worthy.
This definitely has to be the coolest gym in the UAE and one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain!
Beach access charges: AED 75 for weekends and 45 AED for weekdays.
Timings: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm.
For more info on this Umm Al Quwain attraction check out the Kite Beach website.
#3 Visit the Umm Al Quwain Fort
A visit to Umm Al Quwain would be incomplete without exploring its historic fort, which dates back to the 18th century. This impressive sandstone structure, with its iconic cylindrical towers and winding alleys, provides a glimpse into the Emirate’s rich past.
When you get here, be sure to wander through the fort’s corridors, admire the traditional wind towers, and imagine the stories these walls could tell!
Open Times:
Saturday – Thursday: 08:00am to 02:00pm
Fridays: 05:00pm to 08:00pm.
Cost:
AED 4 for adults and admission is free for children under 15
#4 Head to Dreamland Aqua Park
Beat the desert heat and dive into the aquatic wonderland that is Dreamland Aqua Park!
This massive water park boasts tons of thrilling rides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, making it one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain for families and adventure seekers alike.
Don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping free-fall slide or the serene floating river for a more relaxed experience!
Open Times:
Daily: 10am to 6pm
Cost:
AED 160 (Adults); AED 100 (Children & Senior Citizens)
#5 Stroll Along Umm Al Quwain’s Corniche
Stretching along the picturesque coastline, the Umm Al Quwain Corniche is a popular spot for leisurely strolls and stunning sunset views.
Take a relaxing walk or cycle along the promenade, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon painting the sky in vibrant hues.
This is easily one of the best free things to do in Umm Al Quwain and seriously Instagrammable!
#6 Explore Umm Al Quwain Islands
Nature enthusiasts will LOVE the opportunity to explore the Umm Al Quwain Islands, a cluster of four uninhabited islands just off the coast.
I personally recommend taking a trip to Seneyah Island, which is 19km from Umm Al Quwain, and offers lush greens and endless blues, and is a fabulous spot for keen bird watchers. You’ll find tons of flamingos, herons, and plovers from the mudflats!
Keep your eyes peeled because you might even spot antelopes from the various islands, as the environment is perfect for nature to blossom, making it an ideal day out for any nature enthusiast and one of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain.
These islands truly offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and ample opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and wildlife spotting!
#7 Spend the day at UAQ Marine Club
This outdoor adventure hub is an idyllic destination, perfect whether you crave lounging in the sun with a good book or are seeking an adrenaline rush!
Nestled along a tranquil bay, when you get here you can indulge in tons of exciting activities like kayaking, water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, banana boat rides, and windsurfing.
The Marine Club also offers boat excursions to explore the mangroves and Umm Al Quwain’s breathtaking natural habitats.
Open times: 8am to 6pm Daily, with 24 hour security.
#8 Indulge in German specialities at Little Bavaria
While making the trip to Umm Al Quwain solely for German cuisine may be a step too far, if you do find yourself in this emirate and have an intense craving for schnitzel, bratwurst, or sauerkraut, then a visit to the quaint Bavaria Restaurant is a must!
Alongside indulging in authentic Bavarian fare, you can savour refreshing German beers and other crisp snacks while enjoying a picturesque view of the beach from their terrace dining area. This is easily one of the most unique things to do in Umm Al Quwain.
#9 Attend an Ollie Daze Beach Party
Ollie Daze offers the perfect beachside escape with its beach camp, stand-up paddleboarding, stunning sunsets, flowing beverages, and seriously fun vibe.
As the sun begins to set, the relaxed daytime vibe transforms into a more electric kind of energy with the resident DJ bringing tons of excitement!
Prices:
Adults Dhs200 for a day pass and children (under 11) Dhs100.
The venue also welcomes furry friends with a per-dog fee of Dhs50!
Where to stay in Umm Al Quwain 🛎️
#1 Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain
We stayed at Vida Beach Resort, which is arguably the best place to stay in Umm Al Quwain. This resort is absolutely stunning and incredibly peaceful.
Vida Beach Resort comes with all the facilities you need and more, including a gym, a kids club, and high speed Wi-Fi. The Spa is also fantastic – the couples massage we had here was total bliss 💆
If you can’t sit still for long, this incredible Umm Al Quwain resort offers loads of optional activities and excursions, like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and fishing trips. You can also make use of the on-site tennis court, completely free of charge.
For any digital nomads, the business centre here is a great place to work in between sunbathing on the private beach and by the pool!
Vida Beach Resort is very conveniently situated as well. Sharjah International Airport is only 35 minutes away, Umm Al Quwai airport is 25 minutes away, and the Mall of UAQ is about a 10-minute drive from the resort.
Overall, Vida Beach Resort is one of the best Umm Al Quwain hotels, and the perfect choice for anyone looking for a luxurious beachfront getaway in the UAE.
#2 Camping on Mangrove Beach
A more budget friendly place to stay in Umm Al Quwain is Camping on Mangrove Beach (AED 20 per car).
This Umm Al Quwain beach is an ideal place to stay, as the soft sand makes it perfect to set up camp! The site is practical too, with several toilets on site and a dedicated BBQ spot at the Mini Mangroves.
If you’re looking for somewhere cheap to stay in Umm Al Quwain, this is where you need to go!
If neither of these Umm Al Quwain hotels appeal, you can always check out the best deals on Hotellook, where you can find and compare prices!
Best Restaurants in Umm Al Quwain 😋🍴
Umm Al Quwain is full of unpretentious eateries that serve hearty fare blending South Asian and local Arabic influences. These spots offer piping hot freshly-baked breads, aromatic curries, grilled meats, hummus, and of course some beloved Karak tea.
Be sure to take a break from sightseeing to refuel at an authentic establishment renowned for its delicious and affordable local cuisine.
Some highly recommended options to experience the quintessential flavours include:
- 🍴 Cardoba Restaurant: Foodies, don’t miss it. The Arabic cuisine here is amazing, especially their shawarmas and grills. The service is also very fast here.
- 🍴 Al Seef Restaurant: Located in the Umm Al Quwain Marina, Al Seef Restaurant offers a beautiful waterfront dining experience with a menu that includes fresh seafood and traditional Emirati cuisine. This is undoubtedly one of the top restaurants in Umm Al Quwain.
- 🍴The Palms Restaurant: Situated in the Palma Beach Resort, which is one of the top resorts in Umm Al Quwain, the Palms Restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring delicious international dishes. You’ll get to enjoy your meal here with stunning views of the Arabian sea.
- 🍴Bin Majid Flamingo Beach Resort: This gorgeous beachfront resort has multiple dining options to choose from, including an all-day dining restaurant with buffet options, a seafood restaurant, and a poolside bar and grill. So head here to sample some incredible food in Umm Al Quwain.
These are just a few of my recommendations as to the best restaurants in Umm Al Quwain, however this gorgeous Emirate has many more restaurants to explore and discover.
Conclusion: Best Things to do in Umm Al Quwain 🇦🇪
Umm Al Quwain is by far one of the coolest places to visit in the UAE, yet it’s still very uncrowded. So, I highly recommend experiencing this Emirate for yourself, before it’s overrun with tourists. It truly offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the region’s authentic charm before it’s discovered by the masses.
Hopefully you can tell that this captivating emirate, often overlooked by tourists, boasts a unique blend of cultural richness, natural wonders, and a laid-back vibe that sets it apart from its more renowned neighbours.
With its off-the-beaten-path allure, Umm Al Quwain is undoubtedly one of the best destinations to explore in the UAE. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of seizing the opportunity to immerse yourself in this hidden paradise.
I really hope my little Umm Al Quwain Travel Guide will help you to plan your own trip to this amazing Emirate. As always, if you have any questions about any of the best things to do in Umm Al Quwain, feel free to post a comment below, and I’d be happy to help! 🫶
Umm Al Quwain Travel Map 🗺️
Find my Umm Al Quwain Travel Map below with all of my recommendations conveniently pinned for you!
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