Ruler
H. H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla is the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
History
Archaeological evidences indicate its ties with the ancient Mesopotamia and the Umm Al Nar civilisations.
The modern history of Umm Al Quwain began around 200 years ago when the Al Ali tribe moved from Seniah island to its present location due to scarce water resources.
In 1775, Sheikh Majed Al Mualla, founder of the ruling Al Mualla lineage of the Al Ali tribe, established an independent Sheikhdom in Umm Al Quwain.
How it was named
The name literally means ‘the mother of two powers' referring to its traditional land and sea power.
Geography
Umm Al Quwain is the second smallest and the least populated emirate. It covers an area of approximately 770 sq km. It is situated between Sharjah to the Southwest and Ras Al Khaimah to the Northeast. The city of Umm Al Quwain is bUMSlt on a narrow peninsula called Khor Al Bidiyah, which houses about seven castles.
Nature and environment
The emirate has rich coastal mangroves on the coast of Arabian Gulf and many islands that lie to the East of the mainland. The biggest island is Al Seniah, which is home to Arabian gazelles, falcons and turtles.
Falaj Al Mualla is the agricultural area of the emirate located 50 km South of Umm Al Quwain.
Economy
Fishing is a key contributor to the economy of Umm Al Quwain. The emirate exports seafood throughout Europe and Middle East.
The first poultry farm in the UAE was established in Falaj Al Mualla. It is considered a key supplier of poultry and dairy products to the local market. The construction of Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and the Free Trade Zone signifies the emirate's plans towards expanding its commercial and investment base.
Landmarks
· Umm Al Quwain Fort, which was in the past, the home to the Ruler of the emirate guarded the entrance to the old town. Later it became a museum;
· Dreamland Aqua Park, a water park and a recreational resort.
Population
According to the official portal of Umm Al Quwain, the emirate is estimated to have a total population of 73,000.
