Umm Al Quwain Holidays

Swap sky-high towers for sky-blue waters – Umm Al Quwain is the UAE’s best-kept secret for beach lovers, thrill seekers and laid-back loungers who want a holiday without the hustle.

Highlights

• 🏖️ Unspoilt beaches – Quiet stretches of white sand and calm waters with barely a soul in sight.

• 🏰 Culture meets calm – Traditional souks, historic forts and sleepy fishing villages, all with that old-school Emirati charm.

• 🎢 Dreamland Aqua Park – The UAE’s largest waterpark, perfect for family fun in the sun.

• 🛶 Mangrove kayaking and island hopping – Nature lovers, this is your playground.

Getting around

Umm Al Quwain is about an hour’s drive from Dubai, making it super easy to reach via car or taxi. Public transport is limited, but taxis are available and hotels often offer shuttles to nearby attractions. If you’re planning on exploring the mangroves or heading out to islands like Al Sinniyah, your best bet is booking a tour or hiring a car. It’s a quiet emirate, so the roads are peaceful and easy to navigate – sat navs at the ready!

Things to do for families in Umm Al Quwain

If your idea of a family holiday involves less queuing and more cannonballing, then Umm Al Quwain’s got your name all over it. Start the day at Dreamland Aqua Park, packed with giant slides, a lazy river and a wave pool that’ll keep the kids entertained for hours. Then head over to the UAQ Marine Club, where families can kayak, jet ski or hop on a banana boat. Fancy an educational twist? The Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum offers a look into the emirate’s pearl diving and Bedouin past, with cool artefacts and a genuine old-world feel. Plus, most beaches here are child-friendly and super quiet – ideal for sandcastle masterpieces without fear of getting trampled.

Things to do for couples in Umm Al Quwain

Looking for a romantic getaway minus the flash of the city? Umm Al Quwain is your desert island fantasy – minus the ‘deserted’ bit. Think sunset walks along Barracuda Beach, private dhow cruises through mangroves, and candlelit dinners by the water. Couples who love a bit of nature can try kayaking at the Khor Al Beidah mangroves, where flamingos sometimes make a surprise appearance (cue the photo op). And if you’re both into history, you can wander hand in hand through the quiet alleyways of Old Town or visit the ancient Al-Dour archaeological site. It’s peaceful, it’s pretty, and – best of all – it feels like your own private slice of the UAE.

Things to do for groups in Umm Al Quwain

Whether you’re a group of mates chasing a chilled-out beach break or a gang of adrenaline junkies after something a bit different, Umm Al Quwain has you covered. Start the day with a group kayak or paddleboarding session through the mangroves – you’ll probably end up racing each other whether you plan to or not. Then, it’s off to Barracuda Beach Resort for BBQs, beach vibes and a cheeky drink or two (yep, it’s one of the only licensed spots in UAQ). Got a competitive streak? The Palms Sports Resort offers paintball, karting and even water sports challenges. And for those looking to wind down, grab a group sunset dhow cruise, complete with Arabic snacks and mint tea – pure vibes.

Things to do for foodies in Umm Al Quwain

While it might not have the Michelin stars of Dubai, Umm Al Quwain dishes up something just as delicious: authentic, no-frills Emirati flavour. Start your foodie journey with fresh seafood straight from the Gulf – head to Al Khor Restaurant for grilled hammour or spicy prawns that are the real deal. Want to eat like a local? Try Machboos, a spiced rice dish with meat or fish, often served at traditional joints like Al Salhiyah Kitchen. Craving something international? Barracuda Beach Resort has several restaurants (and a bottle shop for the grown-ups), serving up everything from Italian to Indian. Oh, and don’t leave without trying Luqaimat, the UAE’s answer to doughnuts – deep-fried, drizzled in date syrup, and completely irresistible.