10 Tourist Attractions in Ajman and Umm Al-Quwain

The tiny Emirates of Ajman and Umm Al-Quwain don't have quite the same number of sightseeing options as other parts of the United Arab Emirates, but don't write them off your itinerary hit list. There are some interesting activities here for both those who want a relaxing sun-filled tourist holiday and the more cultural and historical visitor.

The shoreline is some of the best in the country with uncrowded strips of white sand beach,while the Ajman Dhow building yard and the Al-Dur archaeological site provide excellent excursions for those who don't want to laze in the sun.

 1. Ajman Museum

The 18th century fortress that was once Ajman's first line of defence is now the city's museum. The exhibits here focus on the traditional local lifestyle with dioramas of typical day-to-day life as well as archaeological finds from nearby sites. There is an excellent display of Emirati weapons and a manuscript exhibit.

As well as being the town's main stronghold, the fort was once used as the ruler's palace and later as the location for the city police station. The fort's major archaeological features are its two wind towers, two watch towers and grand gateway now fronted by two cannons.

2. Ajman Dhow Building Yard

Located on the north side of Ajman creek, the Dhow Yard is noted as the world's largest dhow building centre. Dhows are built using traditional tools and manual skills that have been handed down through the generations, all without blueprints. The Dhow Yard in Ajman also crafts the speedsters that participate in the Dubai Powerboat meets. About 20 to 30 boats are built at one time, and anyone interested in this ancient craft should definitely make time for a visit here.

3 Ajman Beaches

Ajman's coastline is rimmed by luxury hotels, each with their private patch of pristine white sand. Noted for some of the prettiest beaches in the United Arab Emirates, this is the place to come if you're looking for relaxation. Non-guests can usually use the beach and take advantage of the beach-facilities of the hotels by paying a day-pass fee. If you want a day of serious sun lounging, Ajman's beaches really can't be beaten.

4 Mowaihat

The Mowaihat archaeological site is located on the outskirts of Ajman city. It was discovered in 1986, when workers were laying a new sewage pipe. A circular Umm al-Nar type tomb was uncovered and a rescue excavation commenced. Numerous examples of soft-stone and painted Umm al-Nar ceramic vessels were uncovered, as well as over 3,000 beads, two stamp seals, a number of copper implements, and the remains of several dozen people. At the time of its discovery, the Mowaihat tomb was the first evidence of Umm al-Nar occupation in the Northern Emirates.

Subsequent discoveries on the Gulf coast at Al Sufouh, Tell Abraq and Shimal have identified other major sites from this period. The site itself is probably only of interest to serious archaeology fans, but you can view the unearthed finds from the site in Ajman Museum.

5 Ajman City and Around

Compared to other Emirati cities, Ajman is a rather sleepy place. This port city is set along a creek that divides the town in two and has a pleasant shore-side promenade petering out at a fine white sand beach. Archaeological discoveries around Ajman provide evidence that the town was an important Bronze Age settlement. Within easy reach of town are the mountain villages ofManama, with its small fort, and Masfut, known for its colourful marble.

6 Umm Al-Quwain Fort and Museum

Umm Al-Quwain Fort once guarded the entrance to the old town by overseeing both the sea and the creek. The facade, with its two rounded towers, has been well restored. The fort now houses the town museum. Inside, the exhibits focus mainly on local archaeological sites including finds from Al-Dur. There are also ethnographic exhibits introducing local life and traditional customs.

7. Seneyah Island

Beautiful Seneyah Island, just a short drive from Umm Al-Quwain, is a tranquil nature sanctuary where Al Qaram trees grow (native to the United Arab Emirates) and where deer and many species of birds make their home. It's a great escape from the city. And due to its close proximity to Dubai, the island is a favourite day trip for those interested in the Gulf's natural environment.

8. Al-Dur Archaeological Site

This famous archaeological site contains remains of a once-important town dating back 2,000 years. Some of the items uncovered at Al-Dur include tombs, stone houses, large storage jars, and glassware from Egypt and Syria. Some of the earthenware uncovered is a beautiful orange with black painted design that has become known as a typical Al-Dur decorative practice. This sprawling site is scattered over a large area with many single-room dwellings as well as large, multi-room structures. Both types of house were built of beach rock blocks, found locally in the shallow lagoons. Thousands of graves were found and in some cases the larger tombs contained the remains of more than one individual, perhaps a family. Items found in the tombs include drinking sets, Roman glass, weaponry, pottery, jewellery and ivory.

There are two public monuments at Al-Dur, the small square fort with round corner towers and a small square temple, dedicated to the Semitic solar deity Shams. An abundance of coins have also been uncovered here, including foreign coins as well as hundreds of locally minted coins bearing the name of Abi'el. Most of the excavated finds from the site can be seen at Umm Al-Quwain Museum.

9. Dreamland Aqua Park

This huge entertainment complex has over 25 attractions and is extremely popular with families. Among the many things to do, swimmers find aquatic themed rides, children's wading pools, twisters, a crazy river and kamikaze ride, and a giant wave pool. In the blistering heat of summer, both locals and tourists flock here with their children to get some respite from the sun. Shaded palm gardens dot the area and a rather over-the-top fake roaring volcano surrounded by replicas of wild animals is sure to be a winner with the kids.