Umm al Qaiwain is the second smallest Emirate in size (only 777 sq km) but it is much the smallest in population.  It is a coastal town, tucked onto a promontory between Ajman and Ras  al Khaimah.  Fishing has always been, and still is,.  the  most important economic activity, and  date growing continues.  In the enclave of Falaj al Mu’alla palm groves and a hilltop fort give a timeless feeling, though its modern poultry farms are the major suppliers of eggs to the other Emirates.

The town is built along the promontory which leads to the old for (which has been restored0 and the new harbour (developed with Federal air).  Just to the east is a long thin creek which is now being exploited for watersports (especially sailing and water-skiing)for which it has great potential.

The attraction of Umm al Qaiwain is that it is quiet and peaceful, an increasingly necessary escape from the hubbub of the big cities.  Because of the shape of the promontory, it is unlikely that  the town will ever grow into a major metropolis, but with the right kind of development it could retain it charm and distinctive character.