About Old Umm Al Quwain
Description
Picture this: a ghost town that whispers tales of the UAE's pearling past. Old Umm Al Quwain, the abandoned heart of what was once a bustling fishing village, now stands as a haunting reminder of simpler times. I remember my first visit here - the crumbling coral stone walls and weathered wooden doors transported me straight back to the pre-oil era. The old fort, which once protected the town from marauders, now serves as a silent sentinel overlooking the creek.
The architecture here is something else - a fascinating mix of traditional Arabian and Persian influences that you just don't see anymore in the UAE's gleaming modern cities. Walking through these narrow alleyways, you'll spot intricate wind towers (barjeels) that once kept homes naturally cool, and carved wooden doors that still cling to their hinges despite decades of neglect.
Key Features
• The historic fort-turned-museum, showcasing local artifacts and traditional weapons
• Ancient coral stone houses with authentic architectural details
• Traditional wooden dhow harbor where fishing boats still dock
• Remains of the old souq (marketplace) with its distinctive arched entrances
• Original barjeel wind towers demonstrating early Gulf cooling systems
• Archaeological sites revealing pottery and artifacts from ancient civilizations
• The old mosque with its distinctive minaret
• Natural mangrove forests surrounding the old town
• Traditional pearl diving artifacts and equipment displays
• Historical defensive walls and watch towers
Best Time to Visit
Take it from someone who's been here in both summer and winter - you'll want to plan your visit between November and March. The weather's just perfect then, with temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C). Plus, the light during these months is absolutely gorgeous for photography, especially during the golden hour just before sunset. I've found that early mornings work best for exploring - fewer people around, and the soft light makes those old coral walls look absolutely magical.
Avoid summer visits if you can help it. Between June and September, the heat can be brutal, and trust me, there's not much shade in an abandoned town!
How to Get There
Getting to Old Umm Al Quwain is part of the adventure. From Dubai, you'll need to head north along the E11 highway (also called Sheikh Zayed Road). The drive takes about an hour, and honestly, it's pretty straightforward. But here's a tip from my own mix-ups: don't confuse this with the new part of Umm Al Quwain - you'll want to follow signs for the old town or heritage area.
If you're coming from Sharjah, the journey's a bit shorter - around 30 minutes. And y'know what? I actually prefer this route because you get some pretty amazing views of the coast along the way.
Tips for Visiting
Alright, let me share some real talk from my multiple visits here. First off, wear comfortable shoes - and I mean really comfortable. The ground is uneven, and you'll be doing lots of walking. I learned this the hard way when I showed up in flip-flops my first time (big mistake!).
Bring water - lots of it. Even during the cooler months, you'll need to stay hydrated. There aren't any convenience stores in the immediate area, so come prepared.
Camera gear is a must! The lighting here can be tricky though. I've found that mid-morning or late afternoon gives the best results for photography. The shadows play beautifully against the old walls during these times.
Don't forget to respect the site. Some areas might look stable but aren't, so stick to obvious pathways. And while it might be tempting to take "souvenirs," remember this is a protected historical site.
Consider hiring a local guide - they know all sorts of fascinating stories about the area that you won't find in any guidebook. Plus, they can point out easily-missed details, like the different types of coral used in construction or the meaning behind various architectural features.
Lastly, give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore properly. Trust me, time flies when you're wandering these ancient streets, imagining what life was like here centuries ago. And if you can, try to catch either sunrise or sunset - the way the light plays on those old coral walls is something else entirely.
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