Umm al-Qaiwain

Umm al-Quwain literally "Mother of two powers" is one of the emirates in the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the north of the country. The emirate was ruled until his death by Rashid bin Ahmad Al Mu'alla, who was a member of the UAE's Supreme Council since 1981. The emirate had 62,000 inhabitants in 2003 (making it the least populous emirate in the federation) and has an area of 750 square kilometers. Accepted alternative spellings include Umm al Qiwain (used on its former postage stamps) as well as Umm al-Qawain, Umm al-Qaywayn, Umm el-Qiwain, and Umm al-Qaiwain.

Climate

During November to March temperatures average 26C. in daytime and 15C. at night (79F to 59F), but rise over 40C (104F) in the peak of the summer and the humidity levels are high. The rainfall is minimal and averages 42 millimetres a year. The coastline experiences cooling sea breezes during the day.

Sinaiyah island and Khor al-Beidah

Sinaiyah island, close to the town of Umm al-Qaiwain is home to the UAE's largest Socotra cormorant (a water bird species) colony with over 15,000 pairs, probably the third largest colony in the world. In fact there are less than 15 extant colonies known for the species, most in the UAE.

Arabian (mountain) gazelle (Gazella gazella) have been introduced to Sinaiyah and appear to be prospering. Marine life, although thus far little studied, is remarkable for its abundance and diversity. Black-tipped reef sharks patrol the outer shoreline, while green turtles are ubiquitous in the inner leads.

Between Sinayah and the mainland is Khor al-Beidah an expansive area of sand and mud flats of international importance for its waterfowl.

Apart from evidence of occupation in the Late Islamic period, probably by fishermen, little archaeological evidence has been identified on the island, although coins from the early first millennium AD have been recovered.

Although not formally protected, the island of Sinaiyah, along with Khor al-Beidah, is one of the largest areas of undisturbed and varied coastal environment remaining anywhere in the UAE.

Boat trips around Khor al-Beidah and to Sinayah island are run from Umm al-Qaiwain Tourist Centre at the top of the Corniche. However, you will not be permitted to disembark on the island. The Tourist Centre also has a private beach, swimming pool and restaurants.