Introduction Of Museum
Although it is the second smallest emirate in the UAE, Umm Al Quwain offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature. One of the city’s serene and historical gems is the Umm Al Quwain National It (UAQ It), an exciting hub for visitors seeking to delve into the emirate’s heritage.
Table of Contents
An Overview of the Umm Al Quwain National It
The UAQ Museum is housed in a fort that was once the residence of the ruling family. It showcases artefacts unearthed at Ed-Dur, one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in the UAE, renowned as an important lost city of Arabia. The It also features exhibits on the history of warfare in the region, including old cannons.
Situated in the old souq area known as Madeena Al Qadeema – The Old Town, the museum retains the traditional look and feel of the city. This area boasts buildings over 150 years old, with the museum being one of the best-preserved structures.
History of the It
Umm Al Quwain Fort, also known as Al Ali Fort, has a history dating back to 1768 when it was established by Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla, the founder of the Al Mualla ruling dynasty. The fort served as the residence of the ruling family and the administrative center of the emirate until the 1960s, after which it was converted into a police station. In 2000, it was transformed into a museum and opened to the public following directives from Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Mualla, a member of the UAE’s supreme council and the Ruler of Umm Al Quwain.
Notable Exhibits at the It
The UAQ Museum, though housing a limited number of dioramas, offers fascinating and insightful displays. The fort’s various rooms now exhibit Emirati and traditional furnishings, particularly in the ‘Sheikh’ and ‘Sheikhah’ rooms. The museum’s highlights include archaeological finds from Ed Dur and Tel Abraq, such as headless falcon statues, a stone plate shaped like a turtle, and
