H H. Sheikh Rashid Ben Ahmed Al-Mu'alla
     Ruler of Umm Al Quwain
 
 

            Umm Al Quwain 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 e conomic activity, and date
            growing continues. In the enclave of Falaj al Mu'alla palm
            groves and a hilltop forst 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 fort (which has been restored)
                                and the new harbour (developed with Federal
                                aid). 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 Quwain 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 its charm and distinctive character.