Umm Al Quwain Museum/Fort, 1786 interesting local history

Umm al Quwain Fort

Umm al Quwain Museum served as the stronghold of Umm Al Quwain Fort for many years. Its true name was Al Ali Fort and it was built by Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla in 1768. Until 1969, it continued to serve as the ruling family’s residence and the seat of the local government. Later, it became the local police station, which was the destiny of many forts in the region. Finally, after being restored, the fort took on a new role of museum in 2002 preserving local history and places of learning.

Umm al Quwain Museum

Umm al Quwain Museum is home to displays that include everyday items from traditional life, weapons and archaeological artefacts. The museum’s exhibits are spread across several halls, each dedicated to different aspects of the region’s past. The museum offers a comprehensive overview of local history, from archaeological finds dating back to the ancient Umm Al Nar civilisation to weaponry and tools used by the fort’s earlier inhabitants.

Many of the artefacts were discovered at the archaeological site of Ed-Dur just a few miles away. Discovered by an Iraqi archaeological team in 1973, the Ed-Dur archaeological site uncovered evidence of human habitation from various periods, including the Ubaid period, Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and pre-Islamic period. Excavations, which formally started in 1989, have uncovered thousands of tombs and artefacts, such as Roman glass, pottery, and jewellery, indicating the settlement’s prosperity, especially during the latter periods.

Moving further down the UAQ timeline, the Traditional Life Hall showcases the lifestyle of the people before the oil boom. This includes displays of fishing, pearl diving, and agricultural practices, offering insights into the emirate’s economic past. Another highlight is the ethnographic section, where visitors can explore traditional Emirati clothing, jewellery, and household items, providing a vivid picture of day-to-day life in the olden days.

Umm al Quwain Museum exhibit - slate and writing equipment

old telephone from 1919 in Umm Al Quwain Museum

Located in the historical district of Madina Al Qadima (Arabic for the old town), the fort was known in the past as and reflects traditional Arabian designs. Its high walls and robust towers that once served as a defence mechanism now provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Umm al Quwain Fort and Museum tower and inner courtyard with a wooden boat

Visiting Umm Al Quwain Fort and Museum will give you an insight into local history and culture. You can also learn more at Falaj Al Mu’alla Fort and Museum in the inland town in the Umm Al Quwain desert.