UAQ National Museum
Umm al Qaywayn
UAQ National Museum, located in the historic Madeena Al Qadeema area of Umm Al Quwain, is housed in a fort that once served as the ruling family's residence and government headquarters from 1768 to 1969. Founded by Sheikh Rashid bin Majid Al Mualla, the museum preserves the rich history and culture of Umm Al Quwain and the wider Emirates. Visitors can explore the royal family heritage through dedicated rooms such as the devoted room with historical documents including the first passports and licenses, the military room with old uniforms and photos, and the Sheikh’s and Sheikha’s chambers showcasing traditional Emirati furnishings and privacy customs. The antiques section highlights maritime heritage with models of fishing nets, diving tools, and boats, alongside traditional kitchenware and historic weapons used in hunting and warfare. The fort's prison and the Arish, a traditional palm frond structure, offer insights into past lifestyles before the Oil Age. The museum also features military exhibits including cannons, enriching the narrative of Umm Al Quwain's historical significance. Its blend of royal, cultural, and maritime artifacts makes it a unique destination for understanding the Emirates' past.
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Tip: The museum is best visited during cooler morning or evening hours, open Saturday to Thursday from 8 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM, and Friday evenings only. Entry is free for children under 15, with discounted fees for adults. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the first passport ever issued in Umm Al Quwain, as well as the Trucial Emirates passport.
- •A hand-written Quran dating back to 1800 AD is displayed in the devoted room.
- •The prison within the fort includes a unique restraint called al-Hataba, an iron tube device for securing prisoners' feet.
- •The Arish structure showcases traditional palm frond architecture used to keep cool before the Oil Age.
- •The museum’s weapon room displays hunting and war weapons inherited by the Al Mualla family, including pistols, rifles, swords, and daggers.
History
Originally constructed as a fort serving as the government headquarters from 1768 to 1969, the building was home to the ruling Al Mualla family.
Sheikh Rashid bin Majid Al Mualla later renovated the fort, transforming it into the UAQ National Museum to preserve the emirate’s heritage.
Over centuries, the fort witnessed Umm Al Quwain's transition from a traditional coastal settlement to a modern city, reflecting its political and social evolution.
Place Guide
Devoted Room1800
Displays important historical documents such as Umm Al Quwain's first passport, Trucial Emirates passport, first driver’s license, commercial license, government seal, postage stamps, and a hand-written Quran from 1800 AD.
Military Room
Features old car number plates, driver licenses, military uniforms, Islamic shields, and historical photographs reflecting the emirate's defense and transportation history.
Sheikh’s Chambers
Traditional Emirati furnished room on the upper floor overlooking the courtyard, representing the ruling family's living quarters.
Sheikha’s Chambers
Consists of a private bedroom and Harem Majlis designed for women’s privacy, containing traditional items like the shubriyeh (bed), mandoos (perfume box), and manz (crib).
Sea Chamber
Showcases maritime heritage with models of fishing nets, boats, diving tools like compass and pearl sieves, and a model of the shifa tree indicating pearl locations.
Al Hosn Kitchen
Displays traditional kitchen utensils including pots, bowls, trays, coffee pots, and other culinary tools essential to Emirati cooking.
Weapon Room
Exhibits a collection of weapons inherited by the Al Mualla family, including pistols, rifles, swords, daggers, and a bullet-holding belt.
Prison
The fort’s prison area features al-Hataba, a wooden and iron restraint device used historically to secure prisoners’ feet.
Arish (Barasti)
A traditional structure made of palm fronds used for cooling during summers before the Oil Age, often equipped with a bargeel to circulate air.
Contact
Phone: 06 765 6665