Umm Al-Quwain, United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
#1560
25.611248, 55.617463
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Umm Al-Quwain is one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, located in the northern part of the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 70,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 60 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 AED ≈ 0.27 USD; widely accepted credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Etisalat and Du, offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks such as Emirates NBD and ADCB, with services tailored for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Many options available, including villas, apartments, and hotels, often found on Airbnb and local real estate sites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies offer short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Budget hotels like Royal Residence Hotel provide affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cove Co-Working Space is popular among freelancers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Al Aswad is a good choice for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for events on platforms like Meetup and Facebook Groups focused on expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join local expat communities on social media to find gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem and Uber operate in Umm Al-Quwain. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; consider renting from local vendors. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Al Salama Beach is the closest and popular for expats. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Arabia serves the region well. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates offers flights to many international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Emirates Road (E611) and Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Umm Al-Quwain does not have a train station; buses are the main public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | N/A; buses operate on a pay-per-ride basis. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Umm Al-Quwain with Ajman and Dubai. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sheikh Khalifa Hospital is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Center in Al Maktoum will appeal to wellness seekers. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First offers good facilities for gym enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats include Clean & Go Laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat and Zomato are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern wrap. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The 'Green Box' offers great plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Baker's Dozen is known for its pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Umm Al-Quwain Market offers local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Souq.com serves as a local online marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Carrefour provides a grocery delivery service in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Umm Al-Quwain is quieter, with few nightlife options; check out the beach clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Alcohol is regulated; the nearest brewery would be located in Dubai. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; consider visiting Dubai for a variety of wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Find local food stalls near the market for authentic experiences. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian dishes are served at 'Pasta Club.' |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Umm Al-Quwain Fort is a historic site worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Umm Al-Quwain Museum showcases the history of the emirate. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Al-Dur Archaeological Site highlights ancient history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Grand Mosque is an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Umm Al-Quwain Cultural Festival celebrates local heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The heritage area around the fort is rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited performance spaces; check with local cultural organizations. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The traditional Umm Al-Quwain Souq offers various goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes sometimes host live music weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | A few murals in the heritage area showcase local art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available in local community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; consider traveling to Dubai for a wider selection. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out the structures surrounding the Umm Al-Quwain Fort. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The area reflects Bedouin traditions and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Mangroves at Al Khor are perfect for a day out. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Al Wathba Wetland Reserve provides excellent wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront provides scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coast provide beautiful views of the Gulf. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Al Khor are ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check local regulations for designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Aramex and DHL provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like TechSmart offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Arabic classes to expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Umm Al-Quwain Public Library offers a quiet place to read. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check out the Umm Al-Quwain Cultural Centre for events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges; check local cafes for gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Umm Al-Quwain does not have casinos due to local regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = AED 36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 96,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = AED 72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. AED 1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. AED 1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = AED 112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% for companies in free zones and 9% for others. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; VAT at 5%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | N/A; no personal income tax. |
| 🧾 VAT | 5% standard VAT applies. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, but limited applicability. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax in UAE. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% transfer fee on property transaction. |