The waters off Umm Al Quwain hold the world’s second-largest colony of dugongs — sea cows that have been here long enough to feature in a Neolithic shrine dating to around 3500 BC, discovered on Al Sinniyah Island with the ritually arranged remains of 40 of them. The 90-square-kilometre island and its lagoon also shelter the country’s largest colony of Socotra cormorants, alongside sea turtles and dense mangrove forest.
Under an hour from Dubai, it is a laid-back beach-and-seafood day, as part of our main Umm Al Quwain guide.
Updated: July 2026 — by Monica Bonalto
Getting your bearings at the UAQ Marina
The marina and corniche run along the Umm Al Quwain waterfront, with quiet beaches, a boardwalk and Dreamland Aqua Park a short drive north.
The lagoon’s wildlife
Boat trips from the marina head out to Al Sinniyah’s sandbanks and mangrove channels, where dugong and turtle sightings are a genuine possibility rather than a marketing promise — this is one of the least disturbed lagoon ecosystems left in the Gulf.
Where to eat at the UAQ Marina
Umm Al Quwain is known for no-frills, ultra-fresh seafood straight off the boats, best enjoyed by the water.
Beach, and Dreamland Aqua Park
Calm beaches and watersports at the marina make for a relaxed day, and Dreamland Aqua Park — open since 1997 across some 250,000 square metres, with more than 30 rides and overnight cabana camping — adds a proper family day out; see the UAE’s best beaches.
A 150-room resort on the beach
Palma Beach Resort & Spa anchors the stay-here case with 150 rooms and suites right on the sand, alongside a handful of other low-key beach hotels and the marina’s own facilities — together making Umm Al Quwain an easy, good-value overnight escape.
An hour up the coast, best outside summer
About 45 minutes to an hour from Dubai by car. The cooler months from October to April are ideal for the beaches and marina.
Around Umm Al Quwain Marina
This is one of the calmest waterfronts in the country, a real contrast to Dubai an hour south. Pair it with the historic Old Town across the creek for the fuller picture of the emirate.
The rest of the emirate, inland from the marina
Head back to the main Umm Al Quwain guide to explore more of the emirate.
Top things to do at UAQ Marina
- Boat trips to Al Sinniyah Island — a 90-square-kilometre island and lagoon sheltering the country’s largest colony of Socotra cormorants, alongside sea turtles and dense mangrove forest.
- Dreamland Aqua Park — a short drive north of the marina, for a proper water-park day.
- Quiet beaches and the boardwalk — the marina’s own low-key waterfront stretch.
Is Al Sinniyah Island worth a boat trip from UAQ Marina?
Yes, if wildlife is your thing — it’s home to the country’s largest colony of Socotra cormorants plus sea turtles and mangrove forest, all under an hour from Dubai.