Umm Al Quwain Fort

About

The Umm Al Quwain Fort, also known as the Al Ali Fort, was built in 1768 by Sheikh Rashid Bin Majid Al Mualla, the founder of the modern Al Mualla dynasty. The fort was the site of an exceptionally colorful coup in 1929. Sheikh Hamad Bin Ibrahim Al Mualla was assassinated by one of his blind uncle’s slaves. The townsfolk, not liking the new leadership, rose up and set fire to the fort, killing the usurpers, putting Ahmad bin Rashid Al Mualla in power. The fort has since been restored, and now houses the Umm Al Quwain National Museum. Here you’ll find dioramas demonstrating traditional Emirati culture, and an exhibition of archaeological artefacts. Keep an eye out for the old city wall behind the fort, which still has a ‘windcatcher’ tower.