Al Dur in Umm Al Quwain is an archaeological site in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the years, several artifacts have been unearthed in the site.
Location
The archaeological site is at the west coast of the UAE. This is between the Ra’s al Khaymah and Ajman. The site is near Umm Al Quwain by the coast.
What to See
The archaeological site has several interesting artifacts and ruins. The ruins of a 2,000 year old Arab town can be seen there. Visitors to the site will also see glassware from other countries including Syria and Egypt.
Archaeologists digging in the site have unearthed tombs and several stone houses. The Al Dur in Umm Al Quwain also has a temple with round corner towers. Several storage jars have been discovered as well. Several earthenware have black painted decors. There is a museum nearby where many of the archaeological artifacts are stored.
History
The area making up the UAE was first inhabited by seafaring people. In the 7th century, these people were converted to Islam. A competing sect, the Carmathians, had a large army and took over Mecca. After several years, the sheikdom collapsed and its people turned into pirates.
During the 19th century, the pirates went after the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman. The British brokered a peace agreement in 1853. The Pirate Coast was now known as Trucial Coast. In 1971, Britain left the Persian Gulf. These Trucial states joined together to form the United Arab Emirates.
Two of the states, Oman and Bahrain, opted not to join. The country would soon become one of the most prosperous in the Middle East. Its founder and ruler was Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. When he died in 2004, he was succeeded by his son.
Cost
Hotel costs in the UAE range from 50 to 100 USD per individual. Tour costs range from 200 to 700 USD.
Other Info
The Dreamland Aquapark is also worth dropping by when in Umm al Quwain. It is the biggest aquapark on the planet. Some of the activities you can do here are camel racing, falconry and fishing. Several birds can be seen there including the light skinned hunting hawk. At the dhow building yard, you will see craftsmen making old fashioned boats.
The Al Dur in Umm Al Quwain is vast. There are several multi-room structures as well as dwellings with a single room. These houses were constructed from beach rocks. These rocks were taken from the shallow lagoons.
