Umm Al Quwain. In the olden days it was called Umm Al Quwa (Mother of Powers) referring to UAQ's long seafaring history. The 1973 Al-Dur (The Houses) excavations confirmed in 1987 have revealed substantial stone houses, impressive tombs and large storage jars and Egyptian and Syrian glassware, the remains of a large town which flourished 2000 years ago between 260 B.C. & 200 A.D. Archaeologists from France, Belgium, Denmark & Great Britain are still exploring Al-Dur site which covers 4 sq. kms. It was the largest town in the whole of ancient South-East Arabia.

The Importance of Umm Al-Quwain in the long term: The prospects for the UAE depend upon how hydrocarbons will be used to diversify the economy in case the country has to face a post-oil era whether due to the depleting of resources or because of changing technology.

Until recently oil accounted for 90% of the total GDP of the UAE but since mid-1987 the proportion has declined and by mid-1988 the figure was as low as 36.7% and only 33% in 1989. UAE oil reserves are estimated at 200 billion barrels. Other sectors that contributed to the economic development included industry, trade, finance, insurance and banking. Solar energy, agriculture, fisheries and tourism seem to assume more significance in the development of the UAE and Umm Al Quwain is one of the active participants.The UAE is currently attracting over 100,000 tourists a year.

Crops that have been cultivated successfully include cereals, cucumbers, gherkins, aubergines, chillies, green peppers, watermelons, melons, tobacco but above all dates, tomatoes and lemons. Date palm gardens line the eastern bank of Wadi Al-Batha. The greenhouse effect on the UAE has led to heavier rains since 1988.

Livestock products include beef and veal, mutton and lamb, goat's meat, poultry meat (over a million chickens a year meeting 30% of the national needs), cow's milk, sheep's milk, goat's milk and hen eggs (supplying fresh eggs all over UAE).

Camels are treasured and camel racing in Al-Labsa is a major sporting activity. One of the UAE's most attractive race tracks is situated beside the road to Falaj Al-Mualla near the banks of the valley. Camels include Al-Shuqr (light skinned), Jasmi, Al-Sahm (brown arrow) and the Al-Hizami (which is very dark). Al-Ta'ru is long legged and ideal for racing. Other runners include Al-Sufr (yellow) and Al-Humr (reddish). UAQ is famous for hawks and falcons especially Al-Hur which is light skinned and fetches good prices from grouse hunters. The Shahin (or peregrine), a swift falcon, is also spotted here.

Ahmed Bin Rashid Free Zone
General: Pursuant to Decree No: 2/87 issued by His Highness Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Moalla, Ruler of Umm Al-Quwain, a Free Trade Zone was established within the confines of the Port and adjacent land. The Authority concluded construction contracts in March 1988 and construction of the First Unit together with the expansion of services commenced on 1st April 1988.
Location: The Ahmed Bin Rashid Port and Free Zone is located on the West Coast of the United Arab Emirates, about 30 miles north east of Dubai in the Emirate of Umm Al-Quwain. Development Scope: Phase I of the development makes provision for 34 Light Industrial Units, together with a Mess Hall and modest accommodation for the labor force. The substantial investment cost involved in the provision of services is being borne by the Government of Umm Al-Quwain.
Facilities: The Free Zone complex consists of 4 wharves totaling 845m of quay wall within secured area of 400.000 m2, capable of handling ocean going vessels, and 118,000 m2 of land reserved for Light Industrial Development. The entrance channel has a minimum depth of 10m and a width of 100m which connects with a swinging basin of 500m the whole being marked bya standard buoys and beacons in accordance with International Regulations. Standard services of water, electricity, and communications, labor accommodation (both male and female) together with bonded storage are all available. In addition, the Free Zone Authority provides a comprehensive, administrative and logistical support to the tenant.

The Port facilities operate on the Free Port concept, which has now been extended to include manufacture and assembly.

Investment Incentives Operation within the Free Zone means:
100% Foreign Ownership
No Sponsorship Restrictions
No Work Permit Restrictions
100% Repatriation of Capital
No Customs Charges
No Currency Restrictions
No Corporate Taxes for a minimum of 15 years No Import Duty
No Export Taxes

A manufacturer licensed to operate in the Free Zone is not required to have a local partner. In addition, the Government through the Port Authority provides full back-up services for the storage of materials within the Free Zone.

Warehousing: For Companies wishing to establish Bulk Stocks from which to service the requirements of their market in the region. The Port Authority provides a comprehensive warehousing service, which includes receiving, accounting and subsequent distribution on manufacturers' representation with control of all movements IN or OUT remaining in the proprietor's hand.

Berthing
Deep water berth
Wharf No. 1 : 130m long, draft depth 5.5m
Wharf No. 2 : 115m long, draft depth 7.5m
Wharf No. 3 : 200m long, draft depth 9.5m
Wharf No. 4 : 400m long, draft depth 10.0m
Town Wharf : 800m long max, draft 4m

Fresh Water : Limited supplies available at deep water berth, and can be provided by road tankers or barges.
Fuel : Various grades of gas and oil can be supplied.
Repairs : All types of deck and engineering repairs are allowed.