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Royal Families · Umm Al Quwain, UAE
The Al Mualla family has led Umm Al Quwain since the 18th century, and the ruling family of this quiet emirate of lagoons, mangroves and islands offers a gentle counterpoint on a UAE luxury vacation.
At a glance
The Al Mualla, of the Al Ali tribe, settled on the Umm Al Quwain peninsula around 1768 under Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, who built the fort that became the heart of the town. The family has led the emirate ever since. Fishing, pearling and boatbuilding sustained its people, and the lagoon and its islands remain its defining feature. The United Arab Emirates was formed on 2 December 1971 by six emirates, and Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972. Each emirate keeps its own ruling family, and the seven Rulers together form the Federal Supreme Council. Learn more in the UAE's history and culture.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla, who ruled from 1929 to 1981, was one of the founding Rulers who signed the union in 1971. His son Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla led the emirate from 1981 to 2009 and developed its first modern infrastructure.
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has led the emirate since January 2009. Under his leadership the emirate has protected its mangroves and wildlife while planning new waterfront communities and tourism.
His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla has been Crown Prince since January 2009, and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Mualla serves as Deputy Ruler.
Umm Al Quwain is rich in archaeology. Ed-Dur, on the coast, was one of the largest ancient towns in the lower Gulf. In 2022 archaeologists announced the discovery of an early Christian monastery on Al Sinniyah Island, one of only a handful known in the region, evidence of the long tradition of coexistence in the Emirates.
The Ruler is His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain. The Crown Prince is His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla. Members of the family carry the title Sheikh or Sheikha.
The 18th-century fort built by the family's founder, now a museum.
Kayak among mangroves and see flamingos and herons in one of the UAE's quietest landscapes.
Home to the early Christian monastery site and a protected colony of Socotra cormorants; access is limited.
Umm Al Quwain is under an hour from Dubai. Start with our UAE luxury vacation guide, add a night in Ras Al Khaimah, and compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.
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