UAE at 50: Umm Al Quwain begins restoration of historic old town

First phase of renovation tackles a school built before the UAE was formed

The Umm Al Quwain Department of Tourism and Antiquities has begun restoring the Al Ameer School. All photos by Wam

The school dates back to before the UAE was formed.

The house was built in a traditional style and the renovation will reflect that, the department said.

The restoration is part of a broader plan to rejuvenate the emirate's old town.

Umm Al Quwain is known for its history and natural beauty.

Umm Al Quwain has begun a major project to restore the emirate's old town.

It started with the renovation of the emirate's first school, which was built before the UAE was formed, state news agency Wam reported.

Al Ameer School, located in Freej Al Khor and built in 1959, will be restored using the same construction materials to match its original design.

The project – revitalising the historic area of Umm Al Quwain – will eventually encompass the entire old town that has historic buildings dating back more than 200 years.

The UAQ Department of Tourism and Antiquities is leading the project and, when complete, hopes to attract tourists to the carefully restored building.

It said the restoration project is a unique opportunity to promote the history and development of the emirate and its people.

The Al Ameer School was constructed in a style sympathetic to its environment and included a covered arcade to give pupils shade from the sun.

Plans for the rejuvenation and restoration of UAQ's old town have been in the works for several years.

The UAE's smallest emirate by population is increasingly attracting more tourists with new hotels and beach clubs opening.

UAQ's natural beauty - in pictures

Large flocks of migratory flamingos are among the spectacular sights of Umm Al Quwain. WAM

Umm Al Quwain is also home to resident birds such as this striated heron. WAM

Socotra cormorants are among the Umm Al Quwain coast's breeding birds. WAM

The northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain is the UAE's least populous, making its coasts and nature reserves an ideal stopover for migratory birds. WAM

Large numbers of birds can be seen in Umm Al Quwain's nature reserves during migration periods. WAM

The Arabian sand gazelle is a common sight in the nature reserves of Umm Al Quwain. WAM

Flamingos coming in to land in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain. WAM