The northern emirates are five emirates located at the North of the United Arab Emirates, meaning the entire country except Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Often Sharjah is also taken out from the group as this emirate is making significant efforts to distinguish itself as the cultural capital of the UAE. Heading out, Sharjah comes as a stark contrast to the glamour of the southern Emirates.
The rich Abu Dhabi and the flashy Dubai have boomed rapidly while the country’s other five Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman developed slowly, becoming in the course of time more savvy about attracting investment and developing economic bases of their own.
Lacking in vast oil reserves and entrepreneurial glamour, the lifestyle in the Northern Emirates is inevitably more authentic than that of Abu Dhabi or Dubai, giving a true glimpse of the life in the UAE before the oil boom. For tourists and residents, looking for a relaxed sunshine break ahead of the crowds, these Emirates offer the perfect escape.
Ajman, few kilometers away. Sharjah is the smallest of the Emirates. Palm-lined beaches and budget-friendly tourist attractions make it an attractive e getaway. One of the few remaining dhow-building yards in the region is also located in Ajman.
Fujairah, which derives its name from a spring of water hidden behind the Hajar Mountain range, is the only Emirate with a coastline solely on the Gulf of Oman. With its scenic natural landscape, Fujairah offers some of the finest and attractive beaches in the United Arab Emirates.
In keeping with the low-key theme, Umm al-Quwain lies between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah on the West coast. In Arabic, Umm al-Quwain means mother of two powers; the Emirate is home to pristine white beaches and holds a significant archaeological interest. It is also becoming a fast-growing spot for extreme sports.
Once Called Julfar, Ras Al-Khaimah is located in the south-west of the Arabian Gulf. As a free trade zone, Ras Al Khaimah is gaining a reputation as a pioneering commercial center with vibrant business culture.
With billion-budget infrastructures, and improved quality of life through job creation and a strong focus on creating new projects in the past few years, the northern Emirates have been developing faster, becoming a more attractive destination both for tourist craving for a relaxing sunshine break ahead from the crowds and for investors looking for a hassle-free business.
Guidebook:
UAE 101 stories and cultural learnings
