The Emirate of Umm Al Quwain is located along the coast of the Arabian Gulf, stretching over a distance of 24 km long between Sharjah to the west, and Ras Al Khaimah to the east. Its land spreads towards the interior for a distance of 32 km approximately. The total area of the emirate is about 777 Sq km, which is equivalent to 1% of the country's total area, excluding the islands. The population of the emirate is 35361 persons in 1995. The Ruler of Umm Al Quwain is H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mu'alla. He succeeded his father in 1981.

The city of Umm Al Quwain is the capital of the emirate, situated on a deep creek one kilomter in width and five kilometers long. It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, establishments, banks, commercial markets, the Seaport and the Research and Pisciculture Center, which helps to develop fisheries in the country.