Moving to Umm-Al-Quwain? 2025 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Umm Al Quwain, the capital of the emirate of the same name, is situated on the peninsula of Khor Al Bidiyah. It is the least populated emirate, and is home to many natural wonders such as the vast mangrove swamps that attract bird watchers from around the world.

If you are considering moving to Umm Al Quwain, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved when moving and living in the UAQ.

Quick Umm Al Quwain Facts:

Population: 44,411 (2020 estimate).
Official Language: Arabic is the official language of Umm Al Quwain but English is the most spoken language. There are a host of other languages spoken, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Tagalog, Persian and Mandarin.
GDP Per Capita: $11,268 USD
Camel Racing: The centuries-old tradition of camel racing is still in full swing during the winter months.
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED, Dh). As of 2024, $1 USD = 3.67 AED, €1 EUR = 4.05 AED, $1 CAD = 2.71 AED, $1 AUD = 2.51 AED, £1 GBP = 4.82 AED.

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Umm Al Quwain

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from a range of cities around the world, and shipping it to Umm Al Quwain:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Beijing	$3,500 - $3,600	$6,400 - $6,600
Berlin	$2,700 - $2,800	$5,000 - $5,200
Chicago	$3,100 - $3,200	$5,700 - $5,900
Chongqing	$3,600 - $3,700	$6,500 - $6,700
Delhi	$3,400 - $3,500	$6,100 - $6,300
Dubai	$1,600 - $1,700	$3,000 - $3,200
Houston	$3,200 - $3,300	$5,900 - $6,100
Los Angeles	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Madrid	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300
New York City	$3,000 - $3,100	$5,600 - $5,800
Paris	$2,750 - $2,850	$5,000 - $5,200
Phoenix	$3,100 - $3,200	$5,700 - $5,900
Rome	$2,800 - $2,900	$5,100 - $5,300
Shanghai	$3,550 - $3,650	$6,400 - $6,600
Sydney	$3,600 - $3,700	$6,500 - $6,700
Toronto	$3,100 - $3,200	$5,700 - $5,900
Vancouver	$3,150 - $3,250	$5,800 - $6,000
Vienna	$2,750 - $2,850	$5,000 - $5,200

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (October 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from sites such as Freightos, Flexport, or Maersk;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. Umm Al Quwain Housing Costs

Houses and apartments are very reasonably priced. Prices obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will indicate what’s available at what price.

Monthly Rental Prices in Umm Al Quwain:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 1,800+ AED
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 1,450+ AED
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 14,000+ AED
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 13,500+ AED

Umm Al Quwain Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: Not available
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: Not available

Umm Al Quwain Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Umm Al Quwain compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 30.4% more expensive
New York is 52.3% more expensive
Los Angeles is 35% more expensive
Toronto is 1.7% more expensive
Vancouver is 8.3% more expensive
Sydney is 14.7% more expensive
Melbourne is 19.4% cheaper
Paris is 8.3% cheaper
Dubai is 0.4% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: It is possible to share accommodation in Umm Al Quwain but it is frowned upon, especially if there are males and females sharing the same flat or house. With a house share you will have your own room, or, for a cheaper option, you can share a room. The bathroom/s will be shared with other people in the house. Have a look at Dubizzle, Mitula and Chitku and find someone you can get on with to share the costs with you.
Different Areas – Different Prices: Umm Al Quwain is a small, quiet, relaxed city. It doesn’t have lots of high-rise apartment blocks or estates but it does have modern low-rise flats and villas. The city is in the process of being developed in an attempt to attract more expats and businesses.

3. Umm Al Quwain Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Umm Al Quwain has a small selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and food shops. Note the figures for Umm Al Quwain are unavailable, so these are the figures for Fujairah which has a similar cost of living to UAQ.

Inexpensive Restaurant: 15.00 R – 35.00 R
Takeout Coffee: 15.00 R – 20.00 R
Bottle of Coke: 3.50 R – 4.00 R
1L of Milk: 6.00 R – 7.50 R
Loaf of Bread: 5.25 R – 6.00 R
12 Eggs: 7.20 R – 15.00 R
1kg Chicken: 18.00 R – 36.00 R
1kg Beef: 34.00 R – 60.00 R
1kg Apples: 7.00 R – 10.00 R
1kg White Rice: 6.00 R – 12.00 R

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world. The following is a list of prices from the supermarkets and restaurants in Fujairah, which has a similar cost of living to Umm Al Quwain – figures for UAQ are unavailable.

New York restaurants are 104.05% more expensive and groceries are 110.36% more expensive than Fujairah.
Los Angeles restaurants are 72.61% more expensive and groceries are 66.88% more expensive than Fujairah.
Toronto restaurants are 38.16% more expensive and groceries are 36.50% more expensive than Fujairah.
Vancouver restaurants are 35.29% more expensive and groceries are 57.17% more expensive than Fujairah.
London restaurants are 94.32% more expensive and groceries are 34.21% more expensive than Fujairah.
Sydney restaurants are 53.60% more expensive and groceries are 75.98% more expensive than Fujairah.
Melbourne restaurants are 58.00% more expensive and groceries are 73.97% more expensive than Fujairah.
Paris restaurants are 79.58% more expensive and groceries are 72.68% more expensive than Fujairah.
Dubai restaurants are 35.52% more expensive and groceries are 30.83% more expensive than Fujairah.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: The main supermarkets in UAQ are Lulu, Carrefour, Salma Market and Al Manamah. These shops don’t have a great selection of imported foods so most people do their weekly shop in Dubai which is only 45-55 minutes away by car.
Find Cheap Eats: Trip Advisor has a guide to cheap eats in Umm Al Quwain, which has mainly Middle Eastern and Arabic restaurants, although there are fast food outlets such as KFC and Mcdonald’s.

4. Umm Al Quwain Alcohol Costs

Note that to purchase alcohol from a store and consume it at home, you need a liquor license.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: 35.00 R – 40.00 R
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: 35.00 R – 40.00 R
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: 21.90 R – 45.00 R
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: 33.40 R – 38.00 R
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: 80.00 R – 90.00 R

How To Drink For Less in Umm Al Quwain:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Have a look online for a list of bars and restaurants which offer cheaper drinks at certain times of the day.

5. Umm Al Quwain Transportation Fares

There is no public transport in Umm Al Quwain. Most people use taxis or have their own vehicles.

6. Cost of Internet in Umm Al Quwain

There are only two major internet providers in Umm Al Quwain. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Du: 272 AED a month (Download speed up to 500 mbps)
Etisalat: 299 AED a month (Download speed up to 500 mbps)

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Umm Al Quain has a tropical desert climate with its hottest month, August, having an average maximum temperature of 39°C. January is the coolest month, with an average maximum temperature of 22°C. January is also the wettest month, with an average of 14.5mm of rain falling.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices. Note that these prices are for Fujairah which has a similar cost of living to Umm Al Quwain as prices for UAQ are unavailable.

Pair of Jeans: 770 R – 950 R
Summer Dress: 640 R – 700 R
Running Shoes (Trainers): 1,400 R – 1,450 R
Business Shoes: 1,600 R – 1,700 R
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): 650 R
Deodorant: 15 R
Shampoo: 20 R
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): 10 R
Gym Membership: 620 – 700 R per month
Movie (cinema) Ticket: 100 R

Source: Numbeo and Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Umm Al Quwain

Everyone in Umm Al Quwain drives on the right. This quiet city doesn’t suffer from the peak traffic problems of others cities in the UAE.

If you’re moving to Umm Al Quwain from within the UAE, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new Umm Al Quwain one.

You can drive in Umm Al Quwain on an International Driving Licence, however, if you have already been issued a work permit, you need to apply for a UAE licence immediately. It depends on which country you are coming from as to whether you will need to take a test or not.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Umm Al Quwain:

Volkswagen Golf: 310,000+ R
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): 22.56 R
Registration Fee (if any): 450 R Includes testing, registration and number plates

Source: Cost of Travel, Ministry of Interior

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Umm Al Quwain:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpoolworld.
Taxis are the main form of transport. Try Uber for cheaper fares.

9. Taxes in Umm Al Quwain

There is no tax payable in the UAE on your earned income. Just note that if you are receiving a salary in the UAE and you are a tax resident in another country, you may be legally obliged to declare that income and pay tax on it. Rules vary from country to country.

There is no sales tax or value-added tax in the UAE. However, there are indirect taxes such as a 10% tax on hotel accommodation and restaurant costs. A tax is also levied on utility bills, which is basically the equivalent of a council tax. On the plus side, there is no tax on capital gains or inheritance and no stamp duty on house purchases.

10. Flight Costs from Umm Al Quwain (Dubai International)

If you do make the move to Umm Al Quwain, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023. Please note, these values are based on flights to and from Dubai:

New York: 1,800 AED
Los Angeles: 2,300 AED
London: 1,000 AED
Toronto: 2,300 AED
Vancouver: 2,100 AED
Sydney: 2,000 AED
Melbourne: 2,700 AED
Cape Town: 1,600 AED
Hong Kong: 1,600 AED

Other Tips on Moving to Umm Al Quwain:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Umm Al Quwain but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Umm Al Quwain Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be rather daunting. Here are a few tips about settling into Umm Al Quwain.

Meetups: The UAE has lots of free meetup groups you can find on Meetup.com. If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, IT or dancing, you’ll find a meetup group in the area to join, or you can start your own group.
Attend Local Events: There is so much going on in Umm Al Quwain, have a look at the following sites to see how you would like to spend your free time – Trip Advisor, Planetware, Timeout and Guide2Dubai.

12. Moving to Umm Al Quwain with a Family

Umm Al Quwain has a lot to offer families who enjoy the quiet life. It’s a quiet city oasis in the hustle and bustle of the UAE. Here’s some extra food for thought.

New Parents (or parents-to-be): Most expats go to Dubai to have their babies and attend antenatal and postnatal classes and courses.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: UAQ is a small city with some very pretty areas to live in. If you are thinking of moving there, you need to visit and look to see what is on offer.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: Trip Advisor and Guide2Dubai all have great ideas for activities and events your kids will love.

13. Moving to Umm Al Quwain for Work

As rents are so high in Dubai, more expats are living in places like Umm Al Quwain and commuting to Dubai for work. Work opportunities in Umm Al Quwain are limited at the moment; on the other hand Dubai has grown from a city which relied on its oil revenue to a city where this oil and gas revenue comprises only 7% of its income. Its economy covers almost every field of employment, so the opportunities are endless.

While it is possible to move without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries in Umm Al Quwain are not only tax-free, they are also high. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Glassdoor.
How to Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Umm Al Quwain, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Dubizzle, Indeed, Career Jet and Naukri Gulf. You may also want to google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Umm Al Quwain from Australia

A few Australians are living in Umm Al Quwain.

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Umm Al Quwain with a city in Australia, you’d be looking at a city a little larger than Bundaberg, Queensland.
Join Expat Groups: Expat.com and InterNations offer ways of meeting up with other Australians in Umm Al Quwain and Dubai.

15. Moving to Umm Al Quwain from Canada

There’s a handful of Canadians living in Umm Al Quwain. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: If you look at the population size of Umm Al Quwain and compare it with a city in Canada, you’d be looking at Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
Expat Groups: If you are feeling a little homesick and want to meet some people from home, have a look at the following sites – Expat.com and InterNations.

16. Moving to Umm Al Quwain from the United States

There’s a very small group of Americans living in Umm Al Quwain. If you’re considering joining them, here are a few bonus tips:

Size Comparison: The population size of Umm Al Quwain is practically identical to that of Wyoming City, Michigan.
Expat Groups: If you need a little help settling in or would appreciate a few tips on various aspects of living in Umm Al Quwain, get in touch with fellow Americans who have already settled in the city. Have a look at Expat.com and InterNations.

17. Moving to Umm Al Quwain from the United Kingdom

Umm Al Quwain is home to a few Brits. Here are a few extra tips for those of you who are considering joining them

Size Comparison: If you compare the population size of Umm Al Quwain with a city in the UK, you would be looking at Burton on Trent, in the West Midlands.
Expat Groups: It always helps to meet like souls when settling into a new area or country. Expat.com and InterNations are for people from the UK who are living and working in Umm Al Quwain.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Umm Al Quwain you can start by comparing moving quotes here.