Al Riqqah, Umm al Quwain

• Properties
• Getting around
• Schools & clinics
• Malls & Restaurants
• Things to consider

Al Riqqah or Al Rigga is a small neighbourhood in Umm Al Quwain. Located next to Al Rass and Al Dar Al Baidaa, it is around 7.5km away from the central region of the emirate.

The sparsely populated UAQ is the second smallest emirate in the UAE. Al Riqqah is in proximity to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. It has some basic amenities and accommodation including flats, shops, pharmacies, mosques and educational institutions. An ideal place for students, professionals working in the nearby emirates and those looking for affordable accommodation, Al Riqqa does not have any large properties on offer at the moment. One can find a few studios and 1-bedroom apartments in low-rise buildings.

• A residential area in Umm Al Quwain
• Offers apartments and basic amenities
• In proximity to Umm Al Quwain Beach
• Takes a 25 to 30-minute drive to reach Ajman and Sharjah

Some areas in Al Reqqah are developing but most completed areas are already occupied. Most residents moved here because of lower rents and the proximity to the workplaces.

As for residential properties in Al Riqqah, there are apartments ranging from studios to 2-bedroom units. Low-rise buildings in the area have all the basic lifestyle amenities including security staff and CCTV, central air-conditioning, waste disposal service and laundry facilities. Some apartments are already equipped with connections for WiFi and satellite TV cable. The covered areas of studio and 1-bed units span around 1,000 sq. ft. while 2-bedroom apartments in the area would be bigger. Most units are already occupied.

Since the area is still developing, you’d find limited villas in Al Riqqah, UAQ.

The area is tucked away from the central communities of Umm Al Quwain, therefore, having private conveyance is highly recommended. Also, the apartment buildings feature dedicated parking spaces in Al Riqqah for residents. Visitors may have to find a spot on the street outside for a limited time. The area is not very crowded or busy so one can expect low traffic. It won’t be a hassle to find free parking spots or drive during the day, unlike other busier emirates.

There are many grocery stores and supermarkets in Al Riqqah.

Residents can get their daily groceries from Coral Grocery, Aliya Foods or plan a monthly grocery haul at Safeera Supermarket, Abu Jalal Supermarket and Asfar Al Madina Supermarket – a popular grocery store in Umm Al Quwain.

Residents can find mosques in Al Riqqah and its surroundings. One can head to Masjid Al Muhajireen, Masjid Al Ansar, Masjid Osama Bin Zaid and Masjid Al Salah Aldeen Al Ayubi. Other options in the neighbouring communities include Masjid Al Rawdan and Masjid Jaber Bin Abdullah.

Winners Chapel International in Ajman is an ideal option for those looking to visit churches near Al Riqqah. It takes a 27-minute road trip to reach the church in Al Rashidiya, Ajman. Other churches in Al Yarmook, Sharjah will be around 30 to 35 minutes away from Al Riggah.

As for the Hindu temples, one would have to take an hour-long drive to Bur Dubai where there are many temples including the Sikh Gurudwara and Shrinath Ji Temple.

There are two schools in Al Riqqah: The New Indian School and Habitat School. Other options in Al Rass include Umm Al Quwain Preparatory Girls School and Umm Al Quwain Basic Education School. These are some of the top schools in UAQ. There are some kindergartens as well for young students including Butterflies Nursery and Al Amwad Kindergarten. Al Riqqah is also in proximity to Emirates Canadian University College (now known as Umm Al Quwain University).

Al Riqqah residents are 4 minutes away from Umm Al Quwain Hospital. It is a considerable option in case of medical emergencies. There are a few pharmacies and clinics in Al Riqqah such as Jamal Clinic, Al Haram Pharmacy and Jabal Al Noor Pharmacy.

Al Rigga shares boundaries with Al Rass and Al Dar Al Baidaa. It is located in proximity to the mangroves of Umm Al Quwain, popular for wildlife reserves. Communities including Al Medaan, Al Raudah and Al Humrah are its close neighbours.

China Mall in Al Riqqa stocks a variety of Chinese products. It is also home to a few restaurants and food stalls.

Other shopping centres nearby would include LuLu Center in Al Rass.

For a more exciting experience, residents prefer driving to City Mall and the Mall of Umm Al Quwain in the area. These are around 15 to 20 minutes away.

Talking about top restaurants in UAQ, there are many restaurants in Al Riqqah to satisfy all cravings.

One would mainly find a range of cafeterias and Arabic eateries such as Taiba Restaurant and Grill and Amwaj al Seif Restaurant. Al Riyadh Cafeteria and Wadi al Neel are good options for a cup of tea and snacks. For fast food options, there is Hot Burger Restaurant and those looking for Indian/Pakistani cuisines can try Desi Tarka Restaurant.

Umm Al Quwain Public Beach is the closest and most popular option in the vicinity. Visitors can sit back, relax and watch the sunset. Or you can plan a picnic or barbeque party with family and friends.

Al Riqqah is easy to locate as it is an 8-minute short drive from Umm Al Quwain Mangroves. The area is quiet and does not have many activities. One can access UAQ Marine Club at a short distance.

Municipal Park is roughly 5 to 6 minutes from Al Riqqah. Moreover, Al Arabi Sports and Cultural Club has a few sports courts.

While there are no particular fitness clubs, one can book beauty treatments and relaxing spa sessions at Al Nooras Salon and Imar Spa.

There are mostly smaller residential units in Al Riggah. Families looking for a 3 or 4-bed property may not find it ideal. Since construction is ongoing, the community may have more accommodation options in the future.

• Dubai can be reached in under an hour
• UAQ Marine Club is 6 minutes away
• Umm Al Quwain Beach is  minutes away
• A 6-minute drive from Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Park