Haven of trade and tourism

The northern region of the UAE is scaling new heights of success and is incredibly indigenous

The Northern Emirates is the flagship carrier of the UAE's culture and the evolving developmental index. Five of the seven emirates of the country - Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain - are in the northern hemisphere, and enjoy a strategic geography. Though they lack large oil reserves such as Abu Dhabi and the economic boom of Dubai, they are auxiliary service providers to the national economy. Of late, the Northern Emirates has attracted huge investments, and are gradually turning into centres of industrial production and tourism. Governmental policies that patronage local entrepreneurs' investment and level-playing fields for trade and tourism promotion have contributed to the rise of these emirates as active partners in development.
The Northern Emirates possesses a tourist-friendly geography as it features pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and a serene and secure roads network. Likewise, hotels and resorts in all the five destinations are cheaper in cost, and they offer fabulous deals throughout the year. Natural life is also in abundance, and sports such as trekking, cycling, hiking, sea voyages to nearby islands, yachting and desert dune bashing are quite popular. Moreover, these emirates are different from the modern and Westernised Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and boast the local culture in all humility. The locals' traditional occupations are fishing, agriculture, trading and poultry. Animal husbandry is also a profitable trade, and camels and goats breeding have a special significance.
Sharjah is the heartthrob destination in the northern region by virtue of its developed civic infrastructure and a booming industrial base. It is estimated that around 60 per cent of Dubai workforce resides in Sharjah, as rents are cheaper and affordable as compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Its unique geography links it to Arabian Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Oman. Moreover, Sharjah is a popular tourist destination since 1932, when international flights were operated to several destinations in the Middle East.
The new face of Sharjah, however, is more robust and developed, and it is emerging as a center for small and medium-scale industries. A large number of trading companies also have their offices and showrooms in the emirate. It is a manufacturing hub, responsible for around 40 per cent of the UAE's total industrial production, and home to sizeable gas reserves. At the same time, Sharjah is the cultural capital of the UAE and is renowned in the Arab world for its cultural heritage.
Next in line is Ajman, which has an extensive coastline with the Arabian Gulf and is situated between the emirates of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Though it is one of the smallest territory-wise, it has grown into a commercial hub and a preferred residential spot for people who love reclusiveness. It is tactfully linked via the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed highway with all the neighbouring emirates, and its industrial base, especially its free zone, is rapidly expanding. Shipbuilding and fishing based industries have a promising market in Ajman. Its real estate is most in demand, and a large number of entrepreneurs and services-related people are eyeing the emirates for business expansion. Moreover, it has known minerals deposits such as chrome and magnesium, and its land is fertile for agricultural produce.
Sharjah's immediate neighbour Fujairah is a popular tourist spot and is known for its beaches along the Gulf of Oman and mountain resorts. It has an important port for container liners and for the world's largest livestock shipping and a power generation plant. Cattle and sheep from as far as New Zealand and Australia, as well as Africa, sail to Fujairah, and several firms have their holding stations for these sacrificial animals.  
Prime avenues of Fujairah's economy are agriculture, mining, stone crushing and fishing. Located in the valley of Hajar mountains rainwater is a major source for irrigation. Fujairah's Free Zone, as well as its seaport, is registering successes in regional trade and banking.
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate of the UAE, and is known worldwide for its artifacts and ancient antiquity. It literally means 'top of the tent' and spans over an area of 1,700 square kilometres. It also shares a mountainous border with Oman. Its civilisation is believed to be hundreds of years old, and traces of historic monuments are all around in its deserts and hilltops. Historical records point out that Ras Al Khaimah, then known as Julfar, belonged to early Muslim Caliphs. In the 18th century, it finally became a part of the Al Qawasim State and a regional naval base for southern Gulf States. Likewise, Mina Saqr is a deepwater port with heavily utilised bulk handling facilities. It can handle vessels up to 260 meters long and 11.5 metres maximum draught and is ideal for low-cost general cargo and container handling. Ras Al Khaimah's seawaters are rich in tuna fish, and the emirate is hub for ceramic industry because of abundance of limestone and cement producing units.
Last but not the least is Umm Al Quwain, meaning 'Mother of two powers', on the west coast, referring to seafaring tradition of the locals. It has long clean beaches, horse stables and its climate is tropical. Fishing and date cultivation is popular, and the emirate is a natural reserve for migratory birds and other species, such as deer and bustards.
Umm Al Quwain is also a great tourist destination, especially for people who love nature and serenity away from hustle and bustle of cities. The emirate is home to coastal mangroves on the Arabian Gulf, sand dunes and a perfect habitat for cormorants and other seabirds, gazelles, turtles, and sea cows. Sailing and skydiving are popular sports, and Umm Al Quwain has the country's largest water park. It is also famous for dhow building, falconry and camel racing. The emirate is gradually building its industrial base and a large number of SMEs are moving there to benefit from local subsidies and lucrative business offers.
Economic and tourism portfolios of the Northern Emirates are assets for the UAE, and sooner than later they will be on par with Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In an era of economic diversification, the five northern units are doing a tremendous job by utilising the best they can indigenously and walking straight with a vision of their own.
- mehkri@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah
• Umm Al Quwain
• Ajman