Umm al-Qaiwain Breakwater

25°35'44''N + 055°34'35''E

Umm al-Qaiwain Breakwater consists of a beach with a breakwater at the very tip of the city of Umm al-Qaiwain

It is called Umm al Qawain breakwater on page 35 in the Shell Birdwatching Guide.

This beach is easily reached from the main Dubai - Ra's al-Khaimah beach highway, see map above.

This is the prime spot in the UAE to see large numbers of Socotra Cormorant which flies quite close to the shoreline at this point, sometimes in flocks of several thousands.

At the freshwater outflow Saunders's Tern, Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers and Striated Heron can often be found.

There is usually a good beach roost of gulls and terns near the breakwater, and Great Black-headed Gull is likely from December to late March. Other wintering gull species include Caspian Gull (abundant), Steppe Gull (probably common), Heuglin's Gull (common in low numbers) and Slender-billed Gull. Terns are present with Swift Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, White-cheeked Tern and Common Tern.

One major rarity was recorded and photographed here 27.03.1996; Dunn's Lark.