Away from the glitz and glam of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Umm al Quwain sits tucked away on the Arabian Gulf coast between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah.
It's the least populated of the UAE's seven emirates with just 72,000 residents. There is no commercial airport and only limited direct bus lines venture to the area.
Umm al Quwain, meaning "mother of two powers" remains secluded from the rapid and sprawling development taking over many of its fellow neighbors. It stands as a testament to simpler times, an era before the UAE began positioning itself as the center of the modern world.
"Nobody knows about it. It's really undiscovered," an expatriate told the BBC in 2015.
"It's a sleepy hollow. Such a laid-back town."
You won't find the massive shopping malls, five-star hotels and snazzy restaurants that have defined Dubai and Abu Dhabi. But you will find an off the beaten track gem with it's own unique history and attractions.
From natural habitats teeming with green turtles to nearly forgotten historic artifacts, Umm Al Quwain offers so much to be discovered.
You can explore this abandoned Russian transport plane
Just a few minutes north of the city, an old airfield sits in disuse. The main attraction is a mysterious abandoned Russian transport plane.
The old aircraft is reportedly linked to convicted Tajik arms dealer Viktor Bout. There are several theories surrounding how the plane ended up abandoned, sinking into the sand. Nobody is quite sure why it ended up there, left to decay against the backdrop of the desert.
Now it serves as a unique icon for visitors to explore and snap photos.
Explore the coastline
Historically, Umm al Quwain, like the other emirates, relied on fishing and pearl harvesting to make its economy move. These traditions continue to the present day and can be seen along the emirate's picturesque coast.
You can take a dip in the waters and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun. Watch the golden rays dip below the sea's surface as dusk settles.
Experience history at an old fort converted into a museum
The Um Al Quwain fort once guarded the entrance to the old town. Now, it has been transformed into a museum.
Visitors can view artifacts from the emirate's past and learn a bit more about the specific history of the area.
Spend a day at the region's largest family waterpark
Of course, the emirate hasn't escaped the commercialization all together.
Dreamland bills itself as the region's "largest family water park." So, if you need to cool off and refresh, or just relax and have some fun, this is the perfect spot to kill a day or afternoon.