Umm Al Qaiwainis ruled by the Al mualla family. It is the second smallest emirate, with a total area of aound 770 square kilometers. Positioned between the emirates of Sharjah and Ajman to the south and Ras Al Khaimah to the north, Umm Al Qaiwain has the smallest population. Fishing is the local population's primary means of income. Date farming also plays a significant role in the economy. After the union of the emirates in 1971 Umm Al Qaiwain developed into a modern state, and continues to progress under its present ruler, Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Mualla.