Umm Al Quwain City, United Arab Emirates

With a population of just 73,000, Umm Al Quwain is the least populous emirate in the UAE. While it boasts a rich history and natural attractions, the reality is that this sleepy coastal city offers little in the way of economic opportunity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with a dispute over oil concessions in the 1970s highlighting the complexities of doing business here. And the climate is brutally hot, with temperatures soaring past 40°C during the summer months. For those seeking a quiet, uneventful life close to the sea, Umm Al Quwain may fit the bill - but ambitious expats would be wise to look elsewhere.