A small emirate on the Persian Gulf with a rich fishing heritage. Home to Ajman Museum, showcasing local history, and a calm national park for nature walks.
Ajman, the smallest emirate in the UAE, sits just 30 minutes from Dubai. This compact city has a 16-kilometer coastline where you can swim in the Persian Gulf or try jet-skiing. You can visit an 18th-century fort that now houses a museum, or kayak through mangroves in the Al Zorah Nature Reserve. In Ajman, you can wander through the Iranian Souk, taste local dishes like harees, and enjoy water sports without the crowds of its larger neighbors.
Exploring Ajman's Compact City
Ajman, covering just 259 square kilometers, is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. You'll find it on the western coast of the UAE, bordered by Sharjah and a short 30-minute drive from Dubai. Despite its proximity to these well-known emirates, Ajman maintains a calm atmosphere. Here, you can experience Emirati culture in a more relaxed setting.
Enjoying Ajman's Beaches
Ajman's coastline is one of its key draws. The public beach has clean, white sand and calm waters where you can swim and sunbathe. If you prefer more amenities, several beachfront resorts have private beach areas with loungers and umbrellas. For more active pursuits, you can try jet-skiing, kayaking, or paddleboarding along the coast.
Exploring Al Zorah Nature Reserve
At Al Zorah Nature Reserve, you can immerse yourself in a protected mangrove forest rich with wildlife. The reserve is home to nearly 60 species of birds, including pink flamingos. You can kayak through the mangroves, spotting herons, egrets, and other waterfowl. If you enjoy golf, you can play a round at the reserve's golf course, combining your nature experience with sport.
Shopping in Ajman
While Ajman doesn't have the large malls of Dubai, it offers a different kind of shopping experience. Visit the Iranian Souk to browse carpets, spices, and household goods in a traditional market setting. For modern retail, head to City Centre Ajman, the emirate's largest mall. Here you'll find international brands and a variety of dining options.
Tasting Local Cuisine
You can taste Ajman's coastal and Bedouin influences in its local dishes. Try harees, a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat, or machboos, spiced rice with meat. For dessert, sample luqaimat, sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup. Many restaurants along the Corniche serve fresh seafood with views of the Persian Gulf.
Getting Around Ajman
Ajman's small size makes it easy to navigate. Taxis are readily available and provide a convenient way to get around. The emirate also has a bus system connecting major areas. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car and use the well-maintained roads.
Visiting Ajman's Enclaves
Ajman includes two inland enclaves worth exploring. Manama, about 60 kilometers east of Ajman city, is known for its agricultural lands and historic fort. Masfout, in the Hajar Mountains near the Oman border, offers a cooler climate and hiking opportunities. These areas contrast sharply with the coastal region, giving you a different perspective on the emirate.
Uncovering History at Ajman Museum
Step into the 18th-century fort that houses the Ajman Museum to discover the emirate's past. Once home to Ajman's ruling family and later a police station, the fort now displays artifacts that tell Ajman's story. You can examine ancient manuscripts, traditional weapons, and walk through reconstructions of historical rooms. The exhibits cover topics from Bedouin life to pearl diving, giving you a comprehensive look at local history.
