Ajman

Ajman – is the smallest fifth Emirate among the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates lies on the Arabian Gulf Coast with its beach extending 16 kms along with the northern emirates. Ajman located near such cities as Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Estimated area is 460 square kilometres, in area, including the regional waters, which is about 600 square kms.

Population

The population of Ajman is 262,186 towards end of 2011, said statistics from Ajman Executive Council Show. Expatriates account for more than 80% of total population. The ruler of Ajman is Sheikh Humayd Bin Rashid Al Nuʿaymi. The residents of Ajman are those of the residents from the other emirates, originally Arabs belonging to tribes of known pedigrees. They are nicknamed by the names of those tribes and their bellies and thighs. The Ajman people it’s a combination of Al Naeem (with their branches from Al Bu Khreeban, Al Qeratiseh, Al Hmeerat and Al Budhneen) and Al Bumheer, Al Mezaree, Al Metareesh, Al Meethat, Al Shewamis, Al Ali and Al Soodan and others in addition to those who have come to it during successive periods of time to settle in it as their homeland and to attain their sustenance from the sea by diving in search for the pearl and from building ships and fishing.

Attractions

Ajman holds plenty of promises to tourists, owing to varied features of economic development currently prevailing in the Emirates. Ajman is witnessing considerable growth and development, just like in the rest of the UAE, and therefore, tourist attractions and activities, including shopping, cultural and shopping opportunities are growing rapidly. Ajman combines both an ancient heritage extends through long years of the Emirates’ history and a present hankering after attaining the most developed and modern images of development. The naturally formed creek diffuses the inland and remains a major focal point in the city. The charming, wide avenues and clean lines note the increasing economic success of Ajman.

Ajman encompasses some interesting attractions and sites for tourists and it is perhaps best known for its cultural attractions. One of the main attractions in Ajman is the long expanse of powdery white sand beach, the old waterfront area, Beach Rock Road, stretching for almost 20 miles and situated along the Persian Gulf Coast. The beaches in Ajman have always been the traditional tourist attraction spots, as the climate of Ajman is apt for beach life.

Ajman Museum

Ajman Museum, which opened in 1981, is set in an eighteenth-century fort, this was one of the tourist attractions in the city, and one of the most historical forts spread across the country. The Museum, which was once a Ruler’s palace, could be the right place to view the inheritances of various civilizations, representing the history of the Emirate, and the area in general. Various ways of living in the past can be known through archeological acquisitions, historical documents and tools that were in use during the past.

Ajman Fort

Ajman Fort was built in the late 18th century but, was shelled by the British war ships in 1820. It was built with local materials such as coral stones of the sea and gypsum, while special tree trunks brought from East Africa has been used for the ceiling. Later, the Fort was restored during the 19th and 20th centuries. It was the residence of the Ruling families in the past. There is a huge arch built on two stands on top of its large gates, made of honey-colored sandstones. It has been described as one of the most beautiful citadels in Ajman.

Emirates City

Emirates City – is one of the popular projects in Ajman. Emirates City is a residential and commercial development (almost the size of a small town), built in the Emirate of Ajman, which is located on the Emirates Road, began as a small project, but, now has more than hundred buildings, several shopping malls and best hotels. It is located in proximity to Al Ameera Village and is just 20 minutes away from Dubai and Sharjah International Airports.

The towers in the Emirates City is located amidst lakes and green parks, comprises Mosques, Shopping Districts, five-star restaurants, educational and medical amenities.

The Dhow Yard

The Dhow Yard – is one of the most active boatbuilding yards in the country. Here, visitors get to see the dhows being built in a traditional manner. There are also modern speedboats being built here, to compete in the Dubai Speed Boat Races. The Ajman Dhow Yard is the world’s largest boat building yard and the biggest dhow-building center. Located along the northern end of the creek, it can house more than 30 boats at a time. Several of these are built with fiberglass, rather than wood.

Shopping

Shopping is a popular activity in Ajman, as there are both, the modern malls with designer and luxury items, offering all commodities, otherwise available in the shopping malls elsewhere in the UAE, and there are the traditional shops selling local products too.

Ajman also has various eateries ranging from western fast food outlets, to high-class restaurants and traditional cafe and street vendors. Although Ajman is a Muslim state, alcohol can be purchased in hotels and restaurants only. This is the norm in the UAE.

In a bid to increase lacking tourism, Ajman developed one of the five star UAE resorts comprising a large hotel complex and shopping center such as Ajman City Centre shopping complex. Ajman is also a home to more than fifty local and international retail shops catering to a variety of tastes. Banks, commercial souks, the Ruler’s office and a number of private companies also line the streets, marking the city’s growing economic significance and bid to become completely independent.

Ajman Seaport

Ajman is essentially a port city for shopping and dining. The small city maintains a certain charm the other emirates lack, mostly due to its small size, which creates a more intimate feel than many of the large, bustling cities. With the increase of ships movement and trading exchange through Ajman seaport which houses the greatest ship maintenance workshop, the mind’s eye is infallible, Ajman orientation towards concluding a comprehensive development in all the fields, which the region has not yet seen before.

Agricultural

The Emirate is composed of three regions: the town of Ajman, which includes the commercial district; Masfout an agricultural area in the southeastern mountainous portion of the Emirate; and Al Menameh, which is known as a rich agricultural area providing much of the local produce found throughout the region. Masfout is noted for its vibrant marble and is bordered by the Hajar Mountains creating a picturesque backdrop.