Only 30 minutes’ drive from Dubai, the emirate of Ajman promises an enriching and brilliantly diverse experience, combining old-world charm, rich history and contemporary elegance with first-class Emirati hospitality.
Visitors can explore Ajman by day, with forts, mountains and valleys as a backdrop – or just relax on its beautiful beaches. At night, music, entertainment and cuisine are all waiting to be discovered.
There’s something for every type of client.
#1 Families and adventure
Quest for Adventure offers innovative guide-led kayak or canoe tours around the mangrove forest, creeks and lagoons, while visitors to the Watersports Centre can choose from jet skiing, water skiing, flyboarding, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, banana boat rides, boat and fishing trips, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and sailing.
The Al Zorah nature reserve is a tidal lagoon, or ‘khor’ – an inland creek – that extends over 2sq.km of biologically and ecologically rich wetland.
An abra, a traditional Arabian boat built out of wood, is a great way to explore the waters of the mangrove forest and other picturesque locations between Al Zorah and Ajman Creek.
Ajman’s floating water park, Aqua Bounce, at Fairmont Ajman, is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Most beach resorts offer great watersport facilities including windsurfing, jet skiing and kayaking.
#2 Shopping
The Gold Souk sells gold and silver design pieces by weight, and often negotiable based on the level of workmanship.
Souk Saleh is an atmospheric Arabian-style market for traditional clothing, Moroccan-inspired dresses and tunics and pashminas. Haggling is the norm and the area is alive and vibrant in the evening when the souk is filled with locals.
#3 Golf
Al Zorah Golf Club is a world-class, par-72 course that’s been designed by Nicklaus Design in keeping with the natural environment.
#4 Spas
Zoya Wellbeing is at the highest point of the Ajman golf course, while the Al Zorah Spa at Oberoi Beach Resort (pictured) is nestled away near mangrove forests on a pristine length of white sand beach, with discreet treatment rooms with open-air showers and private hammams. Bahi Ajman Palace, Fairmont Ajman and Wyndham Garden Hotel are among other hotels that have specialist spa treatments.
#5 Beach
Ajman’s coastline remains comparatively undeveloped, making it the perfect destination for a relaxed beach holiday. But there is still plenty in the way of facilities and services, including fast food restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as larger more traditional restaurants.
A tidal pool provides a sheltered area for swimming and many of the hotels open up to their own private beaches.
The Ajman Corniche is a popular place to visit.
#6 History
The Ajman Museum is the largest heritage museum in the UAE and houses a fascinating collection of artefacts and archaeological discoveries, such as centuries-old manuscripts, weaponry and pottery. In the courtyard, there are replicas of traditional wells, irrigation systems and wooden dhows.
The museum is housed in a fort that dates back to around 1775.
The Ajman Pearl Journey takes visitors on a voyage along the history of the pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf region, explaining how the emirate’s forefathers spent hours diving under water to collect thousands of oysters in the hope of finding a single pearl.
Ajman Tourism recently appointed Emotive Travel Marketing (ETM) as its representative office for the UK and Ireland.
ETM Account Director Mary Murphy is working with tour operators and travel agents to showcase the destination’s attractions, including organising virtual roadshows.
