One of the 7 Emirates of the UAE, Ajman is famous for its exceptional hospitality, natural sceneries and sincere generosity. More than beaches or hospitality offerings, it is the genuine friendly nature of people of Ajman that defines the Emirate true sense of place.
Located just 40 kilometers from Dubai, Ajman makes a great day trip location. Besides Ajman city, the Emirate also calls itself home to a couple of small inland enclaves in the UAE – Al Manama to the east of Ajman and Masfout, located to the south near Hatta.
Ajman is the smallest Emirate in the UAE. It is a breathtaking and soothing escape from the rising summer temperatures and chaotic urban life. The gorgeous beaches are perfect to take a dip or soak up some sun and the remote locations are nothing but paradise for hikers.
Top places to explore in Ajman
Ajman City
Ajman City is a laidback area full of sunshine and friendly locals. From museums and malls to beaches and mangroves, Ajman City offers the perfect mix of tourist attractions. More than 90% of the population calls this place their cosy home.
1. Al Zorah Nature Reserve
Al Zorah Nature Reserve in Ajman City is a haven for birds and marine life. Imagine a vibrant ecosystem made up of mangroves, sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons. You can find nearly 58 species of birds, including pink flamingo and heron.
Located to the north of Ajman City and linked to Al Itihad Road, Al Zorah Nature Reserve is part of the Al Zorah community. The best method to explore the mangroves is by kayak. Golfers can also enjoy at the 18-hole Championship golf course at Al Zorah Golf Club.
2. Al Zorah Golf Club
Set among natural mangroves, Al Zorah Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience. Its spectacular 18-hole course has a constantly changing tidal system that doesn’t let the experience be the same all year round.
Directly linked to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, getting to the golf club in Ajman City is quite seamless. Al Zorah Golf Club sits at the heart of the Al Zorah community – a place that is eventually going to include 4 marinas, 2 beachfront hotels and residential villas.
3. Ajman Stud
Founded in 2002, Ajman Arabian Horse Stud is home to some of the finest Arabian steeds. Located around 30 km east of Ajman City, this place is built in the traditional arabic style featuring lush landscaped gardens and surrounded by desert dunes.
The Arabian horse is the oldest purebred in the planet. Ajman Stud helps people explore first-hand the local passion for the legendary animal. It has also noted sizeable success at international competitions across the globe.
4. Fish Market
Fishing is a deep part of local culture. Therefore, exploring a fish market is one of the top things to do in Ajman and the broader UAE. The bustling Fish Market in Ajman City offers a delicious insight into daily Emirati life.
This fish market in Ajman has a huge array of fresh fish and seafood for sale. It is really popular among tourists and residents alike. You can haggle to get the best prices. There is also the opportunity to get your fish fillets, spiced and grilled on the spot.
5. Ajman Marina
Ajman Marina features a 1.5-kilometre-long esplanade that is popular among joggers, cyclists and families. Getting to the Marina is quite easy. Simply head to the end of the Corniche near the Kempinski Hotel Ajman and the Marina is at a short distance.
There are a number of cafes and restaurants at Ajman Marina. Don’t miss Salt, a prominent burger van, and an alfresco seating area featuring umbrella-shaded tables. There is a planned Yacht club that is going to one day attract yachties and game fishermen.
6. Corniche
Looking for the best method to enjoy Ajman’s beautiful shoreline. Head to the Corniche for a leisurely stroll. Full of cafes and casual restaurants, the Corniche is a 4-kilometre-long esplanade that sees much of Ajman’s social activities and events.
The Corniche road stretches from the roundabout just after Coral Beach Resort Sharjah to the 5-star Kempinski Hotel Ajman. You can soak up some much-needed Vitamin D or go for a dip in the sheltered tidal pool. Isn’t that amazing?
7. Ajman Museum
Ajman Museum is one of the most visited historical attractions in the Emirate. It illustrates life as it used to be once. There is a fascinating collection of artefacts housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century fort.
The exhibits at Ajman Museum offer a compelling glimpse of the Emirate’s past, from centuries-old manuscripts to ingenious irrigation systems. The museum opens from Saturday to Thursday (8 am to 8 pm) and on Friday (2:30 pm to 8 pm).
8. Ajman City Centre Mall
Shopping in Dubai is an experience. Tens of thousands of people come to the Emirate for the sake of shopping only. But there are plenty of other places across the UAE that see a great number of shoppers, such as Ajman City.
Opened in 1998, Ajman City Centre Mall is more than just for shopping. It is an entertainment destination, featuring restaurants, cinemas and family-friendly activities. There are more than 60 stores, from local fashion shops to international chains.
9. Al Zorah – Marina 1
Marina 1 is part of the 4 built marinas. It is constructed along the creek and offers great scenery of the thick, natural mangroves of Ajman. The creek is going to be home to a recreational park, multiple F&B outlets, retail facilities and entertainment spaces.
Al Zorah in Ajman has a beautiful beach, golf course, Marina, kayaking, thrilling adventures, restaurants, cafes, play areas and a petting zoo. Marina 1 is one of the best destinations to visit in Al Zorah, accompanied by unparalleled scenery and luxury.
Al Manama
Al Manama is located at a distance of 60 minutes from Ajman City. This place is famous among tourists and residents for its pleasant scenery, honey and historic fortresses. The tranquil Al Manama is located in the plains at the foothills of the Hajar Mountains.
1. Al Manama Museum
Housed in a fort, Al Manama Museum shines light on the region’s heritage, traditional architecture and crafts. There are 7 large rooms exhibiting a great collection of arms and ammunition, Bedouin ornaments and handicrafts.
The 20th-century fort is surrounded by palm trees, irrigated by the old falaj system. It takes less than an hour to reach Al Manama from Ajman City, if one takes the Al Dhaid Road (E88). There are plenty of transportation options to reach the museum.
2. Hassa Buweid Castle
The late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi built Hassa Buweid Castle as a fortress in 1976. Set on a hilltop overlooking the plains of Manama, the castle’s architecture is similar to others found in across the country, although it is less than 50 years old.
Come to Hassa Buweid Castle for the historic fortress and its traditional architecture. In order to reach Al Manama, take Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street and continue on Emirates Road (E611), then go along the E88 to Manama.
Masfout
Located at a distance of 90 minutes from Ajman City, the tiny landlocked Masfout is cradled by the majestic Hajar Mountains. Famous for its fertile agricultural land and high-quality marble, Masfout is surrounded by Ras al Khaimah, Hatta and Oman.
1. Bin Sultan Mosque
Constructed in 1815, Masfout’s Bin Sultan Mosque is the oldest mosque in Ajman and a historic hidden gem in the Emirate. Like many traditional Emirati structures, this mosque has also been built using materials accessible locally.
One of the main highlights of this place is its traditional architecture. Bin Sultan Mosque has been made from clay and plaster. Masfout lies 120 km southeast of Ajman City and archaeological findings in this area can go back 5,000 years.
2. Masfout Castle
Perched on a mountaintop, the beautiful Masfout Castle used to be the first line of defence against bandits heading to neighbouring Oman. Built from stones, mud and local timber, the castle consists of a couple of rooms and a gate.
Masfout Castle is located on the northern edge of Masfout. Take Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street out of Ajman City, turn right onto Emirates Road and then go along the Sharjah-Kalba Road to Masfout.
3. Masfout Museum
Ready to explore a timeless journey spanning more than 5,000 years, from pre-historic era including the Stone, the Bronze and the Iron ages to the formation of the UAE? Masfout Museum is the right place to do all of it.
Masfout Museum has a lot of information about the history of the landlocked paradise, old photos, archaeological findings and more recent traditional tools. It is also one of the most prominent museums in the UAE.
4. Masfout Gate
Masfout Gate is the main entrance to the appealing Masfout, nestledmajestic Hajar Mountains. Commissioned by the Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid in 1961, Masfout Gate has a couple of stone pillars connected by a sign.
This local monument is a big hit among tourists coming to explore Masfout. Thanks to its craggy mountain backdrop and cooler temperatures than many other places in the UAE, Masfout attracts local families and hikers in great numbers all year round.
Getting to Ajman from Dubai guide
The beautiful Emirate of Ajman is located just 40 km from Dubai. You can book a Careem ride to get to the destination seamlessly. There are multiple other taxi options and renting a car is also possible, thanks to the multiple companies offering the service.
Let’s understand the Dubai to Ajman bus route. You can take the E400 Dubai to Ajman bus from Union Square Bus Station and alight at Al Musallah Bus Station in Ajman. The ticket costs Dh15. You can use nol Card as cash is not accepted.
The E411 bus route is also a prominent option. It starts from Etisalat Bus Station and reaches Al Musallah Bus Station. The fare comes around Dh12 and nol card is the recommended payment mode. Both these routes complete the journey in 50 to 60 minutes.
Planning a trip to Ajman from across the globe
Ajman is located close to 5 international airports in the UAE, including Dubai, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah. The proximity to these major airports makes it incredibly easy for international tourists to explore the Emirate.
Ajman is located a mere 15 minutes from Sharjah International and just 30 minutes from Dubai International – one of the busiest airports globally. If the flight doesn’t land at Ajman airport, there is a good chance of it connecting to DXB.
Most hotels and travel agencies offer airport transfer options. Taxi rides from Sharjah to Ajman and Dubai to Ajman are a popular mode of transportation. They are also reasonably priced as fares are regulated according to a standard meter.
Flights from Delhi to Ajman take about 4 hours. It is about 5 hours from China and Russia, 7 hours from London and 16 hours from Australia. Visa requirements to the UAE depend on the country of origin and regulations are subject to change.
GCC nationals do not need a visa to enter the UAE. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Portugal, South Korea, Monaco, Malaysia, Vatican City, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, the UK and the US get a visit visa on arrival, among other countries.
Top things to do and not do in Ajman
Ajman and the broader UAE is an exciting destination for tourists across the globe. This Gulf state is famous for being tolerant of other cultures and customs. But it is important to be respectful and be mindful of some things.
1. Ajman is described as a modern Emirate rooted in traditional values. Most of the attires are generally acceptable but it is recommended to dress modestly in public places and malls. Those visiting mosques are requested to be mindful of the dress code.
2. Ajman is beautiful. The Emirate has a breathtaking landscape that is going to make almost all photographers enthusiastic about clicking their best pictures. Visitors can take pictures and film in public as long as it does not harm the privacy of others.
3. Visitors should bear in mind that inappropriate gestures are not just considered impolite but can also lead to strict legal action. Public display of affection is considered indecent in Ajman and not permitted.
1 AED
