Ajman, United Arab Emirates – a colorful little emirate. Until recently, it was practically not remembered, but recently the rest in this place is becoming more popular.
General information
Ajman is the center of the Emirate of the same name, which became part of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. It borders Umm al-Qaywain to the north and east, and Sharjah to the west and south. The 10-kilometer resort area of this city stretches along the Persian Gulf, and the business, historical and administrative districts are concentrated around the picturesque Khor Ajjan.
Ajman is the smallest, calmest and perhaps the most modest of all 7 emirates. Its area is only 259 km2 (for comparison, the area of Lviv is 1492 km), and the population slightly exceeds 500 thousand people. However, neither its small size nor the title of “the poorest emirate” (this is by Arab standards) prevented it from becoming a favorite holiday destination for many European tourists.
The main distinguishing feature of this town is not only the nature, but also the almost homely atmosphere. Unlike large megacities, it is customary to just walk around the city. As the evening progresses, locals take a boardwalk along Arabian Gulf St or head to the waterfront to enjoy the long-awaited coolness and enjoy a delicious, flavorful barbecue. Ajman is also the only emirate that does not have a “dry law”. In the Hole in wall store, located near the Ajman Beach Hotel, you can easily buy any drink you want. But it is strictly forbidden to take alcohol out of the town.
Currently, the Emirate of Ajman is the only place that does not have its own oil fields. Perhaps that is why it is in the shadow of larger megacities. But it is known for its unique mineral springs and active shipbuilding. Thanks to these features, the city provides drinking water to all nearby countries, and its light single-masted dhow boats and Arab sailboats made using ancient technologies are known all over the world.
Ajman is always looking to develop and contribute to the economy, for example, through the Ajman City Center shopping complex, a free zone and several different types of hotels, such as Kempinski. This also applies to educational institutions, as they house the Ajman Gulf Medical College, Ajman University College of Science and Technology, etc.
Foreigners who come to the UAE and work in different cities, including Dubai, prefer to live in Ajman because of the low rent.
Ajman Holidays
Ajman combines 2 very important points. This is a well-developed tourist infrastructure, including high-class hotels and a well-equipped resort area, and the old quarters with their traditional Arabic flavor and famous Oriental hospitality. This is what makes your holiday in Ajman so diverse and exciting. In addition to the classic beach activities available to tourists almost all year round, here you can go surfing, water skiing, motorcycle racing and scuba diving.
For those who appreciate an unusual holiday, we recommend looking at the famous camel race, which has received the title of a national sport. The Al Tallah Camel Racecourse, where these competitions are held, runs in the desert near the airport of the Emirate of Sharjah. The competition itself involves several hundred camels racing at a speed of 23 km / h. The price of some of them reaches $1 million. Interestingly, the riders here were replaced by special devices that provide remote control of humpback runners. The festival is held in winter – usually in February.
The main means of transportation (both in the city and within the UAE) is Ajman taxi. The approximate price of services is 80 dirhams. If desired, you can use the services of a “group taxi” or rent a suitable car.
Accommodation
In the Emirate of Ajman, you can find a huge selection of housing for every taste and budget. The average cost of a 2-person vacation looks something like this:
- 3-4* hotel — from 200 to 350 AED per day;
- 4* hotel — from 350 to 700 AED per day;
- 5* hotel — from 600 to 1200 AED per day;
Among the most popular tourist hotels can be safely attributed:
- Ajman Kempinski is a legendary 5* hotel located at the entrance to the port. It is a beautiful 8-storey building, decorated in a traditional Muslim style and characterized by the highest level of service;
- “Fairmont Ajman” is a 5* hotel built on the first coastline. It offers guests a large infinity pool, as well as a wide range of signature treatments and water sports. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property;
- Radisson Blu Hotel is a comfortable 4* hotel located in the heart of the city. The total number of rooms is 148 apartments, which offer a wonderful panorama of the city or the pool. It offers a private beach, a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, as well as numerous entertainment options.;
- “Ewan Grand Resort — is a popular 3* hotel, the main feature of which is express check-in and check-out. It has a private garden and sun terrace. Some units also have a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and oven.
Food
The city of Ajman in the UAE boasts not only a pleasant stay, but also numerous establishments offering both traditional and European cuisine. Among them, you can mention the restaurant “Shisha And Manoushe Cafe”, which offers a wonderful panorama of the sea,” La Croissette Cafe”, which is considered a good place for breakfast, as well as” India House”, a vegetarian center. Fast food fans should definitely check out the Sanad Winner Cafeteria, and cocktail lovers should check out the Al Masa bar near the mosque.
As for the cost:
- lunch or dinner for two in a mid-level establishment will cost 140 AED.,
- in an inexpensive restaurant – at 30 AED per person,
- in a fast food restaurant – at 25-35 AED.
The cost of a meal depends not only on the level of the restaurant, but also on its location. So, if you want to save money, go to the outskirts of Ajman-the service there is no worse, but the prices are minimal.
What to see?
Despite the fact that Ajman UAE photos adorn all tourist avenues, there is almost nothing to see here. But we still managed to find you a couple of the most important city attractions.
Museum
The National Historical Museum, opened in 1981 in the building of an ancient fort, is the main attraction of the Emirate of Ajman. Its numerous halls feature unique archaeological, historical and ethnographic expositions.
Among them, special attention should be paid to collections of jewelry belonging to the first rulers of the emirate, manuscripts of past years and goods made by ancient artisans. There is also a collection of ancient weapons and its own wax hall, which reproduces the life of local residents. Models and exhibits of the museum accurately recreate the atmosphere of past years and clearly demonstrate the changes that have occurred during this time.
In the courtyard of the complex, you can see long-standing fire trucks, dhow boats, palm shacks and a wind tower used as a fan.
- Address: Museum roundabout, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
- Opening hours: Sun. – Thu – – from eight in the morning to one in the afternoon and from five to eight in the evening; Fri – – from five to eight in the evening.
- Admission fee: adult ticket – 5 AED, children’s and student tickets – 3 AED.
Square watchtower
The square watchtower is not only the most beautiful, but also the oldest landmark of the emirate. Having experienced many different challenges in her lifetime, she was able not only to survive in an unequal struggle with time, but even to preserve her original appearance. The tower is located on the shore of the Persian Gulf, so this holiday destination can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.
Address: Al Murabbaa Watchtower, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The snow-white mosque, decorated with 4 exquisite minarets and a rich dome, was built in honor of Zayed Sultan Bin Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE and the first ruler of the country. The building is distinguished by its strict outlines and unusual decor made of carved stone in a delicate beige shade. It looks very nice!
Location: Corner of Al Ittikhed Street and University St., Ajman, UAE.
Fish Market
Looking through the photos of Ajman city, you will probably notice a fish market located 2 km from the beach line. In this bustling exotic corner, you can not only buy, but also try numerous marine life-crabs, shrimp, eels, rays and even sharks. Yes, if desired, they can be prepared right on the spot! Life here is just bursting – and from early morning until sunset. Another reason to visit the famous Ajman fishmarket is the unique opportunity to interact with local residents and bargain with clever merchants. In addition to fish, they sell fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat and fresh juices from coconuts and sugar cane.
Only dirhams and cash are accepted on the market. Dollars are taken very rarely and at a very unfavorable rate, so do not forget to stock up on local currency.
- Address: Rashideya 1, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Next to the Adnoc service station is Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street.
- Opening hours: from 7.00 to 22.00 daily.
Other popular places to stay in Ajman include the Opera House, City Park, mineral springs, exhibition center and Bingo Club.
Beach
The main pride of the Emirate is its beaches – long, wide, with fine white sand and clear azure waves. The best of them are at the disposal of hotels built along the coastline, so outsiders need to pay for admission. Such zones are equipped with fixed umbrellas, rattan sun beds, soft mattresses, gazebos and light canopies.
Most of the city’s (municipal) beaches are located on the outskirts of the city. Palm trees separate them from the city highway. They are worse equipped and I clean less efficiently, but rescuers are working.
Not only tourists, but also local residents have a rest on municipal beaches, so visitors should carefully monitor their behavior. So, for trying to capture a girl dressed in a Muslim swimsuit on camera, they can not just be fined, but even expelled from the country altogether. In general, you should be careful with photos in Ajman – not everyone likes it. By the way, we will tell you about the rules of behavior in the UAE here, read them before traveling.
It is also worth noting that on some days only women and children under the age of 10 can enter municipal recreation areas. You can check the exact schedule right on the spot.
Climate and weather
Ajman is always warm, sunny and very dry. In summer, the air heats up to +40°C, water-up to +32°C. The holiday season starts in September and lasts until the end of May. At this time, it is comfortable here, there is no sultry heat – the air temperature is from +23°C to +30°C. Rain is very rare – in winter and early spring in minimal quantities.
How and how to get to Ajman?
This emirate does not have its own airport. Most domestic tourists come here from neighboring Sharjah or futuristic Dubai, which are connected to most Russian cities by direct flights. Ajman is just over 25 km from Dubai, while Sharjah is even closer – just 17 km away. There are several modes of transport from the airport to the city center.
Hotel buses
They meet guests near the airport and deliver them to the hotel-very quickly and conveniently.
Regular buses
Regular buses run only to the city bus station. To get to the hotel, you will have to change to another type of transport (most often a taxi). You need to pay 15-25 AED for the trip.
Taxi
Ajman taxi stands are located close to the terminals. It is better to find out the fare in advance – even before you get in the car. A trip from Dubai to Ajman will cost 240-300 AED, from Sharjah – 130-180. To save money, find fellow travelers and use the services of a “group or private taxi” that can accommodate 4 people with luggage.
Metro
The exit to the metro stations is located at terminals 1 and 2. From there, you need to get to Union station and change to a bus that runs every 30 minutes. Last flight – 22.00. The cost of such a trip is 15 AED.
Rented car
Each airport has a car rental service. The cost of this service starts from 100 AED / day. Gasoline is inexpensive here – 2.5 AED/liter.
As you can see, Ajman in the UAE is a haven for those who are tired of the busy rhythm of life and want to enjoy the silence, the measured rustle of palm trees and a pleasant sea holiday.
