Guide to Ajman
History, Culture, & Attractions
Ajman is a diamond in the rough with white sands and local souks near Dubai, UAE.
We tell you about the most interesting tours, attractions and hotels in the city.
We share tips and ideas for an unforgettable stay.
History of Ajman
Ajman is a place of great heritage and culture.
The excavations and ancient burials, as well as the distinctive clay pottery at various archaeological sites and the Ajman Museum, are proof enough.
Nevertheless, the foundations of modern Ajman were laid by the Al Numein tribe in 1810 by establishing a permanent settlement on the Arabian Gulf coast.
For centuries, fishing and pearling were the main industries in the area. This changed after the British attack in the mid-eighteenth century. The birth of the Federation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 brought stability back to the Middle East region with the rise of seven emirates.
Ajman's main attractions
Calm and relaxed Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and is known for its scenic beauty and beautiful beaches. It's numerous types of attractions include museums, beaches, fort and shopping complexes.
Ajman is nestled in the Arabian Gulf, along the western coast of the United Arab Emirates. Its coastline stretches up to 16 kilometers.
It is a fast-growing business center. There has been a growth in trade culture and other activities here, attracting tourists in large numbers.
Let's take a look at the main attractions of the emirate.
Ajman City Center
Ajman Mall is the largest shopping mall in the emirate with almost 35,000 square meters of retail space and 10.5 million visitors every year.
It features more than 80 international and local brands, a 9-screen cinema, Magic Planet entertainment center and more than 15 restaurants in the food court.
In 2017, 30 new stores were built. Further renovations are in the plan, which will include additional levels of parking, more screens in the VOX cinemas and energy efficient design.
The mall has a huge selection of merchandise - you can buy everything you need.
Lots of tropical juicy fruits, quality soft dried fruits. Good spices, very appetizing local sweet baked goods and other goodies, nuts, honey, fish, cottage cheese, cheeses of different varieties are sold. Also, a large selection of clothes and shoes.
Ajman Beaches
Ajman's public beach is free of charge.
All conveniences are provided here: sun beds, umbrellas, gazebos, changing cabins, stores and bars with refreshments. A rescue team works on the beach, ensuring the safety of vacationers.
However, most travelers prefer to book a hotel with its own beach.
There are barbecue areas on many of them. Both locals and tourists rest here.
It is worth looking at the nearby interesting places. The ancient shipyard, where ships are created for fishing and boat trips, as well as the central pedestrian street Corniche with numerous restaurants and stores - all this will add variety to your vacation.
Traveling to Sharjah or Dubai is quick and easy. The neighboring emirates are just a short distance away. A 40-minute cab ride will take you to Dubai and 10 minutes to Sharjah.
Some hotels offer free transfers to major shopping centers and entertainment venues.
Ajman Museum
The museum is located in a fort built in 1775.
The oldest items date back to the 3rd millennium BC and were found in the Muwayhat area.
In the modern part of the exposition are objects from the 20th century. You can see: dwellings, market, traditional clothing, desert life, weapons, ships, documents and much more.
A small part of the museum is open air, the rest is in the premises of the fort.
There is a large gate protected by two cannons, two watchtowers and two wind towers. You can see historical documents and other relics reflecting the general past of the area.
Traditional daily life, as well as Emirati manuscripts and weapons are on show.
UAE Pygmy Zoo
Pygmy Zoo is not only a place to observe animals, you can learn a lot more about them here.
Some parts of the zoo are still under construction, but it is open to the public. It is a great place for families with young children.
Here children can enjoy the outdoors and learn about different types of animals, birds and reptiles. There is plenty to do in this contact zoo. You can ride camels and ponies and spend time with cute little puppies.
Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located in the central part of Ajman, near the coast.
It has the same name as the famous White Mosque in Abu Dhabi, but is an independent monument of architecture.
The mosque is located on the road towards Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after whom the mosque is named, was the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He went down in history as the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates.
The mosque is decorated with an opulent dome and four slender minarets on the sides.
It is among the major iconic sites and attractions in Ajman.
Etisalat Tower
Etisalat Tower is a symbol of the large cellular company Etisalat, whose services are used by both residents of the Emirates and tourists coming to the country.
The building has 25 floors and houses the main office of the corporation.
It is made in a very unusual rounded shape. You can recognize the tower from afar - on the roof there is a huge white golf ball, and the building itself catches the eye with its green glass finish.
Etisalat Tower was built in 1992. At that time, there was only one skyscraper with this name in the United Arab Emirates. It was the tallest building in the country.
Today the tower is lost among dozens of modern skyscrapers.
Ajman is an amazing city that is rich in history, culture and sights.
Exploring its unique architectural monuments, museums and local traditions allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past and feel the spirit of this beautiful emirate.
