Ajman is the smallest of all emirates in the UAE. Located centrally along the western coast of the UAE, Ajman lies on the Gulf Coast, with its beach extending 16kms. Ajman is just about 460 Sq. Km., in area, including the regional waters, which is about 600 Sq. Kms. Ajman City is the capital of the emirate, and is located at a small creek of 16 Km in length along the North Eastern part of Sharjah.
Economy of Ajman
The Ajman economy has been largely dependent on fishing and trade. However, the trend of general economic development in the UAE has caught up with Ajman, too. The emirate has drawn several commercial and industrial enterprises, given, its proximity to commercial centres of Dubai and Sharjah, and its comparatively low rentals. The prominent additions to the Ajman economy recently are the Free Zone, resort hotels, Ajman City Centre shopping complex, and a host of educational institutions.
Ajman has witnessed rapid growth recently, with several construction projects being implemented. Ajman has established itself as a major business centre, drawing investors - both local and international.
Population of Ajman
The population of Ajman is 262,186 towards end of 2011, said statistics from Ajman Executive Council Show. Expatriates account for more than 80percent of total population. Ajman is the fifth largest emirate in the UAE in terms of GDP and population. The largest Emirate is Abu Dhabi, followed by Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Major attractions in Ajman
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 National Museum
Built in the late 18th century, this was one of the main 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 Various ways of living in the past can be known through archeological acquisitions, historical documents and tools that were in use during the past.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
The Ajman Fort, believed to be 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-coloured sandstones. It has been described as one of the most beautiful citadels in Ajman.
Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque
There are several religious sites in Ajman, the most prominent of them being the Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque. The rich architecture of the Mosque is impressive. The Mosque is said to have been built for Late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, by his son and current Ruler of Ajman, Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. The Mosque is a major landmark in Ajman City.
Etisalat Tower
Ajman has experienced major construction boom in recent years. The gleaming new Etisalat Tower seems like an instant landmark within Ajman City. The tower is designed in traditional Mosque-style. The tower is topped by a large sphere, referred to as 'giant golf ball'. The tower is one of the world’s most distinctive skyscrapers.
The Emirates City
This 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. The Dh.15bn worth freehold development, 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, and comprises Mosques, Shopping Districts, five-star restaurants, educational and medical amenities.
Dhow Yard
Tourists in Ajman have always enjoyed visit to Dhow Yard. Here, visitors get to see the dhows being built in a traditional manner. There are also modern speed boats 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 centre. Located along the northern end of the creek, it can house more than 30 boats at a time. Several of these are built with fiber glass, rather than wood.
Beaches
The beaches in Ajman have always been the traditional tourist attraction spots, as the climate of Ajman is apt for beach life. The dolphins are common off the coast of Ajman, and dolphin spotting is a popular recreation with tourists and locals alike.
Shopping/dining
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 too. This is the norm in the UAE.
