Ajman, United Arab Emirates: travel guide
Small emirate with a corniche, a fort museum and a working dhow yard
The UAE's smallest emirate packs in a fine corniche, a fascinating fort-turned-museum and an authentically local vibe most tourists skip.
About Ajman
Ajman is the smallest of the UAE's emirates, a compact coastal strip that sits right beside Sharjah and a short drive from Dubai. It has a low-key, local feel, with a long Corniche beach and a handful of sights that most visitors to the Gulf skip.
The Ajman Museum is housed in an old fort and covers the emirate's past, and nearby the Al Murabbaa watchtower is another reminder of older times. Down at the water, the dhow yard shows wooden boats still being built by hand, and Al Zorah Nature Reserve has mangroves and birdlife.
Ajman suits travellers who want a quiet Gulf beach and a taste of heritage without the scale of its neighbours, often combined with a Dubai or Sharjah stay. The cooler months, November to March, are the most comfortable.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Nearest airport
- SHJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ajman
Ajman Museum
fort museum · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Ajman's 18th-century Al Husn Fort — one of the UAE's oldest and best-preserved forts, built from coral stone and gypsum. Museum covers Bronze Age to independence: traditional weaponry, Bedouin silver jewellery, falconry equipment and…
City Centre Ajman
Market · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Large air-conditioned shopping mall with international retail, a hypermarket, cinema and family dining.
Ajman Corniche Beach
public beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A clean, uncrowded 4 km public beach with authentic local atmosphere. The Ajman Creek hosts the UAE's last active traditional dhow-building yard where craftsmen still build large wooden vessels by hand using centuries-old techniques.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Protected mangrove wetland and lagoon home to flamingos and herons, explored by kayak or guided boat.
Ajman Fish Market (Souk Al Bahar)
Market · 4.4 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Working fish market and souk on Ajman Corniche where fresh catch is auctioned each morning.
Al Murabbaa Watchtower
Fort · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Restored square defensive watchtower in old Ajman, a landmark of the emirate's traditional architecture.
Ajman Dhow Yard
Heritage · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the last traditional shipyards in the Gulf, where wooden dhows are still hand-built along the creek.
Things to do
- Al Zorah Mangrove Kayak Tour Adventure · 2 h · from AED 140 per person
- Ajman Beach Watersports Adventure · 1 h · from AED 180 per person
Where to stay in Ajman
- Ajman Corniche about AED 450 per night
Best Ajman base — beach corniche with Ajman Saray (luxury) and mid-range options. Uncrowded beaches, lower prices than Dubai, authentic Northern Emirates vibe. 30 min to Dubai Airport.
Hotels
- Ajman Saray, A Luxury Collection Resort 5-star · AED 600 to AED 2,200 per night
- Kempinski Hotel Ajman 5-star · AED 550 to AED 1,200 per night
- Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche 4-star · AED 280 to AED 480 per night
- Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman 4-star · AED 200 to AED 480 per night
Where to eat
- Corniche Fish Restaurant seafood, emirati · about AED 60 per person
- Al Madina Restaurant pakistani, indian · about AED 35 per person
- Sofitel Ajman Beach Restaurant european, mediterranean, international · about AED 200 per person
- Sammach Restaurant Ajman Seafood · about AED 120 per person
- Vasco's Ajman International · about AED 200 per person
- Bait El Khetyar Ajman Syrian, Middle Eastern · about AED 60 per person
Getting to Ajman
Airport: Ajman (SHJ)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Dhow Tour Bait-and-Switch
Ajman harbour area
Visitors are quoted a low price for a harbour dhow tour but on return find additional "fuel charges", "guide fees" and "tip requests" that triple the original price. Boats may be in poor condition.
How to avoid it: Agree on the complete, all-inclusive price in writing (or take a clear photo of the agreed price) before boarding. Use hotels or established tour operators to book water tours.
More in United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions about Ajman
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ajman?
- The highest-rated places in our Ajman guide are Ajman Museum, City Centre Ajman, Ajman Corniche Beach, Al Murabbaa Watchtower, Al Zorah Nature Reserve.
- Where should I stay in Ajman?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ajman: Ajman Corniche.
- How do I get around Ajman?
- Ways to get around Ajman covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Ajman?
- Scams reported to us for Ajman include Dhow Tour Bait-and-Switch. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Ajman?
- The nearest airport to Ajman has the code SHJ.