Ajman Museum
18th-century fort turned museum, manuscripts, weapons and traditional life displays.
04 / 07 · The Compact Coastal Gem
Ajman عجمان
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates by mainland area, a relaxed coastal emirate just 30 minutes from Dubai.
Relaxed beachesdhow yardAl Zorah mangrovesMasfout mountainsaffordable living
Now in Ajman32°CMostly clear · 27° / 35° · 59% humidity
About
The emirate
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates by mainland area, a relaxed coastal emirate just 30 minutes from Dubai.
Beyond the city, Ajman controls two inland exclaves: Manama (agricultural) and Masfout, a mountain enclave in the Hajar range popular for hiking.
The emirate blends a historic dhow-building tradition with a fast-growing economy of SMEs, manufacturing and affordable free zones.
Key facts
At a glance
- Capital
- Ajman City (exclaves: Manama & Masfout)
- Ruler
- HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi
- Area
- 259 km²
- Population
- ≈ 550,000
- Coastline
- Arabian Gulf
- Joined the union
- 2 December 1971
- Government portal
- ajman.ae
- Utilities
- Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), 800 3392
- Known for
- Corniche, dhow yard, Al Zorah mangroves, affordable living
- Exclaves
- Manama & Masfout (Hajar mountains)
- Distance to Dubai
- ≈ 30 km / 40 minutes
- Average rent (2BR apt)
- AED 25,000-45,000/year, among the cheapest in the UAE
- Utilities provider
- Etihad Water & Electricity (Etihad WE), 800 3392
- Health insurance
- Mandatory, employer or private plans
- Popular residential areas
- Corniche, Al Nuaimiya, Al Rashidiya, Al Jurf, Al Rawda
- Commute note
- Popular base for Sharjah & Dubai workers seeking low rents
Places
What to see
Landmarks, heritage, nature and days out in Ajman.
Ajman Corniche
Long sandy promenade with cafés and family beaches, the emirate's social heart.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve
One million m² of mangroves with 60+ bird species including flamingos; kayaking and a championship golf course.
Ajman Dhow Yard
One of the world's largest active dhow-building yards, wooden boats still crafted by hand.
Masfout
Mountain enclave 110 km inland, hiking trails, wadis and the Masfout Castle viewpoint.
Ajman Marina & Al Tallah
Waterfront dining and promenades on the marina canal.
Manama
Agricultural exclave with farms and the historic Al Nour Mosque area en route to Masfout.
Directory
Who to call in Ajman
Emirate-level services. Nationwide numbers such as 999 work everywhere.
Emergency number 4
Online portal / app 4
Hospital 6
Sheikh Khalifa Hospital AjmanPublic (EHS), main government hospital
Thumbay Hospital AjmanPrivate, academic hospital of Gulf Medical University
Amina HospitalPrivate multi-specialty
GMC Hospital AjmanPrivate
Saudi German Hospital AjmanPrivate
Ajman Specialty General HospitalPrivate
School 6
Ajman AcademyIB / British curriculum
British International School AjmanBritish curriculum
The Bloomington AcademyBritish curriculum
City American SchoolAmerican curriculum
International Indian School AjmanIndian CBSE
Ajman Modern School / Omar bin Al Khattab Pakistan SchoolCommunity schools
University 3
Ajman UniversityPrivate university, founded 1988, first private university in the GCC to accept expats
Gulf Medical UniversityMedical & health sciences
City University College of AjmanBusiness, law & media
Court / legal 2
Ajman Judicial Department, CourtsCivil, criminal, personal status & notary public
Ajman Rental Disputes CommitteeTenancy matters (contracts attested by Municipality)
Transport 4
Ajman Transport Authority busesCity routes & intercity · Masaar card
Ajman taxisMetered, 600 599 997 booking line
IntercityE400 to Dubai (Union), frequent Sharjah connections
Careem & UberAvailable in the emirate
Free zone 3
Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)SME trading, e-commerce, services, among the cheapest UAE packages
Ajman Media City Free ZoneMedia, marketing & creative freelancers
Ajman China Mall / industrial areasRetail & manufacturing clusters
