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    Ajman

    United Arab Emirates

    Ajman

    CityBeachCulture

    Ajman is the capital of the smallest emirate by area, situated on the Persian Gulf north of Sharjah. At its heart is a fort, presumably built in the late 18th century, now the Ajman Museum, just a few steps from the Corniche and Souks.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. United Arab Emirates
    7. Ajman & Umm al-Qaiwain
    9. Ajman
    Ajman is the capital of the smallest emirate by area, situated on the Persian Gulf north of Sharjah. At its heart is a fort, presumably built in the late 18th century, now the Ajman Museum, just a few steps from the Corniche and Souks. On Ajman Creek is a dhow shipyard, and on the outskirts, the Al Zorah mangrove area.

    Sights in Ajman

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Ajman Museum
    Museum

    1Ajman Museum

    Likely built in the late 18th century, the fort served as the rulers' palace and today displays manuscripts, ancient weapons, and finds from the Al Muwaihat burial site, dating to around 3000 BC, plus a pearl diving section. According to Ajman Tourism, it is open Saturdays to Thursdays from 8 AM to 8 PM, and Fridays from 2:30 PM to 8 PM.
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    Dhow Shipyard Ajman
    Point of Interest

    2Dhow Shipyard Ajman

    On the north bank of Ajman Creek, opposite the fish market, craftsmen build traditional wooden dhows using age-old tools and techniques, alongside fiberglass dhows with diesel engines for boat races. There are no fixed visiting hours; get current info from Ajman Tourism.
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    Ajman Corniche
    Beach

    3Ajman Corniche

    The waterfront promenade with a sandy beach stretches along the Persian Gulf and is reachable on foot from the museum.
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    Restaurants in Ajman

    1

    Themar Al Bahar

    Fish restaurant on the Ajman Corniche, bread and sauces accompany the dishes.
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    2

    Al-Hamria Traditional Kitchen

    Opposite the fish market, you choose your own fish and have it prepared with Arabian, spicy, or mild Masala seasoning. Reviews for service and ambiance are mixed.
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    3

    Zorona Turkish & Lebanese Restaurant

    Turkish-Lebanese restaurant by the water with sea views. The menu features Turkish kebabs, mezze, and flatbreads alongside Lebanese classics such as Fattoush and Tabbouleh.
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    4

    Bab AlHara Restaurant

    Arabian restaurant in the Ajman One Towers on Khalifa Bin Zayed Street with Levantine cuisine, such as Hummus Beiruti, Tabbouleh, Fattoush and Falafel. The decor incorporates regional traditions.
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    Food and Drinks

    Along the Corniche and around the fish market, a lot revolves around fish and seafood.

    Fish as you like

    At restaurants across from the fish market, you select your own fish and have it seasoned and prepared to your liking.

    Seafood dining on the Corniche

    Die Fischrestaurants an der Corniche servieren Hummer, Garnelen und Seafood-Biryani.

    Machboos

    Spiced rice with chicken, lamb, or fish and dried lime, the national dish of the Emirates.

    History and Nature

    Fort and Ruling FamilyThe fort, presumably built in the late 18th century, served as the palace for the Al Nuaimi ruling family and has been a museum since 1991. It showcases manuscripts, antique weapons, ships, traditional crafts, and artifacts from the Al Muwaihat burial site, including pottery and grave ornaments dating back to around 3000 BC.Boat BuildingAt the dhow shipyard on the north bank of Ajman Creek, fiberglass racing boats are built alongside traditional wooden dhows.Al Zorah MangrovesThe Al Zorah protected area on the outskirts of the city features grey mangroves and is best explored by kayak. Check in advance if tours need to be booked.

    Getting Here & Around

    From DubaiThe RTA bus E400 runs from Dubai's Union Square to Al Musalla Bus Station in central Ajman. The 12 Dirham fare, paid with a Nol card, takes 50-60 minutes. Alternatively, the E411 departs from Etisalat Bus Station in Al Qusais.In the CityThe Museum, Gold & Traditional Souk, and Corniche are all within walking distance. The City Sightseeing bus stops near the Museum. For the Dhow Yard and Al Zorah, take a taxi or car.

    Accommodations in Ajman

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    Nearby

    Ajman & Umm al-Qaiwain

    Ajman & Umm al-Qaiwain

    This region brings together the two smallest emirates: Ajman, the smallest in area at approximately 260 km², and Umm al-Qaiwain, the least populated. Both are located on the Persian Gulf north of Sharjah and offer forts with museums, mangroves, and quiet beaches.
    Sharjah Emirate

    Sharjah Emirate

    The Emirate of Sharjah is the third-largest of the United Arab Emirates and has coastlines on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Beyond the capital Sharjah, the emirate includes the Mleiha desert with the UNESCO World Heritage site Faya, and the east coast enclaves of Khor Fakkan, Kalba, and Dibba al-Hisn.
    Sharjah

    Sharjah

    Sharjah is the capital of the namesake emirate and is situated on the Persian Gulf, directly bordering Dubai. The city prides itself as a cultural hub of the Emirates: in 2019, it was UNESCO World Book Capital, and surrounding the restored old town, Heart of Sharjah, are museums and the buildings of the Sharjah Art Foundation. Alcohol is not served in the emirate, even in hotels.

    Umm al-Qaiwain is the capital of the least populated emirate and lies on the Persian Gulf between Ajman and Ras al-Khaimah. The compact old town lies on a peninsula; at its entrance stands Fort Al Ali with the National Museum. Beyond it opens the Khor al-Beidah lagoon with mangroves you can explore by kayak, and Siniya Island.
    Dubai Emirate

    Dubai Emirate

    The Dubai Emirate is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf and comprises, in addition to the eponymous city, the exclave of Hatta in the Hajar Mountains. Approximately 4.8 million people live here (as of September 2026). Between the Old Town on Dubai Creek, the skyscrapers of Downtown, and the reservoirs of Hatta, there is approximately a ninety-minute drive.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
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