United Arab Emirates
Ajman & Umm al-Qaiwain
Region
This region brings together the two smallest emirates: Ajman, the smallest in area at approximately 260 km², and Umm al-Qaiwain, the least populated.
by Felix Gillen
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.
ProfileAjman has a population of around 583,000 (2024) and, in addition to its capital, has the inland enclaves of Manama and Masfout. Umm al-Qaiwain has no significant oil or gas reserves; its economy is supported by tourism, fishing, and trade.What to SeeIn Ajman: the Museum in the old Fort, the Corniche, the Dhow Yard, and the Al Zorah mangroves. In Umm al-Qaiwain: the National Museum in Fort Al Ali, kayaking in the mangroves, and kitesurfing at Kite Beach.TransportThe E400 bus connects Dubai with Ajman. For Umm al-Qaiwain, its beaches, and the enclaves, you will need a car.
Food and drink
In Ajman and Umm al-Qaiwain, dining often revolves around fish. Both cities have fish markets where you can buy the catch of the day and have it prepared right away.
Ajman fish market
The market on Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street in Al Rashidiya, near the creek, opens mornings and evenings, and the catch is auctioned from 6pm. Simple stalls fillet, season and grill your fish on the spot. Haggling is expected.
Umm al-Qaiwain fish market
The market lies on the waterfront in the Al Khor district. Counters scale and cut the fish, and grill stations cook the catch. The choice is best early in the morning.
Fish from the Gulf
The markets sell hammour, sheri, kingfish, barracuda, prawns, crabs and lobster, among others. Fixed prices are rare, and bargaining is part of it.
Culture and History
Ruling FamiliesThe Al Nuaimi family has ruled Ajman since 1810, and the Al Mualla family has ruled Umm al-Qaiwain. The forts in both capitals were once the rulers' seats – in Umm al-Qaiwain until 1969 – and are now museums.ArchaeologyThe Ajman Museum displays finds from the Al Muwaihat burial ground, dating to around 3000 BC. In Umm al-Qaiwain, you'll find the ancient port city of Ed-Dur, and on Siniya Island, a monastery from the 6th and 7th centuries.
Getting There & Around
By BusThe RTA Bus E400 travels from Union Square in Dubai to Al Musalla Bus Station in Ajman (12 Dirham, 50 to 60 minutes), while the E411 departs from Etisalat Bus Station in Al Qusais.By CarYou can reach Umm al-Qaiwain by car from Sharjah and Ajman along the coast. Ajman's exclaves are located inland: Manama about 60 km east, Masfout about 110 km southeast of the capital in the Hajar Mountains.
