Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates measuring about 259sq km which is about 0.3% of the UAE's area without the islands. Ajman has a few sandy beaches but is mainly characterised by the rugged Hajjar mountain range. Although Ajman city is modern and provides up-to-date services and facilities, it reflects its traditional charm. Only a 40 minute drive from Dubai, this quieter and cheaper-to-live emirate could be more suitable to many an expatriate.

Population

Ajman's estimated population is 504,846. 16% of them are Emiratis. 95% of the total population reside in the city of Ajman.

Location and geography

Ajman lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, in the northern part of the UAE. It is 16 km long and lies between the emirates of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.

Main cities

Ajman city - It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, banks and commercial markets in addition to the Ajman port, which is located on the natural valley, which passes through the city.

Al Manamah city - It is about 60km from Ajman and is known for its valleys and high mountains, which are rich in magnesium, chromate and rocks.

Masfout city - It is about 110km to the southeast and is known for agriculture, mountains such as Dafta and Leshan, and wide valleys such as Ghalfa.

Economy

According to Ajman Annual Economic Report 2014, the economy of the emirate of Ajman grew by 5 per cent as GDP at current market prices increased from AED15,690 billion in 2012 to AED16,441 billion in 2013.

The contribution of the various economic sectors to the realised growth tend to vary. The construction, real estate and business services and financial corporation sectors grew at a rate of 8 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012, which was higher than the average growth in the emirate.

In addition, the wholesale and retail trade and repairing services' sector grew at a rate of 6 per cent in 2013 as compared to 2012.

In 2019, the GDP of the emirate increased into 21,008 billion.

Ajman Port and Ajman Free Zone are two key players in the economic growth of the emirate.

Culture and heritage

Ajman Fort is one of the country's historic landmarks. It dates back to the 18th century and shows life in different eras.

The fort has been restored and transformed into a museum. It contains archaeological samples that show people's possessions, industries, traditional professions as well as images from their old social life.

In 2014, Ajman unveiled Ajman Vision 2021. According to the plan, the Emirate's development will be centred on four pillars:

• creating a happy society
• building a green economy
• promoting governmental excellence
• spirit of the union

Touristic landmarks

The magical beaches of Ajman with their fresh air, peaceful environment and clean water provide various marine activities that attract many sea lovers.

Ajman's famous forts:

Ajman Fort was formerly the residence of the Ruler of Ajman but turned over to Ajman Police as their barracks in 1967. It was subsequently converted into a museum and houses an eclectic collection of artefacts and exhibitions of traditional life in Ajman.

The Red Fort was built during Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (1910–1928) and consists of four rooms in two towers. The fort was restored in 1986 and a third tower was added to the two older towers. Gravel and red plaster were used in the construction of the walls of the fort and hence it was named the Red Fort. Sandalwood was used in the beams and supports for the construction of the roofs.

Manama museum, opened on 2 December 2012, is located in Al Mareer Fort, which was originally built during the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (1873 – 1891). A yard overlooks seven rooms and a well. The fort is surrounded by palm trees irrigated by the old Manama Falaj.

Located on the Ajman Corniche, the square Al Murabaa Watchtower was built in the 1930s.

Ajman's busy corniche is a popular evening and weekend destination for families and features a number of fast food outlets, coffee shops and stalls. It is home to the 'Outside Inn', a popular watering hole with expatriates, as well as to a number of hotels, including the Ramada, Ajman Palace, Ajman Hotel, Fairmont Ajman, and the luxurious Ajman Saray.

There is also many a hiking route in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, the collective of mountains on the border of the UAE and Oman. It is the perfect trail for beginners, not being too strenuous and allowing visitors to take their time and enjoy the scenic path.