If you plan on exploring every emirate in the UAE, why not start with the smallest one — Ajman. While larger emirates like Dubai, may dazzle tourists with super tall skyscrapers like the iconic Burj Khalifa and popular destinations like The Dubai Mall, there are a lot of things to do in Ajman too.
In terms of area, the emirate is the smallest in the UAE. Considering the size, most people assume that there are not a lot of things to do in Ajman. Nothing can be further from the truth. The emirate has grown in terms of property investments and entertainment spots, which in turn attracts visitors from all over the world.
The facts don’t lie. According to a recent Ajman property market report for 2019 on MyBayut, the emirate is very promising in terms of housing for expats, locals and global investors. Those looking for rental accommodations in Ajman will find that some of the best areas to live in Ajman offer villas and flats at affordable prices.
Of course, if you are not looking to rent or purchase property, but just want to experience everything fun Ajman has to offer, look no further.
Re-live history
One of the best things to do in Ajman is to revisit the historical sites and museums that chronicle life in the emirate years ago. On that note, here are some historical places to visit in Ajman:
Visit the Ajman National Museum
Also known as the Ajman Fort, the Ajman Museum used to be ruler’s palace before it was converted into a museum and opened to the public. History buffs will appreciate the many artefacts displayed here, ranging from jewellery, pottery, tombs and other items dated as far back as 3000 BC. The excavated items are from Al Muwaihat, one of the UAE’s most famous archaeological finds. Although the area is home to an archaeological site, you can now find villas for rent in the Al Mowaihat area.
Visit Masfout Castle
Built in the 18th century, the Masfout Castle is a tower-shaped structure. Perched on top of the Hajar Mountains, the castle was the last line of defence against bandits headed to the neighbouring country of Oman. Situated southeast of Ajman city, the castle was restored to its former glory during the late 1940’s and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Activities for kids in Ajman
Visit the new waterpark
There is currently only one water park in Ajman. Known as Funtastico Splash, the park also features other activities besides water-based options. Examples include the slides, bouncy castles and games like the Super Jumper and Trampoline with an airbag — enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Other activities include a bike rental option where groups of families can cycle together and a cruise on the Al Zorah Marina shoreline. The park also hosts competitions to keep families entertained. For example, a recent competition is the painting contest for 5 to 12-year old guests. One of the best places to visit in Ajman with families, Funtastico Splash must be on your bucket list.
- Contact: +971-6-531-0053
- Price of tickets: AED 50 (weekdays) | AED 75 (weekends)
Visit parks in Ajman
Kids love parks, and Ajman has plenty to offer. Also popular budget-friendly recreational spaces, parks are great for kids to run around and let loose. Parks in Ajman in particular are filled with family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, designated barbecue areas, bike rentals, washrooms and other perks. For example, the Al Jurf Park features a spacious play area, canteens, bathrooms, and a jogging area. So, if you are looking for fun things to do in Ajman with kids, check out these open spaces.
Visit a ladies-only park
Popular with female residents and visitors alike, the Mushairef Ladies Park in Ajman is only accessible to ladies and children. Clean and well-maintained, the park is a great outdoor recreational space for ladies to socialise with one another and offers mothers a secure environment to play with kids. Located on Al Safiya Street, the area is great place to unwind for those looking for more relaxing pursuits.
Have a staycation
Stay at a Beach Resort
Ajman has no shortage of luxurious beach resorts — ideal for visitors looking for environments that are more peaceful than the more crowded resorts in Dubai and other major emirates. Examples of the best staycation hotels in Ajman include the Oberoi Beach Resort in Al Zorah, Fairmont, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and others. For example, the Fairmont hotel features a variety amenities for guests like swimming pool and gym facilities in addition to rooms with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Take advantage of hotel amenities
Visitors are spoilt for choice considering the many activities offered by hotels in Ajman. Consider the Laguna Beach Club at Ajman Hotel where you can make reservations for a jet-ski package. The package also includes a free 30-minute ride on a Jet Ski, day long pool and beach access, a towel, sunbed and 20% discount on all restaurants at the hotel — available for AED 250 including taxes.
Enjoy the great outdoors
Ajman might have had that “undiscovered” vibe a few years ago. But the plethora of recently introduced outdoor recreation options has put the emirate on the tourist map. In addition to the many Ajman tourist places, the best way to experience the outdoors in the area are as follows:
Visit the Al Zorah Nature Reserve
A vibrant ecosystem of turquoise lagoons, mangroves and sandy beaches, the Al Zorah Nature Reserve is home to around 60 species of birds including the egret, pink flamingo, and heron. Featuring seven kilometres of waterfront and two kilometres of tidal creek and beach, the area is perfect for watersports. The best way to explore the lush mangroves of the reserve is by kayak. The vast network of channels and calm waters make the activity suitable for novice kayakers too. Golfers can also tee off at the 18-hole Championship golf course at the Al Zorah Golf Club nearby. Located to the north of the emirate, the reserve is also a part of a recent housing development.
Hike in Masfout
Some of the many unknown outdoor recreational activities in Ajman are the mountain wadis and enclaves. Located in Masfout, the area is becoming more popular with hikers when it comes to things to do in Ajman.
Cradled by the Hajar Mountains, Masfout is a tiny landlocked enclave. Perfect for hiking, the area’s elevated altitude brings cooler temperatures while the rugged backdrop offers nature lovers something to look forward to. The area is located southeast of Ajman city and reachable within a 90-minute drive from Dubai. Make sure that you prepare yourself with the necessary gear before you head out. For a comfortable experience, we recommend avoiding the area in the months from June to September when the heat is at its worst.
Camping at Caravana
Want to camp in style? Head to Caravana Al Zorah. Located right by the sea, the charming campsite in Ajman features spacious and fully furnished caravans that can be booked for guests. Also known as the Caravan Beach Resort, the beachfront campsite spares campers from setting up their own gear. Additional activities offered at the place include kayaking, quad biking, and horse riding. Other perks include al fresco dining by the beach, a Jacuzzi, barbecue facilities. Caravan also offers overnight stays and features caravans in various sizes — ideal for families, couples and groups.
Ajman Beaches
Some of the best Ajman entertainment places are its beaches. The emirate is noted for having some of the prettiest beaches in the UAE. The coastline in the emirate is rimmed with beach resorts each with their own private patch of waters and white sands for guests. Visitors can take advantage of resort facilities by paying a day-pass fee for access to private beaches, otherwise you can also visit the good stretch of public beach running around the edge of town.
Watersports
Thanks to a location near the coast, water sports are a popular activity amongst all things to do in Ajman. With offers from local tour operators, visitors are spoilt for choice. You can have your pick from a slew of water-based activities from kayaking to jet skiing, and banana boat rides.
Water sports enthusiasts can look forward to a new Watersports Centre in Al Zorah. Once it’s open to the public, the centre will offer a range of motorized and non-motorised sports like wakeboarding, jet-skiing, and others. Also expected are activities like Stand-Up Paddle Boating Championships, Jet-skiing Acrobatic Displays and a Best Underwater Photo Competition.
Fishing
One of the lesser known things to do in Ajman is fishing. Thanks to a vast coastline, there are multiple areas where visitors can cast their lines and wait for a bite while enjoying the sea air. However keep in mind; the UAE authorities protect the nation’s fishing resources and the activity is only allowed for residents who have a special fishing license. One of the best spots to fish in the emirate is around the Kempinski Hotel with the best time being early mornings and about three hours before dusk.
Of course, if you rather skip acquiring a license, you can still enjoy the activity by taking part in deep-sea fishing excursions offered by local licensed vendors in Ajman — available for individuals and for groups.
Other things to do in Ajman
In addition to the aforementioned places and activities, other things to do in Ajman are as follows:
Visit Ajman Corniche
Ajman Corniche is a four-kilometre long esplanade overlooking the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The many restaurants and cafes lining the Corniche make it an ideal hotspot for families. Additionally, most events and social activities in Ajman take place in this area.
Go for a swim in the sheltered tidal pool or enjoy a relaxing walk along the coast while appreciating the spectacular sunset. The area comes alive during weekends. Don’t be surprised if you see the locals enjoying barbecues and picnics on the beach. If you get hungry just visit any of the restaurants. Our recommendations for the best restaurants at Ajman Corniche include Sultanate, Café Naseem, and Sabella’s amongst others.
Shop to your heart’s content
There are several malls in Ajman, one of the largest being the City Centre Ajman. The City Centre mall features a slew of dining, retail and entertainment options. Dining choices include cafes, restaurants and popular fast food chains like Hardee’s and Pizza Hut. Other popular malls in Ajman include the Safeer Mall near Ajman Corniche, Dana Mall, Galleria Mall, Grand Centrale and the Ajman China Mall.
Enjoy the nightlife
Because sometimes, the best way to unwind at night is with a few drinks with a close friends. Despite its diminutive size, there isn’t a shortage of bars in Ajman. Offering happy hour deals, discounted drinks on certain days and bar bites, the city’s bars come alive at night. Examples of some of our picks for best bars in Ajman are Zanzi Bar, Thirsty Horse, The Cave Sports Bar and Kitchen amongst others.
Once you have had your fill of Ajman, check out all the places to visit in Sharjah. Saving the best emirate for last? Our list of exciting things to do in Dubai will have you spoilt for choice.
That’s a wrap of our review of things to do in Ajman. Do you know of any other activities and places in the emirate? Do let us know in the comments.
For more updates on life in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
