If you plan to explore the UAE, why not start with the smallest emirate — Ajman. While other cities like Dubai dazzle tourists with their skyscrapers and fancy malls, Ajman is known for camel races, kayaking, cultural experiences and a ton of family-friendly activities. Here’s our roundup of some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Ajman.
Re-live history and Explore the Culture
One of the best activities 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 the 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.
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 08:00 am – 08:00 pm |Friday 02:30 pm – 08:00 pm
- Location: Central Square, Al Bustan
- Contact: +971-6-711-6675
Visit Masfout Castle
Constructed 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 1940s and is now a popular tourist attraction in Ajman.
Activities for kids in Ajman
Explore the UAE Pygmy Zoo
The UAE Pygmy Zoo is the first of its kind attraction in Ajman. its one of the most popular kid-friendly activities in Ajman, which makes it a particularly popular spot for families with young kids. Here, kids can enjoy the outdoors and learn about various species of animals, birds and reptiles. There are a whole bunch of things to do at this petting zoo, including animal encounters, camel and pony rides and playing with adorable and super friendly puppies.
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 03:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday 03:00 to 12:00 am
- Tickets: AED 5 per person
- Location: Al Zorah Marina 1
Visit a Waterpark
When the weather gets warmer, families in Ajman usually head to Funtastico Splash. However, the park also features other activities besides water-based options. Examples include 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. One of the best places to visit in Ajman with families, Funtastico Splash must be on your bucket list.
- Timings: 03:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Tickets: From AED 50
- Contact: +971-6-531-0053
Note: Please note that Fantastico Splash Park is closed for summer
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.
The Al Jurf Park features a spacious play area, canteens, bathrooms, and a jogging area. So, if you are looking for fun 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 a great place to unwind for those looking for more relaxing pursuits.
Enjoy great outdoors
Ajman might have had that “undiscovered” vibe a few years ago. But the plethora of recently introduced outdoor recreational options has put the emirate on the tourist map. Apart from the many Ajman tourist places, some of the best ways to experience the outdoors in the area are as follows.
Visit Al Zorah Nature Reserve
Al Zorah Nature Reserve is home to around 60 species of birds, including the egret, pink flamingo, and heron — a vibrant ecosystem of turquoise lagoons, mangroves and sandy beaches. 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 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 is 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, and 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 its own private patch of water 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 beaches running around the edge of town.
Watersports
Thanks to a location near the coast, water sports are a popular activity among 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 motorised 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; that the UAE authorities protect the nation’s fishing resources and the activity is only allowed for residents who have a special fishing licence. 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.
You can also opt for deep-sea fishing excursions offered by local licenced vendors in Ajman — available for individuals and for groups.
Other things to do in Ajman
Apart from the mentioned places and activities, other activities 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.
FAQs
What are some of the popular options for staycations in Ajman?
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. Some of the best staycation deals in Ajman include the Oberoi Beach Resort in Al Zorah, Fairmont, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel and others.
The Fairmont hotel features a variety of amenities for guests, like swimming pool and gym facilities, in addition to rooms with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
What’s the nightlife in Ajman?
One of the surefire ways to unwind is to get a few drinks with close friends at a popular watering hole at night. Despite its diminutive size, there isn’t a shortage of bars in Ajman. Get happy hour deals to get discounted drinks and light bites on certain days at the city’s bars. Some of our top picks for the best bars in Ajman are Zanzi Bar, Thirsty Horse and 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. Besides the mentioned activities, residents of Ajman travelling to other emirates in search of thrills would love to try out the extreme adventures in Dubai.
