Ajman is a part of the United Arab Emirates and is witnessing a boom in its real estate sector that is making it the up-and-coming alternative residential and business investment destination in the UAE. With its own harbor, and airport under development and its proximity to Dubai, Ajman, under its leaders vision is becoming a sought after location for many. With marina developments, shopping malls and a variety of projects under way the Emirate is becoming a destination of choice. Ajman and its ruling family are also well known in the equine world for its dedication and commitment to the world of horses and the Escape Ibn Navaronne, the World Champion Arabian Stallion, hails from the Emirate.
History
Ajman, or Ujman is the smallest member state of the United Arab Emirates, with an area of just 260 square kilometres. Its capital is Ajman. Located along the Persian Gulf, it also controls Masfut and Manama, two small, inland enclaves that are primarily agricultural. The population of approximately 235,000 is located mainly in the capital, Ajman. The population was only 36,100 in 1980 but grew considerably in recent years, due to an influx of people from the neighboring emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and other countries. It is presently ruled by Emir Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. The Crown prince of the Emirate is Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. His directions have led to massive development and a construction boom in Ajman in the recent years.
On 8 January 1820, Sheikh Rashid ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like four of its neighbours, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state (be it of the lowest class: 3 guns). On 2 December 1971, Sheikh Rashid ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi joined the United Arab Emirates.
Getting Around Ajman
Getting Around by Car
The best way to explore the seven Emirates is by car. Rentals are widely available through major hotels. Car rental companies in the UAE include:
- Star (+971 4-313-172)
- Budget (+971 4-823-030)
- Fast (+971 4-328-988)
- Hertz (+971 4-824-422)
- Europcar (+971 4-520-033)
- Hanco Emirates (+971 4-820-499)
The UAE does not have clearly delineated borders with its neighbors, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The hazy border situation makes it relatively easy for visitors unfamiliar with the area to wander into zones that are often off-limits for tourists. As such, it is a good idea to always stay close to the main cities, and be aware of your whereabouts. It is also a good idea to always carry a map of the UAE and its neighbors.
The city of Abu Dhabi sits on the edge of a T-shaped island, roughly in the middle of the country's coastline. The main road running from Abu Dhabi and northeast to Oman passes through all but one of the Emirates. Dubai is closest to Abu Dhabi, and is about one-and-a-half hour's drive away. The main coastal road respectively connects Dubai to the smaller Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah, all of which lie just north of Dubai. Fujairah lies east of Sharjah and Ajman, on the UAE's eastern coast. Modern roads link both Sharjah and Ajman to their eastern neighbor Fujairah. Al Ain lies east of the city of Abu Dhabi, near the border with Oman, and is accessible via a modern highway that cuts through the desert. The main coastal road also links the city of Abu Dhabi to the towns of Tarif, Ruwais, and Jabal Dhanna, all of which lie west of Abu Dhabi
Getting Around by Taxi
If you plan to explore the entire country, doing so by taxi can prove to be quite an expensive undertaking. In such a case, it is preferable to rent a car.
The easiest way to get around within an Emirate, however, is by taxi. Taxis abound in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially outside airports, hotels, and shopping malls. Dubai Transport Cooperation offers 24-hour cab service and can be reached at +971 4-313-131.
The service, or shared taxi is an affordable alternative to regular taxicabs. This traditional Middle Eastern mode of transportation operates much like a bus, picking passengers up in certain spots, and following set routes. A service usually charges each passenger a flat fee, and picks up anywhere from five to nine people. Due to their lower cost and expansive routes, services are an ideal mode of transportation for budget-minded tourists.
Getting Around by Bus
There is no public bus service between the seven Emirates. There are, however, privately owned and affordable minibuses that operate much like taxicabs, and that regularly service the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. In addition both Dubai and Al Ain offer affordable and convenient local bus transportation.
Getting Around by Rail
There is no public bus service between the seven Emirates. There are, however, privately owned and affordable minibuses that operate much like taxicabs, and that regularly service the Dubai-Abu Dhabi route. In addition both Dubai and Al Ain offer affordable and convenient local bus transportation.
Tourist Sites
The Ajman Museum is housed in an 18th C fortress that was used as a stronghold for the Emirates leadership and as a first line of defense. The fort was the ruler's palace and then the Ajman police station. Two wind towers and two watch towers were maintained when the fort was renovated. A large gate and two cannons are located on the front of the fort.
Local history and heritage are the highlights of the Ajman Museum with displays of lifestyle and traditional professions of the past. A collection of archeological artifacts, manuscripts and old weapons as well as displays of medical and religious practices are on display.
The Dhow Yard in Ajman is noted as the world's largest boat building yard and the biggest dhow building center. The boat building yard, located on the north side of the creek, is one of the most active in the United Arab Emirates and well worth a visit.
These ocean-going vessels are built using traditional tools and manual skills that has been handed down through the generations, all without blueprints. The Dhow Yard in Ajman also crafts the speedsters that participate in the Dubai Powerboat meets.
About 20 to 30 boats are built at one time, many are made with fiberglass rather than wood and are typically 60 feet long. Wood is used for the hull and masts.
Mowaihat is an archeological site located on the outskirts of Ajman. It was discovered in 1986 when workers were laying a new sewage pipe. A circular Umm al-Nar type tomb was uncovered and a rescue excavation commenced. Numerous examples of soft-stone and painted Umm al-Nar ceramic vessels were uncovered, as well as over 3000 beads, two stamp seals, a number of copper implements, and the remains of several dozen individuals.
At the time of its discovery, the Mowaihat tomb was the first evidence of Umm al-Nar occupation in the Northern Emirates. Subsequent discoveries on the Gulf coast at Al Sufouh, Tell Abraq and Shima have identified other major sites from this period.
Mowaihat is an archeological site located on the outskirts of Ajman. It was discovered in 1986 when workers were laying a new sewage pipe. A circular Umm al-Nar type tomb was uncovered and a rescue excavation commenced. Numerous examples of soft-stone and painted Umm al-Nar ceramic vessels were uncovered, as well as over 3000 beads, two stamp seals, a number of copper implements, and the remains of several dozen individuals.