Ajman Holidays

Luxury Ajman Holidays

Ajman is the smallest and one of the most exclusive of the seven emirates, with gorgeous stretches of sand and relaxed, tranquil waters. Visit this emirate for the ideal Luxury Middle East Holiday. Covering just 260 square kilometres and with a population 504,847, Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, alongside Abu Dhabi (the country’s capital), Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.Aside from the city of Ajman on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, the emirate also has jurisdiction over two small inland enclaves in the UAE – Al Manama, east of Ajman, and Masfout, located in the south of the UAE near Hatta.

Our People

The generous and welcoming spirit of Arabian hospitality of old remains a strong element in Ajman’s modern culture. Ajman’s culture is steeped in exceptional hospitality. It is an inherited tradition borne out of the austere natural environment and the resulting emphasis on receiving and providing for guests.

While times may have changed and the complex codes of hospitality of the forefathers may no longer be practised, sincere generosity is still shown throughout everyday life in Ajman today.As a guest, you will be warmly welcomed and treated with respect. More than our beaches, hotels or attractions, it is the genuine welcoming nature of our people that defines Ajman’s true sense of place.

Arabian Hospitality

Arab culture has been synonymous with warm and gracious hospitality for centuries and it remains at the heart of Ajman society today. The desert-dwelling Bedouins welcomed strangers with Arabic coffee (gahwa), infused with cardamom and saffron, and accompanied with sweet and sticky dates, a tradition that is still practiced today.Your host will read your body language – if you keep your espresso-sized cup (finjaan) extended, he will refill it. If you don’t want a top-up, give the cup a small shake and he’ll whisk your cup away.

Emirati Cuisine

The UAE’s fishing and trading past means that the local cuisine is based on fish, both freshly caught and preserved, along with rice and spices such as saffron and turmeric introduced by centuries-old trading partners such as Persia and India. Meats such as chicken and lamb also feature heavily.

Dates are one of the most famed Middle Eastern delicacies. As one of the few crops that thrive naturally across the Arabian Peninsula, they have been cultivated in the area for around 5,000 years. Meanwhile, common dishes from the Levant include shawarma (lamb or chicken carved from a spit and served in a pita), falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh.

National Dress

In general, the local population wears traditional dress in public, which is a symbol of pride and identity.For men, this is the dishdasha or kandura: a white full-length shirt dress, which is worn with a white or red checked headdress, known as a ghutrah. This is secured with a black cord known as an agal.Women wear the black abaya; a long, loose robe that covers their normal clothes, plus a headscarf called a sheyla. Some women also wear a thin black veil covering their face.

Nature and Wildlife

From sandy beaches and desert dunes to mangrove forests and craggy mountains, Ajman has a diverse landscape that supports a surprising amount of flora and fauna.

With a rich diversity of marine and bird life, nature lovers will delight in Ajman’s beautiful stretch of coastline and the sprawling mangrove forest of Al Zorah Nature Reserve to the north of the city. The emirate also has two inland enclaves – Al Manama, east of Ajman, and Masfout, located in the south of the UAE near Hatta – in the shadow on the Hajar Mountains.

Declared a nature reserve in 2004, Al Zorah’s pink flamingos steal the show, but birdwatchers can also spotnearly 60 species in the mangroves and lagoons. Taking shape on the plains of Al Manama area in Ajman, Al Naseem Nature Reserve delightfully blends the region’s landscape with rare wildlife. The area is currently under development. Once completed, the destination will feature a mix of lush parks, a prolific plant nursery and an education center.

And while the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains, formed by tectonic uplift some 65 million years ago, may appear quite barren, hidden wadis and the high mountain plateaus can support relatively lush vegetation. Keen-eyed hikers may spot reptiles and bird species like the desert lark, while conservation programs aim to protect endangered species such as Arabian leopard and Arabian tahr.

Kayaking Adventure

One of the highlights of any trip to Ajman, and the best way to see the resident flamingos, is to take a kayaking adventure.Through a multitude of possibilities, “Quest for Adventure” provides expert innovative opportunities for learning with guide-led kayak or canoe tours around the mangrove forest, creeks and lagoons.

The species of mangrove found in Al Zorah is Avicennia marina, commonly known as the grey or white mangrove, due to the bark of the trees, which can appear grey or white, and grow to a height of 3-10 meters. A large variety of rare or migratory bird species are foundin the various parts of Al Zorah lagoon and mangroves,with over 58 different species of birds inhabiting thisecosystem.

Culture & Heritage

Uncover Ajman’s fascinating history at its museums, castles and forts, and experience Emirati culture by watching a camel race or exploring a souq.

From sleepy fishing village to energetic modern city, Ajman’s transformation has been remarkable. And while many changes have taken place over the last half a century, the emirate has retained its rich cultural traditions and preserved its heritage.

In Ajman’s coastal city you can barter in the souqs, visit a dhow-building yard, experience a lively fish market, explore a museum, witness the local passion for Arabian horses at a stud farm, or cheer one-humped Arabian camels to victory at a camel race.Meanwhile, at the inland enclaves of Al Manama, east of Ajman, and Masfout, in the south of the UAE, you can explore castles and forts, and understand the essence of local life.

Ajman Museum

Ajman Museum is the emirate’s foremost museum illustrating life as it once was. The 18th-century fort served as the ruler’s residence until 1970, beforeit was converted into a museum a decade later. The exhibits offer a compelling glimpse of Ajman’s past, from centuries-old manuscripts and weaponry to models of wooden dhows and ingeniousirrigation systems. One of the most notable displays is an excavated cemetery discovered in the Al Muwaihat area, which features pottery and funeral jewellery dating back as far as 3000 BC. A section is devoted to the pearl trade that once dominated the region, while the fort itself is a perfect example oftraditional Emirati architecture.

Aamnah Bint AhmadAl Ghurair Mosque

Aminah Bint Ahmad Al Ghurair Grand Mosque was built by Shaikh AmmarBin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, in memory of his mother. The mosque, which predominantly uses white and gold colours, stands out,especially under night lights. The unique calligraphy has created a maze design on the minaret, and extensive use of latticed screens with Islamic motifs and calligraphy allows naturallight into the structure and adds to the structure’s visual experience. The mosque covers 15,000 square metres and blends in traditional and modern Islamic architectural aspects, with emphasis on Moroccan and Andalusian styles.