Ajman, one of the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, is deeply rooted in a culture of extraordinary hospitality. Beyond its beautiful clear beaches, there are a lot of activities waiting to be explored. We’re here to guide you through the best things to do in Ajman for a memorable experience!
Table of Contents
1. Have Fun at The Ajman Beach
Ajman’s clean beaches, clear lagoons, and natural mangroves are great for people looking for relaxation and fun, with lots of water activities available.
Hotel Ajman and Fairmont Ajman, near the long white beach, organize many water sports like paddleboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing, flyboarding, kayaking, going on banana boat rides, and fishing.
2. Explore shopping like the locals at the Saleh Souq
Located on Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street within the Nakheel neighborhood—a bustling hub with traditional architecture—the Saleh Souq is on a heritage trail from the Corniche to the Ajman Museum.
It’s the perfect spot to hunt for souvenirs and gifts, offering a wide range of items including clothes, textiles, pashminas, and various curios from the region. The souq’s maze of small shops encourages bargaining, a common practice here. The atmosphere peaks in the evening as the place buzzes with local life, making it an ideal time for a visit.
3. Have A Unique Golfing Experience
Access to the Al Zorah Golf Club is straightforward via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. If you’re coming from the south along Al Ittihad Street, you’ll need to make a U-turn at the Al Zorah roundabout. Then, keep an eye out for the turn-off to The Pavilion clubhouse on your right.
The golf club offers a challenging par-72 course with wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and two vast lakes for seasoned players. Meanwhile, a more lenient par-36, the nine-hole course suits beginners better. Currently, there’s a temporary clubhouse with a Shakespeare and Co. restaurant, but plans are underway for a new clubhouse complete with a restaurant, swimming pool, and gym.
4. Visit Unspoilt Al Zorah Nature Reserve
The Al Zorah Nature Reserve, a dynamic ecosystem encompassing mangroves, turquoise lagoons, and sandy beaches, is a sanctuary for almost 58 bird species, including the pink flamingo, egret, and heron.
Situated north of the city and directly accessible via Al Itihad Road, this new development stretches along 12 kilometers of waterfront and 1.6 kilometers of sandy beaches, and it is also home to an 18-hole Championship golf course.
Covering seven kilometers of waterfront and two kilometers of beach, along with a tidal creek, the nature reserve is perfectly designed for water-based activities. Kayaking through the mangroves is highly recommended, with calm waters and an extensive network of channels making it accessible even for beginners.
5. Visit Masfout Castle Set Amidst Rocky Countryside
Masfout Museum, crafted from stones, mud, and local timber, features two rooms and a gate, taking on a tower-like structure. It underwent restoration in the late 1940s, led by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
This castle is situated on the northern outskirts of Masfout, which is 120km southeast of Ajman city. To get there from the city, start on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street, take a right onto Emirates Road, and then continue on the Sharjah-Kalba Road straight to Masfout.
The surrounding Hajar Mountains, historically a habitat for Arabian leopards, wolves, and hyenas, now attract hikers and locals seeking a cooler climate during the summer months.
6. Hike In The Foothills Of The Hajar Mountains
The Masfout enclave in Ajman, located 120km southeast of Ajman city, serves as a welcoming starting point for hikes in the Hajar Mountains‘ foothills. This rugged mountain chain extends from northeastern Oman, across the eastern United Arab Emirates, and into southern Oman.
Masfout becomes a popular escape for those from the city during summer, offering cooler weather. However, it’s best to avoid hiking during the peak heat and humidity from June to September. While the UAE doesn’t have official tourist hiking trails, adventurers can still navigate the area using established goat paths and enjoy the challenge of moving over loose rocks.
For a safe and enjoyable hike, it’s advisable to use GPS navigation, dress in breathable, light clothing, and ensure you’re protected from the sun with sunscreen and a hat. In Masfout, you’ll find grocery stores well-equipped with necessities like water and snacks to take along as you explore the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
7. Visit Ajman Museum
The Ajman Museum is the top museum in the emirate, showing what life was like in the past. It’s in an old fort from the 18th century that used to be where the ruler lived until 1970. A decade later, it was turned into a museum.
You can find it on the east side of the central square in the Al Bustan area. It’s open Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and on Friday from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The signs inside are in both Arabic and English.
Visitors can see a bunch of interesting things from Ajman’s history, like old writings, weapons, wooden boat models, and smart ways of watering crops. There’s a special spot showing a burial site found in Al Muwaihat with old pottery and jewelry from as far back as 3000 BC. There’s also an area about the pearl business that was important here, and the fort itself shows what traditional buildings in the UAE look like.
8. Visit The Red Fort
The Red Fort got its name from the unique materials used in its construction, specifically the gravel and red plaster for its walls. This historic structure features four rooms and two towers. It was originally constructed during the reign of Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi. Later, in 1986, a significant restoration was undertaken under the direction of HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, during which a third tower was added to the existing two. The fort is nestled amidst lush trees, and there’s a beautiful well nearby that supplies drinking water.
9. Visit Al Manama for its captivating scenery and historical fortresses
Al Manama is roughly an hour’s drive from Ajman city center and offers a serene, residential ambiance, making it a favored retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
To reach Manama from Ajman city, take Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street, continue on Emirates Road (E611), and then follow the E88 directly to Manama.
The area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, scattered with Acacia, Ghaf, and blooming Sidr and Simr trees, which allure Asiatic honeybees. Additionally, history lovers have the opportunity to explore three ancient fortresses, adding a touch of the past to the scenic landscape.
10. Visit Qdemk Ndemk Café
Qdemk Ndemk Café is a lively spot, known for its vibrant murals and brass teapots dangling from the ceiling, and ranks as one of Ajman’s coolest spots. Situated on the Corniche, right across from the Fairmont Ajman Hotel, it offers a menu filled with Emirati specialties. Dishes like balaleet (a sweet and savory vermicelli and egg omelet seasoned with sugar, cardamom, and saffron), dangaw (boiled chickpeas with a hint of spice), and luqaimat (Arabic-style doughnuts soaked in date syrup) stand out. These are perfectly complemented by traditional Arabic coffee and the sweet, aromatic karak tea.
11. Rejuneavate in The Nayana SPA
Nayana Spa is like a paradise, filled with the beautiful smells of essential oils and spices that help make your mind and body feel renewed. They offer many treatments, like Ayurvedic massages, and use top-quality organic products to help you relax and make your skin look its best.
12. Go On Desert Safari
Exploring the vast Arabian Desert, which covers a large part of the Arabian Peninsula and is home to wildlife like oryx and gazelle, is perfectly done through a desert safari.
These safaris require a 4WD vehicle, and companies like Ajman National Travel Agency and Desert Safari Ajman can arrange to pick you up from where you’re staying and drive you into the desert for about 40 minutes. You can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening tours (the last option includes staying overnight in a real Bedouin camp), and they usually last between four to six hours.
The activities vary from mild off-roading on the dunes to intense dune bashing, as well as camel rides, watching falconry, and sandboarding. Afternoon tours often come with a barbecue dinner in the desert and the chance to get henna tattoos, while morning tours typically include a traditional breakfast featuring Arabic specialties like chebab and balaleet.
13. Have A Thrilling Experience At The Aqua Bounce
Beach days in Ajman are getting a thrilling upgrade with the opening of the emirate’s first floating water park! This new water-play attraction at Fairmont Ajman lets you, your friends, and your family enjoy a day filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
fairmont.com/ajman/activities/aqua-bounce/
14. Have A Fine-Dining Experience At Mejhana
It’s situated in the Ajman Saray, a Luxury Collection Resort. This à-la-carte dining spot offers a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying modern Arabic dishes. The impressive Marrakesh Bar greets visitors with Arabic coffee and various hot and cold Middle-Eastern drinks. You must try Spinach Fatayer, Tabbouleh, and Beetroot Moutabel.
Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Al Nakhil 2, Ajman
15. Go On a Guided Kayak Or Canoe Tour
“Quest for Adventure” offers guided kayak or canoe tours through the beautiful mangrove forests, creeks, and lagoons. During these tours, you can witness the Avicennia marina mangrove species, known also as grey or white mangrove. This name comes from the tree’s bark, which can look grey or white, and these trees can grow between 3 to 10 meters tall.
The Al Zorah lagoon and mangroves are a haven for many bird life, including rare and migratory species. This ecosystem is home to more than 58 bird species, making it a rich and diverse habitat to explore.
BOOK HERE: questforadventure.checkfront.com/
