Ajman: The Past
Heritage, roots, and identity
Ajman, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, is situated along the Arabian Gulf coast, stretching approximately 16 kilometers. It lies strategically between the emirates of Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, occupying a central position within the UAE. The emirate covers an area of about 259 square kilometers. Geographically, Ajman city is characterized by a creek flanked by coarse white sands, which then transition into soft, golden desert sands.
Ajman also includes the exclave of Masfout, located approximately 110 kilometers southeast of Ajman city, nestled within the central mountainous region of the Hajar Mountains. Masfout comprises Masfout city and the municipalities of Muzairah and Al Sabigha. Another exclave, Manama, is situated about 60 kilometers east of Ajman city, along the main road connecting Sharjah and Fujairah.
The people of Ajman, like other inhabitants of the UAE, are of Arab origin, belonging to tribes with well-established lineages. They are identified by their tribal names, including their branches and sub-clans. The Ajman population is a blend of various tribes such as the Al Nuaim (with their branches of Al Bukhariban, Al Qaratisa, Al Humairat, and Al Budhnain), Al Bu Muhair, Al Mazari, Al Matarish, Al Rumaithat, Al Shawamis, Al Ali, Al Sudan, and others. Over time, various groups migrated to Ajman, making it their home and a base for their livelihoods, many of whom depended on the sea for pearl diving, trading, shipbuilding, and fishing.
Historically, the Al Nuaim tribe first settled in Oman. During the third quarter of the 17th century, some factions of the tribe moved as part of widespread tribal migrations along the Omani coast, eventually settling in the Al Buraimi Oasis, where they ruled for several centuries. Subsequently, the Al Qaratisa branch of Al Bukhariban migrated from Dhank and Al Buraimi to Ajman. The local population gravitated towards Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Awal due to his generosity, wisdom, and intelligence, electing him as the ruler of the emirate in 1803 following a popular referendum. Since then, nine rulers have governed Ajman over ten periods, with Sheikh Humaid Al Awal bin Rashid Al Awal ruling for two terms: the first from 1838 to 1841 and the second from 1848 to 1864.
The rulers who have held power, in chronological order of their reign and years of rule, are:Ajman comprises several key areas, most notably the city center, which serves as the administrative and economic hub. It houses the Ruler's Office, government departments, and Ajman Port, situated on a natural creek.
The emirate boasts diverse tourist attractions, with Ajman Fort being a prominent historical landmark in the UAE, dating back to the 18th century. The fort has been transformed into a museum, showcasing archaeological artifacts and traditional crafts that depict ancient social life.
Manama is renowned for its mild climate and picturesque nature. The mountainous region of Masfout is known for its fertile land, valleys, and surrounding mountains, making it a favored destination for nature enthusiasts.
Ajman Corniche is one of the emirate's most significant landmarks, attracting residents and visitors alike. It features numerous tourist facilities and modern hotel establishments built in diverse architectural styles.
Al Zorah Nature Reserve is one of Ajman's most beautiful natural attractions. It is a subtropical, tidal creek located north of the city, a green oasis amidst the sandy landscape characteristic of the Arabian Peninsula. The Al Zorah project spans fifteen kilometers of waterfront and two kilometers of beach and creek. The reserve has been listed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Flag Park is a vibrant area frequented by residents and tourists from around the world. The park in Al Jurf, Ajman, has been expanded to include a Martyrs' Memorial, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
In line with its future vision, Ajman is striving to become a thriving cultural and tourist center, aligning with Ajman Vision 2030, which aims to build a happy society and a green economy.
In this context, estimates from the Ajman Government's Statistics Center for 2025 indicate that the emirate's population in 2024 reached approximately 583,105, reflecting demographic growth that reinforces the drive towards developing integrated infrastructure to meet the aspirations of Ajman Vision 2030.
Today, Ajman has become a preferred shopping destination due to its central location, competitive prices, and diverse markets. The emirate features modern shopping malls, traditional open-air souks, and old specialized tailor shops.
The emirate continues its economic development through growing infrastructure projects and is rapidly advancing towards industrial progress. It benefits from a supportive environment for investors, which has made it a prominent investment destination in the region. The enactment of economic and industrial laws and legislations has opened vast opportunities for various activities, enabling the emirate to achieve advanced rankings within the country and enhance its regional and international competitiveness, truly reflecting the vision of its wise leadership.
Ajman: The Future
Vision, innovation, and progress
The Emirate of Ajman, an integral part of the United Arab Emirates, is actively contributing to the nation's strength and trajectory toward progress and prosperity. At the heart of this commitment lies 'Ajman Vision 2030', a comprehensive roadmap designed to define the Emirate's goals and guide its path into the future. This Vision is built on the foundational commitment to align all local policies and strategies closely with the national agenda and federal objectives, ensuring a unified and future-ready approach that places the human element at its core.
Ajman Vision 2030 is underpinned by eight guiding principles that shape the culture and decision-making process across all government departments. These principles include the Spirit of the Union, which ensures alignment with the national agenda and effective coordination with other Emirates; Collaboration, fostering strategic partnerships with the private sector and NGOs to achieve superior results jointly; and Accountability, promoting transparency and responsibility in monitoring commitments. Furthermore, the Vision emphasizes Future Readiness by anticipating trends and leveraging innovative solutions, and Agility to ensure the economy, society, and government can thrive amidst rapid change. The remaining principles are Community-Centricity, focusing on the health and well-being of all residents and businesses; Inclusivity, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of life; and finally, Sustainability, which mandates considering current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts in all decisions.
The Vision translates these principles into clear strategic goals across several key domains, starting with Economic Competitiveness and Investment. Ajman aims to foster an attractive investment climate by creating a favorable environment for business, enhancing commercial infrastructure, nurturing an ecosystem for entrepreneurship and startups, and increasing the private sector's participation in public projects. Simultaneously, the Emirate is focused on Human Capital and Quality of Life, which involves ensuring world-class education, encouraging research and innovation, promoting lifelong learning, and creating active, vibrant urban centers with easy access to green spaces and recreational facilities, all while prioritizing health, safety, and well-being.
In terms of societal development, Ajman is dedicated to building an Inclusive, Cohesive, and Empowered Society. This is achieved by strengthening the social services system, promoting gender equality, empowering all segments of the population including youth and the elderly, and preserving the UAE's national identity. The Vision also highlights the importance of Culture and Mobility, aiming to position Ajman as a center for arts and culture by protecting its heritage, and achieving integrated and sustainable mobility through improved road infrastructure, enhanced public transport, and the encouragement of active transport like walking and cycling.
A core pillar of the Vision is Environmental Sustainability, which seeks to improve the environment through sustainable waste management, pollution reduction, improved energy efficiency, increased use of alternative energy, and the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity. Finally, the Vision calls for a transformation into a Leading Government characterized by agility, innovation, efficiency, and a strong focus on results. This includes ensuring the future readiness of all plans and policies, enhancing the effectiveness of government services, improving financial performance through resultsbased budgeting, and actively engaging the community and stakeholders in the decisionmaking process. Ajman Vision 2030 is more than a plan; it is a declaration of intent to create a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive future for all who live and work in the Emirate.
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