Ajman
The smallest emirate: a fort-museum, dhow yards and a quiet corniche.
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and sits next to Sharjah, about 40 minutes from central Dubai. It is quiet, low-rise and inexpensive, a place for an unhurried afternoon rather than a destination in itself.
Ajman Museum
The museum occupies the old fort in the town centre, the former seat of the ruling family, with displays on the emirate's history, traditional life and archaeology. Allow an hour.
The dhow yards
Ajman has long been associated with dhow building, and traditional wooden boats are still built and repaired in yards along the creek. It is a working place rather than an attraction, but it is worth a look from the road.
Al Zorah mangroves
The Al Zorah nature reserve protects mangroves and birdlife on Ajman's coast, with kayak and boat trips in the cooler months. It is a quiet alternative to the Abu Dhabi mangroves.
Events in Ajman
UAE National Day 2026 (55th)
The UAE marks its 55th National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, under the theme “Spirit of the Union”. The city programmes had not been published when this page was checked.
New Year's Eve in the UAE 2026
The 2026-27 New Year's Eve programmes had not been announced when this page was checked. Last year's pattern: Burj Khalifa and fireworks at 40+ sites in Dubai, a record-attempt show in Ras Al Khaimah and a drone-and-fireworks night at Sheikh Zayed Festival.
Ramadan 2027 and Eid Al Fitr
Astronomers expect Ramadan 2027 to begin in the UAE on Monday 8 February, with Eid Al Fitr falling on 9 or 10 March. The moon sighting decides the final dates, and the holiday length depends on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days.
Eid Al Fitr 2027 holiday
Eid Al Fitr is expected on Tuesday 9 or Wednesday 10 March 2027 depending on whether Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days; the UAE announces the holiday after the moon sighting.
Ajman: common questions
Is Ajman worth visiting?+
As a short stop from Dubai or Sharjah, yes: the fort-museum, the dhow yards and the Al Zorah mangroves fill a quiet half-day.
Next door
Part of the UAE Experiences guide to Ajman and its neighbours.
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