Interview: Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi
How is Ajman strengthening its position as a destination for living, working and tourism?
SAEED SAIF AL MATROOSHI: Ajman’s strategic location and commitment to sustainable development are driving its efforts to enhance appeal for residents, businesses and visitors. Regulatory efficiency, investment-friendly policies and investment in modern infrastructure foster economic growth while preserving cultural identity. The construction of a modern port in Al Zorah stands as a key milestone, expected to boost trade, attract investment and create jobs. Parallel efforts within Ajman’s free zones offer streamlined licensing and advanced facilities, strengthening its pro-business reputation.
Tourism plays a central role in Ajman’s development, with investment focused on heritage conservation, eco-tourism and beachfront projects. These initiatives align with sustainability goals, ensuring economic progress benefits both society and the environment. Recent enhancements to cultural sites, recreational spaces and hospitality offerings cater to a growing number of visitors, enriching their experiences and solidifying Ajman as a preferred destination.
Public safety and community development are key to this vision, as investor confidence depends on social stability. By improving social services and fostering inclusivity, Ajman creates an environment conducive to sustained growth. Further supporting a future-ready city where residents and businesses thrive are smart urban planning and security measures. The expansion of green spaces and advanced digital services helps to nurture a knowledge-based economy, attracting talent. This is key to ensuring Ajman’s readiness to adapt to global economic shifts, technological disruption and evolving labour market demands. By strengthening public-private partnerships, Ajman is enhancing global competitiveness. Complementary efforts to streamline regulatory processes and improve ease of doing business in the emirate further cultivate a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and foreign investors.
What role does sustainability play in the emirate’s economic development strategy?
AL MATROOSHI: Sustainability is central to Ajman’s long-term development, encompassing clean energy, waste management and environmentally conscious infrastructure. The emirate is focused on reducing pollution through increasing renewable energy usage. Tangible results include the expansion of eco-friendly transport, with green vehicles making up 87% of the taxi fleet by early 2023 – a 27% increase from the previous year. Air quality improvements further reflect heightened environmental standards.
Green building initiatives align economic growth with ecological responsibility, with 21% of structures in the emirate adhering to sustainable construction practices. Water conservation efforts have seen treated water production reach 27m cu metres, with treatment plants operating at 88% capacity. Waste management strategies incorporate circular economy principles, reducing landfill dependency and encouraging recycling. Investment in green infrastructure, such as solar-powered public lighting, underscores Ajman’s vision for sustainability-driven growth. Similarly, infrastructure advancements play a critical role in supporting sustainability objectives, with an emphasis on smart mobility solutions. Road improvements and enhanced public transport networks reduce environmental impact and ensure seamless connectivity, supporting the movement of people and goods in the emirate.
Ajman’s development trajectory is reflected in rising community satisfaction levels. The Ajman Attractiveness Index for 2023 shows an increase in public service and infrastructure satisfaction from 94.3% in 2022 to 97.1% in 2023. These results underscore the tangible benefits of investment in transport, health care and education, translating economic growth into an enhanced quality of life for residents. By embedding sustainability into economic policies, Ajman continues to position itself as a forward-thinking, investment-friendly emirate.
