The Report: Ajman 2025
Ajman is accelerating economic diversification through industrial growth, tourism and innovation-driven development. The emirate’s forward-looking policies, including Ajman Vision 2030, focus on sustainability, digital transformation and investment attraction to boost its position on the global map.
Profile
Ajman, the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates, has built a resilient, diversified economy based on non-hydrocarbon activities. Through initiatives like Ajman Vision 2030, the emirate is focused on fostering innovation, environmental sustainability and improved quality of life. Specialised free zones and proactive governance are key drivers of business growth, while infrastructure and digital transformation projects are boosting competitiveness. Cultural heritage remains central to Ajman’s identity, with investment in museums, historic sites and education supporting both tourism and community development. With a growing population, modern infrastructure and a commitment to lifelong learning, Ajman is positioning itself as a well-rounded destination for residents, investors and visitors.
Explore chapterEconomy
Ajman continues to diversify its economy with emphasis on manufacturing, trade and sustainable development. In 2023 the emirate’s GDP reached Dh36bn ($9.8bn), led by manufacturing (18.8%), trade (18%) and construction (16.4%). Ajman Free Zone plays a vital role in attracting foreign investment and nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises. Ajman Vision 2030 promotes green development, smart infrastructure and innovation-driven policies that align with broader UAE goals. The emirate’s economic strategy benefits from close coordination between local authorities and federal institutions, facilitating streamlined regulations, digital platforms and economic incentives that strengthen its position as an investment centre. Ajman is poised for long-term, inclusive growth.
Explore chapterEducation
Ajman’s education system is evolving to support a knowledge-based, inclusive economy. With institutions such as Ajman University and Gulf Medical University, the emirate has become a centre for higher education and medical training. Ajman Vision 2030 outlines a framework that promotes digital literacy, vocational education and lifelong learning. Government efforts are focused on integrating artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and sustainability into the curriculum to align education with labour market demands more effectively. Partnerships between academia, government and industry aim to bridge the skills gap and support economic diversification. These initiatives are also fostering innovation and community engagement across all education levels.
Explore chapterHealth
Ajman is modernising its health care system with support from both federal strategies and private sector initiatives. The emirate is adopting digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence diagnostics, to improve access and quality of care. Local institutions are leading the way in innovation, research and specialised training. Ajman is also aligning with national health coverage and insurance goals to ensure broad access to services. Investment in infrastructure, including wellness centres and virtual health platforms, is helping to close care gaps and increase affordability. The health sector is an important component of Ajman’s broader development strategy.
Explore chapterTourism & Culture
Ajman’s tourism strategy combines infrastructure investment with cultural preservation to appeal to both regional and international travellers. Developments like the Al Zorah Seaport, revitalised Corniche and luxury resorts are positioning the emirate as a premium coastal destination. Cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of tourism, supported by institutions like the Ajman Museum and initiatives such as the Ajman Heritage Trail. The emirate also promotes arts, festivals and creative spaces to engage local communities and diversify its tourism offering. With strong connections to Dubai and Sharjah, upgraded facilities and targeted campaigns, Ajman is expanding its footprint in the UAE’s competitive tourism market.
Explore chapterFinancial Services
Ajman’s financial sector is expanding with support from national economic policies and regional investor confidence. The emirate’s banks and financial institutions are exploring new services in Islamic finance, financial technology, and sustainable investing. Public listings and capital markets are gaining momentum, while regulators implement risk management tools to enhance system resilience. Emiratisation and digitalisation are also key focus areas, in line with national employment and innovation goals. Ajman’s financial services are increasingly aligned with environment, social and governance principles, and recent moves in digital banking reflect the emirate’s commitment to financial inclusion. Together, these developments are reinforcing its growing role in the UAE’s financial ecosystem.
Explore chapterEnergy & Green Economy
Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates, had a population of nearly 583,000 in 2024. With no proven oil reserves and minimal upstream gas activity, the bulk of its energy-related revenue comes from its expanding midstream and downstream industries and value chains. Through a range of development blueprints and roadmaps, the Ajman government is working to integrate sustainable practices into all areas of daily life and economic activity and is actively seeking private investment in the production of renewable energies and advanced technologies.
Explore chapterIndustry
Accounting for 18.8% of Ajman’s GDP, the emirate’s industrial sector spans a wide range of activities, from food packaging to artificial intelligence and robotics. In recent years, this priority sector has experienced consistent growth, driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Leveraging its strategic location with proximity to two international airports, as well as a seaport on one of the world’s key waterways – the Gulf – and a modern highway network, Ajman is now embarking on a major new phase of expansion in its manufacturing and high-tech industries.
Explore chapterTransport & Logistics
Ajman’s proximity to the larger emirates of Dubai and Sharjah and the extensive transport facilities therein have made the emirate an increasingly popular place to live and invest among international investors in recent years. Ajman’s transport infrastructure includes an extensive bus network and direct connectivity to the new Etihad rail system. The emirate is also becoming a dynamic business, trade and logistics centre, with the unveiling of new public- private partnership regulations in December 2022 signalling the government’s intention to work with private sector players to develop Ajman’s infrastructure. A continued focus on expanding the emirate’s road networks and with a new seaport and international airport in the offing, a strong pipeline of large-scale transport infrastructure development initiatives could see increased inflows of private finance enter Ajman in the coming years.
Explore chapterConstruction & Real Estate
The UAE’s economic development drive sees significant financing being channelled into infrastructure development, with Ajman – the smallest of the seven emirates – witnessing increased activity in the construction of commercial, residential and tourism-related facilities. Indeed, the construction sector was the third-highest contributor to the emirate’s GDP in 2023, aided by the robust performance of the construction sectors in neighbouring emirates. Ajman’s central location in the UAE and easy access to Sharjah and Dubai make it an appealing destination for investors. Its location is complemented by flexible, favourable business and investment legislation, access to finance for commercial and residential property buyers, and a range of ownership models that facilitate 100% foreign property and land ownership.
Explore chapterDigital Economy
The digital economy in Ajman is rapidly evolving, driven by advancement in technology and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and connectivity. The emirate benefits from high mobile penetration rates, reflecting the UAE’s status as one of the most connected countries globally. Widespread smartphone ownership has contributed to a jump in data consumption, particularly with the expansion of LTE-Advanced networks and the gradual introduction of 5G. These developments position Ajman as an active participant in the regional shift toward high-speed, low-latency connectivity. Fixed and mobile broadband penetration continues to grow, but the balance between the two remains uneven, with mobile broadband dominating due to its accessibility and flexibility.
Explore chapterThe Guide
This chapter contains selected listings of some of the country’s top hotels, helpful tips for business and leisure travellers, and other useful suggestions for travel to Ajman.
Explore chapterTable of Contents
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