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 (LTE-A) 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.
Ajman’s government has also made substantial investment in technology to support economic diversification. E-government initiatives are well established, providing digital services to residents and businesses. The emirate is also encouraging innovation through start-up incubators, accelerators and support for technologies including cloud computing, e-learning and e-money. However, challenges such as ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and bridging the digital divide remain areas for continued focus. Moreover, Ajman has become a national and regional centre for tech development, with numerous start-ups, accelerators and incubators nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.
Structure & Oversight
Ajman’s digital economy is regulated at the federal level by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The TDRA is charged with ICT policy and digitalisation across the entire UAE, which, since 2019, has led globally in the rollout of 5G technology. The national economic strategy – We the UAE 2031 – prioritises technological advancement and builds on decades of public policy at the emirate and national level. At a public policy level, the UAE-wide ICT Fund was the first such initiative, established by the TDRA in 2008 to develop the country’s ICT capabilities across various sectors. This fund has since allocated Dh1.6bn ($436m) to financial resources for ICT-related scholarships, educational institutions and national projects. To complement the work done by the TDRA, the Department of Digital Ajman (DDA) was established in 2017 to facilitate the emirate’s public sector digital transformation.
Public Policy
Ajman’s digital transformation strategy seeks to align with its sustainability goals, driving the emirate’s evolution into a smart, future-ready city. By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and blockchain, the Ajman government aims to address pressing environmental challenges, enhance governance capability and position the emirate as an attractive destination for green technology investment.
AI plays a pivotal role in optimising energy consumption, with systems deployed in public buildings to monitor and manage energy use in real time, reducing energy waste. IoT complements this by enabling data collection from smart sensors installed across the city, monitoring air quality, water usage and waste management. These devices provide critical insights that inform sustainable practices, while blockchain adds a layer of transparency and accountability.
In terms of governance, Ajman’s digital transformation enhances both accessibility and efficiency for both businesses and residents. Digitalised public services streamline interactions between residents and government, reducing bureaucracy and improving service delivery – which optimises public sector resources. Real-time data from IoT devices underpins Ajman’s smart traffic systems that help improve safety. Similarly, digital health initiatives, such as electronic health records and telemedicine platforms, improve healthcare accessibility while safeguarding patient privacy through blockchain technology (see Health chapter). For knowledge and skills transfer, the Ajman government has implemented a number of programmes to encourage the digitalisation of local firms, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For instance, the Mahali online platform – powered by Noon, a Dubai-based digital marketplace – helps entrepreneurs promote their products on e-commerce platforms through more strategic marketing and sales techniques to reach a broader audience.
Digital Projects
Between 2017 and 2021 the DDA’s paperless approach to administering government services saved an estimated Dh3m ($816,600) in government costs and saved over 200 trees. In February 2021 the DDA announced its collaboration with IBM to help accelerate its transformation programme. IBM also assisted in creating Ajman Pay, a payment gateway developed by the Ajman Department of Finance. The platform streamlines fee and service payments by utilising IBM App Connect Enterprise software to integrate local government and semi-government entities.
The Bait Amer service bundle, one of the DDA’s flagship projects, streamlines the process of building a new home by consolidating key departments, reducing the required government touchpoints from 17 to five. The DDA also contributed to the UAE government’s Bashr project, an electronic platform that allows investors to establish companies in minutes without the need to visit government offices. This service incorporates local and federal departments and licensing bodies, streamlining the company registration process, with many integrations complete and more under way.
The Ajman Data Portal, established in 2022, is another initiative that promotes digital governance. The development allows businesses, researchers and relevant entities to access emirate-specific data on business, environment, housing, trade and a range of other subjects. Additionally, the Ajman One application – developed by the DDA – centralises public services, providing access to around 150 public and private sector services to all residents and visitors in the emirate. Such services include religious facilities, bill payments, and health and education facilities.
In parallel, the DDA created a shared digital network combining the Ajman government’s main data centre – a tier 3 data centre – alongside a disaster recovery data centre. This permits all public sector entities to connect to one secure network, as a result providing more reliable and effective services to all stakeholders in the emirate. Ajman’s innovative approach also attracts green technology investors by showcasing its successful integration of sustainability and advanced digital solutions. Projects such as AI-driven energy management systems and IoT-enabled environmental monitoring highlight benefits for all stakeholders in the emirate’s digital ecosystem.
In terms of urban mobility, Ajman aims to be the GCC region’s first 15-minute city. This concept prioritises accessibility by reducing reliance on vehicles, cutting emissions and enhancing urban liveability. Investment in smart infrastructure, including green buildings and adaptive transport systems, demonstrates a commitment to holistic urban planning. Additionally, digital literacy programmes ensure residents are equipped to engage with emerging technologies, fostering the development of an inclusive, digitally literate community. The information is provided in open-source format as an online map, offering transparent details for decision-makers and investors about potential locations for the development of additional city amenities and facilities. More broadly, Ajman’s government hopes that further digitalisation will help address environmental challenges while also positioning the city as a leader in smart urban development within the UAE.
Development Roadmap
Ajman Vision 2030 is an emirate-level strategy established in March 2024 that consists of eight guiding principles aimed at transforming the emirate into a centre of innovation and sustainable development. Several aspects of this blueprint directly interact with and bolster the digital economy of Ajman, aligning with global technological trends and local aspirations. For instance, objective 8.4 of the roadmap intends to ensure effective and efficient management of physical and digital assets. Implementing advanced asset management systems, powered by AI and IoT, can optimise the use of physical infrastructure and digital resources. This integration leads to improved operational efficiency, reduced costs and enhanced service delivery, which are critical components of a thriving digital economy. By effectively managing digital assets, Ajman can ensure that its digital infrastructure is robust, scalable and capable of supporting future growth.
Additionally, in an effort to boost government service efficiency and effectiveness, objective 8.3 aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. By adopting e-government platforms and centralised interfaces for services, Ajman can streamline administrative processes, making them more accessible and user friendly. This not only boosts the digital economy by fostering a tech-savvy population, but also attracts businesses and investors looking for a supportive regulatory environment. Digitalisation is also relevant for guiding principles four and five, which focus on agility and future readiness, respectively. These principles advocate for a proactive approach to technological adoption and innovation. By fostering an inclusive digital economy, Ajman can quickly adapt to emerging technologies and market trends. Future readiness ensures that the emirate remains at the forefront of digital innovation, creating a sustainable and resilient economic environment. This adaptability is crucial for attracting investment, nurturing start-ups and building a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of a digital future.
Internet Penetration
At the start of 2024, the UAE demonstrated exceptionally high levels of digital connectivity across multiple platforms and technologies. For instance, after Qatar, the UAE has the second-fastest average mobile speed globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index 2024, 100% of individuals in the UAE were using the internet, 100% of households had internet access and 99.8% the population was covered by a 4G or LTE mobile network. Moreover, by 2024 the mobile broadband subscription rate in the UAE was nearly 235% per capita, indicating high levels of digital literacy within the population.
Telecommunications
The UAE telecommunications market is dominated by a few key players, principally two government-owned companies: Abu Dhabi-headquartered etisalat by e& – formerly Etisalat – and Dubai-headquartered du. Additionally, Virgin Mobile UAE has operated in the UAE since 2017, is the country’s first mobile virtual network operator and is a joint venture between du and the UK-based Virgin Group. Other providers include Nedaa, which delivers mobile radio services, Thuraya Telecommunications Company and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), which offer satellite-based mobile communications – with Yahsat also offering broadcasting services. The market is characterised by the rapid rollout of 5G technology, being the first country in the world to deploy the technology in 2019. This is off the back of growing demand for high-speed internet from both residential and commercial users, especially following the pandemic where many residents of the UAE were expected to work from home. The shift to mobile technology and improvements in connectivity more broadly have reduced the per capita number of fixed lines in the country, which dropped from 25.4 per 100 residents in May 2014 to 20.6 in May 2024.
Network Expansion
While most infrastructure upgrades are undertaken at the national level, several initiatives also bolster the capacity and capability of ICT infrastructure at the emirate level. For instance, Khazna Data Centres is set to open the country’s largest AI-optimised data centre in Ajman in the second half of 2025. The facility is designed to operate at a capacity of 100 MW and span 100,000 sq metres. The data centre is designed with AI-related technologies in mind and the high-level computing power and scalability requirements that are associated with the technology. It comprises 20 data halls, each with a capacity of 5 MW. The project aims to support both Ajman and the UAE’s goals in digital and economic growth by creating highly skilled jobs in the AI field.
Cybersecurity
As Ajman continues to advance its digital transformation, it faces growing cybersecurity challenges linked to the increasing reliance on online data storage. At the national level, the TDRA’s National Cybersecurity Strategy provides a guiding framework to protect businesses and individuals against cyberthreats. This strategy focuses on enhancing the security of all users of critical digital infrastructure while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. In line with these national efforts, Ajman benefits from the UAE Cybersecurity Council, which was established in November 2020. The council plays a pivotal role in developing a resilient cybersecurity framework. In September 2023 the council announced a forward-looking vision to protect the country over the next 50 years, addressing the rapidly evolving threats associated with AI and other technological innovation. Although there are no cybersecurity-specific initiatives from the DDA, the importance of cybersecurity is intrinsic to the development of its digital infrastructure. Several educational campaigns have been implemented to educate young people about cyber risks. In August 2024 Ajman police led an education campaign to boost awareness about cybercrimes and harmful aspects of social media, titled Awareness Today…for a Secure Future. This is alongside a competition at Ajman University in 2023 created by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, aiming to boost cybersecurity skills among the emirate’s youth.
Start-Ups & Innovation
Ajman is quickly emerging as a key location for start-ups and innovation within the UAE and the wider Gulf region. This growing prominence is driven by a range of forward-thinking policies and initiatives that have been specifically designed to foster entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The goal is to create a dynamic and supportive ecosystem that nurtures new ventures through incubators, accelerators and specialised programmes aimed at promoting digital innovation throughout the emirate’s entire digital landscape.
As the primary economic body of the emirate, Ajman Department of Economic Development (AJDED) plays an instrumental role in facilitating the growth of startups. One notable initiative, the Taziz Programme, is tailored to support SMEs by offering essential training, expert advisory services and streamlined access to government contracts. In addition, the Reyada Programme enables entrepreneurs to operate businesses from their homes, significantly lowering overhead costs and encouraging broader participation in the local economy, especially among citizens (see Economy chapter).
“Digital transformation and workforce development are at the forefront of Ajman’s economic strategy,” Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of AJDED, told OBG. “To address the digital transition in the private sector, several ongoing initiatives aim to encourage small and medium SMEs to adopt modern technologies. These efforts are complemented by training programmes that equip businesses with the tools necessary to navigate the digital economy effectively.”
Ajman has also established several incubators and accelerators to provide start-ups with the necessary resources to grow its digital economy. These platforms offer mentorship, networking opportunities and financial support to young businesses. For instance, the Ajman University Innovation Centre is an incubator that aims to foster a culture of innovation among students and the broader community. It offers a variety of programmes that include workshops, seminars, and access to advanced technological tools and resources. The centre was granted incubator status in 2022 by Dubai-based Hamdan Innovation Incubator – the first incubator outside of Dubai to be awarded this status.
Challenges & Opportunities
Ajman’s digital economy is growing rapidly, presenting both challenges and opportunities to all stakeholders. Ajman benefits from robust internet and mobile broadband penetration, positioning it as a strong player in the UAE’s global connectivity leadership. The rollout of 5G technology and LTE-A networks supports a high-speed, low-latency environment, essential for driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Government initiatives from the DDA and other bodies have streamlined public services, with various projects reducing costs and improving efficiency. These initiatives enhance the emirate’s appeal to investors and businesses.
Despite this advancement, Ajman faces challenges stemming from the increased pace of digitalisation. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern as the emirate’s reliance on digital systems grows. While national entities such as the UAE Cybersecurity Council provide support, local measures could be further bolstered to address more specific threats. Bridging the digital divide, particularly for SMEs and underrepresented groups, is another challenge. Training programmes and digital literacy campaigns, while effective, could be further scaled to ensure widespread inclusivity.
Outlook
Ajman’s digital economy is undergoing rapid transformation, shaped by a blend of technological innovation, strategic policy-making and robust infrastructure investment. Anchored by high mobile penetration rates and the UAE’s leading position in connectivity, the emirate is leveraging advanced networks, including 5G, to drive high-speed, low-latency communication. While mobile broadband dominates due to its accessibility, fixed broadband adoption continues to expand, reflecting broader digital inclusivity efforts.
Ajman’s focus on innovation is evident in its support for start-ups, accelerators and incubators, as well as its emphasis on developments such as e-money, e-learning and cloud computing. These efforts align with the UAE’s national strategies, which emphasise agility, future readiness and sustainability. Advanced technologies are being deployed to address environmental challenges, optimise resource use and streamline governance. Ajman’s strategic alignment with national policies, combined with its local initiatives, positions the emirate as a centre for digital innovation and sustainable growth.
