Profile
From The Report: Ajman 2025
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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.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Enhanced development: The emirate is attracting new partnerships and leveraging technology to solidify its position on the global investment map
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Ajman, the smallest emirate within the UAE, has emerged as a key player in the country’s cultural, educational and economic landscape in the 21st century. Rich in cultural heritage, Ajman features a variety of attractions including the Ajman Museum, which is housed in an 18th-century fort, and several year-round festivals that celebrate its history and traditions. The emirate is home to both Ajman University and Gulf Medical University, two prestigious institutions that have significantly contributed to the emirate’s education environment. Ajman is notable for its diverse and resilient economy, which, unlike that of other emirates and GCC…

Interview

Harmony and progress: Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; Chairman, Ajman Executive Council, on how the emirate is balancing tradition with development to support economic growth
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Interview:Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi How has Ajman positioned itself as a model for economic diversification in the UAE? SHEIKH AMMAR BIN HUMAID AL NUAIMI: In recent years Ajman has transformed into a dynamic commercial centre, with non-oil sectors contributing a significant share to GDP. Industry, trade and tourism have experienced notable expansion, supported by regulatory enhancements and investment in infrastructure. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) remains instrumental in attracting foreign…

Analysis

Targeted vision: Ajman’s strategic development plan seeks to attract significant long-term capital for project-focused development
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Ajman Vision 2030 is the second such emirate-level strategic plan guiding progress and development with the previous iteration, Ajman 2021 having been launched at the World Government Summit 2014 in Dubai. The principle aim of Ajman 2021 was to create a happy society, resulting in a green economy supported by a comprehensive and well-run government. Subsequently, Ajman Vision 2030 was launched in March 2024 as a continuation of the ongoing development plan. It builds upon the foundations of Ajman 2021 by expanding and refining its goals to focus on people-centric development that is sustainable and incorporates technological advancement. The plan…

Analysis

Bilateral opportunity: Inaugural inter-regional summit signals closer collaboration between the GCC and South-east Asia in the years to come
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Trade between the GCC and the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown considerably in recent years as economies in both regions seek to capitalise on mutually beneficial opportunities, and diversify their trade and investment partners. Indeed, trade between the GCC and Asian countries classified as emerging and developing by the IMF increased 34.7% year-on-year to reach $516bn in 2022, up from $383bn in 2021, according to data from UK-based think tank Asia House. Trade between the two regions is projected to reach $757bn by 2030, nearly double its 2021 value, according to a 2023 report by Asia House. The same analysis indicates…

Analysis

Regional ties: Bilateral trade talks between the UK and the GCC are set to boost renewable energy and food security in the bloc
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As part of plans to expand and diversify its global trade partners and fulfil their respective national development strategies, the GCC has launched negotiations with the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA). This partnership is expected to bolster the bloc’s economy, help attract investment and provide greater opportunities for local businesses. In June 2022 the two parties signed a joint statement and officially launched talks on a comprehensive trade deal, with Anne-Marie Trevelyan, then the UK trade secretary, meeting with Nayef Falah Al Hajraf, the GCC secretary-general, in Riyadh. Trevelyan then travelled to Dubai to meet with representatives…