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 countries, is focused almost entirely on non-hydrocarbons activities. Economic activity in Ajman is underpinned by six specialised free zones, such as Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), which provide flexible investment options and infrastructure for the emirate’s businesses. These free zones, coupled with a strategic location and modern facilities, have made Ajman an attractive destination for manufacturing, commerce and creative industries.
The government of Ajman has been proactive in leveraging modern technology to enhance civic services. The launch of the emirate’s e-government portal in 2012 has transformed how residents and citizens interact with the local government, providing easy user access to services such as passport issuance, parking permits, home care for the elderly and support for marital and family issues. Many government services have now transitioned to the online portal. This move towards digitalisation aligns with Ajman’s broader strategy to foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for its residents. In terms of economic development, Ajman continues to form new partnerships and adopt the latest technology solutions, aiming to strengthen its established position on the global investment map. With ongoing projects and initiatives, the emirate is poised for significant economic growth and social development in the coming years.
Formation
Ajman is one of seven emirates that comprise the UAE, a federation established in 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s first president. Ajman’s modern era began with Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, whose contributions were instrumental in establishing the UAE. Sheikh Rashid laid the groundwork for Ajman’s integration into the federation and his vision was brought to fruition by his successor, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, who became ruler in 1981 after serving as crown prince. His son, Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi has served as the crown prince of the emirate since 2003. His initiatives have driven significant progress in the emirate, fostering robust economic expansion and modern infrastructure development, solidifying Ajman’s place within the UAE’s evolving economy.
Government
Ajman operates as a constitutional monarchy within the UAE, a federation of hereditary monarchies. The highest governing body in the UAE is the Federal Supreme Council, which includes the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Although the president and prime minister of the UAE are electable by the Federal Supreme Council, custom dictates that the ruler of Abu Dhabi holds the presidency, while Dubai’s ruler assumes the role of the UAE’s prime minister. Since 2006 the Federal National Council – a half-elected body with 40 members representing all seven emirates – has provided a consultative function in the governance process. The UAE’s central government in Abu Dhabi provides federal public services, while the ruler of Ajman and the crown prince both play a key role in the region’s economic development through the founding of institutions and initiatives that range from the establishment of Ajman University and AFZ to Ajman Vision 2030.
At the local level, the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, established in 1968, is responsible for delivering civic services. The body aims to lead sustainable development in alignment with Ajman Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan outlining goals leading up to 2030. The strategy is based on eight strategic principles, including sustainability, accountability and cooperation. Further, the vision has a set of objectives to enhance the competitive business environment, build human capital and promote integrated and sustainable transport links seeks to enhance community well-being through integrated infrastructure, environmental protection, smart urban planning and advanced digital services while prioritising health, safety and environmental sustainability to ensure a high quality of life.
Geography
The UAE covers approximately 71,024 sq km, including some smaller islands in the Gulf. In addition, there are 27,625 sq km of territorial water extending from the coastline that stretches from the northern Strait of Hormuz to its southern and eastern borders with Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates, occupying approximately 260 sq km, or around 0.3% of the UAE’s total area. The emirate comprises three distinct regions, with the main section situated on the Gulf coast. This area, bordered almost entirely by Sharjah, includes Ajman’s capital city, which is also the emirate’s only urban centre.
In addition to the coastal area, Ajman includes two inland exclaves: Manama and Masfout, located on the Oman promontory at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Manama, 60 km south-east of the capital, is known for its agricultural activity and for hosting a national defence base. Masfout lies 90 km southeast of the capital in the Hatta Wadi at the base of the promontory and is notable for its agriculture and deposits of high-quality marble. Including its territorial waters, Ajman’s total area extends to 600 sq km. Ajman’s natural harbour and coastal position provide it with various economic advantages, with 16 km of white, sandy beaches along the Gulf, enhancing its maritime and leisure appeal.
Climate
Ajman has an arid climate characterised by minimal rainfall year-round. From November to April, the climate is pleasant with warm, sunny days, cool nights and low humidity. During this period, daytime temperatures typically range between 18°C and 30°C. In contrast, the summer months from May to September bring intense heat and high humidity with temperatures in excess of 45°C. Occasional tropical storms can occur between January and March, leading to flash flooding. The emirate is also known for its expansive sandy beaches and palm trees, the latter of which are abundant, even in more urbanised areas.
History
The emirate traces its roots to 1775, with the migration of the Al Nuaimi tribe to the area from nearby Oman. In 1820 the ruler of Ajman endorsed the British-initiated General Treaty of Peace, formally renouncing piracy. The treaty marked Ajman’s emergence as an autonomous entity. The emirate later joined the Maritime Truce of 1835 and the Perpetual Maritime Truce of 1853. To counter potential Turkish and French influence along the Trucial Coast, Ajman’s leader, alongside other sheikhs, signed an agreement in 1892 granting Britain control over foreign affairs. The British announced their withdrawal from the Gulf in 1968, paving the way for the establishment of the UAE in 1971, with Ajman becoming one of the founding members. By the early 20th century, the emirate’s economy was modest, focusing on around 40 pearling vessels and date farming. From 1961 until the early 1970s, Ajman generated significant revenue through the sale of postage stamps designed to appeal to international stamp collectors.
Sections of Ajman’s historic old town still stand, including a prominent watchtower and a large central fort. During sewer works in the Al Mowaihat area in 1986, a major archaeological site was unearthed: a tomb, dating back to 2500–2000 BCE and spanning 8.3 metres in diameter. Inside, archaeologists discovered ceramics from the Umm Al Nar era, copper tools, thousands of beads and human remains. The find provided the first tangible evidence of the Umm Al Nar culture in Ajman, underscoring the region’s historical importance. Many of these artefacts are on display in the Ajman Museum.
Demographics
In 2023 World Bank estimates put the UAE’s total population at 10.5m, comprising both nationals and expatriate residents. According to the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 69.7% of the population is male and 30.3% is female. The expatriate community significantly outnumbers UAE nationals, with Indians making up the largest contingent of the foreign community, followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, other Asians, Europeans and Africans. The fluid nature of total expatriate figures in the UAE is due to the constant movement of people, including those on short-term visas. The country’s annual population growth rate has stabilised at around 1.5%.
At an emirate-level, Ajman’s population was estimated at nearly 583,000 as of 2024, up from nearly 505,000 in 2017 according to the Ajman Statistics Centre. Its long-term population growth has been particularly pronounced, with the total more than tripling since the population and housing census that was held in 1995 recorded over 121,000 residents. This sustained increase is partly due to people relocating from neighbouring emirates like Dubai and Sharjah, drawn by Ajman’s growing appeal as a residential and business centre.
Language & Religion
Arabic is the official language of Ajman and the UAE. However, English is widely spoken and commonly used for business communications and public affairs between the government and the country’s different nationalities. Both Arabic and English are used for road and traffic signage, as well as in commercial outlets. Arabic, English, Chinese, French, Hindi and Russian are all used in the UAE’s courts and other widely spoken languages include Bengali, Hindi Farsi, Malayalam, Turkish and Urdu. Although Islam is the official religion of the UAE, the constitution upholds religious freedom as part of the country’s commitment to tolerance, co-existence and religious inclusion. This has resulted in a wide array of religions being practised alongside Islam by the sizeable expatriate community, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and others.
Culture
In addition to economic and social development, Ajman’s leadership has placed a strong emphasis on bolstering cultural identity and activities within the emirate. The emirate has been recognised for its cultural contributions, including its membership in the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, which highlights its commitment to lifelong learning and quality education. The Ajman Cultural Centre hosts various events, such as the Creative Factory, which brings together experts to strengthen both the emirate’s cultural and creative ecosystem. The emirate is also home to the Ajman Museum, which showcases the region’s history and rich heritage, and the Ajman Archaeology Museum, which highlights archaeological findings in the area. These cultural initiatives and institutions play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the emirate’s rich heritage and traditions.
Economy
Following Ajman’s founding, fishing and trade formed the backbone of the traditional economy. The emirate’s dhow-building yard, still the largest in the UAE, remains operational and is the largest dhow-building construction yard worldwide. The discovery of oil in Ajman in 1965 led to an economic boom in subsequent years, but even in its early stages, the emirate’s leadership understood the importance of developing a non-oil economy. In 1977 the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry was established to diversify the economy, which is focused on manufacturing and industry, real estate and construction, trade and logistics, and services.
Ajman’s economy has successfully rebounded from the Covid-19 pandemic, achieving a GDP growth rate of 6.3% and reaching approximately Dh36bn ($9.8bn) in 2023. This was up from Dh33.9bn ($9.2bn) with a slightly slower growth rate of 7% the previous year. In 2023 sectoral contribution to Ajman’s nominal GDP was led by manufacturing, at 18.8%; wholesale and retail trade, and vehicle repair, accounting for 18%; and construction activities contributing 16.4%.
Natural Resources
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the UAE held an estimated 111bn barrels of proven oil reserves as of early 2023, a slight increase from the previous year’s total of 107bn barrels. This makes the UAE the seventh-largest holder of oil reserves in the world. Ajman has limited gas reserves. The emirate’s latest project, the Zora gas field, began operations in 2016. This follows a 2012 agreement between Ajman and Sharjah on the joint management of the field, gas sales and purchase contracts, as well as a cooperative operating agreement between the two emirates.
Ajman relies on extensive desalination operations to meet its population’s fresh water needs. Additionally, Ajman is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability, with areas like the Al Zorah Natural Reserve – which includes over 500,000 mangrove trees – aiding in carbon sequestration and providing habitats for a diverse wildlife.
Initiatives
Since the turn of the millennium, Ajman’s government has launched a number of initiatives aimed at bolstering its economic development in tandem with policies targeted at attracting higher levels of foreign and domestic investment. These include start-up support for small and medium-sized enterprises and the establishment of Ajman Vision 2030. Ajman has also developed a network of free zones, such as AFZ, to solidify its regional trade position as an exporter and re-exporter. The emirate continues to attract new partnerships and leverage modern technology to enhance its development and solidify its position on the global investment map.
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