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 has eight strategic principles, five strategic directives and objectives, and 14 ongoing projects.
Ajman Vision 2030
The aim of the roadmap is to transform the emirate into a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive investment destination while ensuring holistic development and addressing environmental, social and economic priorities. Among the guiding principles, sustainability and balanced development prioritise the equitable distribution of resources while mitigating environmental impact – ensuring liveable urban surroundings and supporting the resilience of natural resources. Principles such as competitiveness, innovation and creativity reflect a forward-looking strategy that embraces global trends, and aims to position Ajman as an economic centre driven by advanced technology and intellectual capital.
Meanwhile, identity, heritage, quality of life and partnerships aims to balance modernisation with tradition and inclusivity, fostering community well-being and collaboration between residents, existing businesses and new investors. The plan’s strategic directives translate these values into actionable goals. A diversified economy, integrated urban environment and infrastructural excellence provide the foundation for sustainable growth, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and enhancing connectivity. Directives like human capital development and social cohesion highlight the importance of an integrated, skilled workforce and harmonious communities to support long-term stability. The strategic directive focusing on cultural preservation ensures Ajman’s unique heritage remains integral to its identity, while smart governance aims to modernise public services, promoting efficiency and transparency.
Projects
Varying from skill development and waste management to urban transformation and heritage preservation, many of Ajman Vision 2030’s projects are economic-focused and incorporate urban planning and investment attraction. For example, the Al Safia community space project and the Ajman Corniche beach development project both prioritise creating inclusive spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents and foster social connectivity. These projects aim to improve the recreational and aesthetic appeal of Ajman while building stronger community ties and boosting business activity.
The Ajman Corniche beach revitalisation, with its expanded beachfront, seeks to attract tourism and investment, bridging the gap between social goals and economic aspirations that make up Ajman Vision 2030. The Al Zorah Seaport development, meanwhile, complements these efforts by linking growth to the waterfront and creating a gateway for global trade and investment while generating jobs and connecting to broader transport networks. Lastly, the proposed foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction programme focuses on improving the business environment and streamlining investment promotion and facilitation in strategic sectors.
By addressing factors that influence FDI, the initiative aims to attract long-term capital, alongside other initiatives pursued by the private sector and the Ajman Chamber and Ajman Department of Economic Development. As Ajman Vision 2030 progresses for the remainder of the decade, it is expected to drive significant economic diversification and growth while also focusing on a number of key environmental, social and governance priorities that aim to create a more healthy, happy and productive population over the long term.
Environmental Protection
Ajman Vision 2030 was designed to align closely with national and international sustainability goals such as the UAE Green Agenda, Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, the National Climate Change Plan 2017–50, as well as the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The emirate aims to foster a sustainable and resilient community by addressing key environmental challenges, including waste management, pollution control, air quality improvement and the preservation of biodiversity. These efforts are designed to protect public health, safeguard ecosystems and create a cleaner, healthier environment for Ajman’s residents.
Ajman is focusing on integrated waste-management strategies, including waste reduction, recycling and landfill diversion, to address rising waste generation due to population and economic growth. The government is also working to mitigate water, land and air pollution by reviving waterways, reducing industrial emissions and promoting cleaner technologies. Efforts to enhance air quality include expanding air quality monitoring networks and reducing vehicle and industrial emissions, ensuring a more liveable and sustainable environment for the community.
Alongside the commitment to sustainable economic development, Ajman Vision 2030 also prioritises environmental conservation to strike a balance between development and biodiversity protection, particularly its coastal and wetland ecosystems. The government places significant emphasis on places such as the Al Zorah protected area, designated as a Wetland of International Importance by Ramsar, a body overseeing a convention on wetlands. In addition to fish and coral reefs, mangroves are of particular ecological significance given their ability to filter water pollution and absorb carbon from the air. Al Zorah is also of importance for leveraging Ajman’s sustainable tourism agenda.
Education, Research & Innovation
Education and workforce development are also central aspects to Ajman Vision 2030, with a strong emphasis on building a competitive workforce equipped with skills that align with the evolving needs of a knowledge-driven economy. The strategy includes greater oversight of private school education, digital citizenship and critical thinking skills development. Linking this to the economy, Ajman Vision 2030 aims to boost vocational training for future growth industries and increase collaboration between academic institutions and businesses to ensure a seamless transition from education to employment.
Strengthening the education sector is seen as key to long-term sustainability, with investment in science, technology, engineering and maths, research facilities, and technology incubators aimed at fostering a new generation of skilled professionals. As such, Ajman Vision 2030 prioritises research and innovation as drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness with a collaborative approach across government, academia and the private sector, known as the triple helix. By fostering partnerships between universities, businesses and public institutions, the emirate aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that supports knowledge production and technological advancement. Investment in education and skills development will ensure a workforce equipped for research-driven industries, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving and innovation. Moreover, the government seeks to attract private sector investment in sustainable technologies, waste management and energy efficiency, reinforcing Ajman’s commitment to long-term economic diversification. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective policy implementation, sustained funding and the ability to align research priorities with industry needs to drive scaleable solutions.
Smart Governance
A key part of Ajman Vision 2030 is the focus on customer-centric government by bolstering efficiency, accessibility and digital transformation in public services. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, the government hopes to streamline processes, enhance service delivery and ensure secure data management, the latter being particularly important at a time of heightened cyberthreats.
A key aspect of this transformation is fostering collaboration between government entities, businesses and residents to align services with evolving societal needs. Additionally, efforts will focus on simplifying bureaucratic procedures and improving response times to enhance trust and satisfaction among citizens and investors. In line with this, effective and efficient management of both physical and digital assets is another key pillar of Ajman Vision 2030.
