Tourism & Culture
From The Report: Ajman 2025
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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.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Attracting development: Ajman is drawing increasing investment from both local and international sources while it develops its tourism offerings
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With tourism a key focus of the emirate’s central development plan, known as Ajman Vision 2030, this geographically diverse emirate is well-positioned for expansion in the travel and hospitality sector. Able to leverage a dual offering as both a coastal and urban location on the Gulf and as a mountain retreat – thanks to the mountainous exclaves of Manama and Masfout –Ajman has a unique and contrasting range of possibilities for visitors. At the same time, the emirate is located just 10 km from Sharjah International Airport and around 20 km from Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest aviation centre as of end-2024. The…

Interview

Leveraging innovation: Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General, Ajman Tourism Development Department, on utilising global tourism and cultural events to enhance visibility and appeal
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Interview:Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi How does Ajman balance rapid tourism growth with sustainable development and cultural preservation? MAHMOOD KHALEEL ALHASHMI: Ajman has positioned its rich cultural heritage as a cornerstone of its tourism strategy, leveraging it to stand out in a competitive market. The emirate’s initiatives, including the Ajman Heritage District, showcase its history and traditions through attractions such as the Ajman Museum and the Saleh Souq. Similarly, events such…

Analysis

Cultural centrepiece: A depth of cultural and artistic resources has tourism planners focusing on how to capitalise on these offerings to boost visitors
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Under Ajman Vision 2030, the unique cultural and artistic heritage of this corner of the UAE is fully recognised in the emirate’s plans for tourism development. Possessing a range of attractions from forts to festivals, and souqs to traditional hill villages, Ajman also has the ability to combine this heritage with modern hotels, entertainment and retail experiences – all within a short distance of one another. This is a great asset in the development of Ajman’s hospitality sector, while also providing a strong driver for local small business development and entrepreneurship. Arts & Cultural Tourism Across the UAE, the federal Ministry…

Analysis

Cross-border connections: Gulf countries develop strategic partnerships to promote the region as a leading international travel destination
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In 2024 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East, with 95m arrivals, remained the strongest-performing region when compared to 2019, with international arrivals 32% above pre-pandemic levels in 2024, though 1% higher compared to 2023. Road To Recovery Tourism in GCC countries has gained significant momentum on the international stage as the region transforms itself into a…