Ajman: Gulf Coast, Museum and Camel Racing

Ajman combines a long stretch of coastline on the Arabian Gulf with historic sights and places to visit. You can choose from different focuses for your stay: walks along the Corniche, insights into the emirate’s history, or nature and horses.

Coast and nature around Ajman

Ajman has a 16-kilometre stretch of beach on the Arabian Gulf. Ajman Corniche offers a different perspective: the four-kilometre promenade opens up views of the Gulf. Families can stroll along the Corniche and picnic on the beach. If you are looking for a coastal focus for your trip, these details can help you distinguish between the beach and the promenade as different aspects of Ajman.

Al Zorah Nature Reserve lies north of the city. Its landscape features include seven kilometres of waterfront, a two-kilometre-long beach and a tidal creek. The reserve in the Emirate of Ajman also includes mangroves, turquoise lagoons and sandy beaches. Almost 58 bird species live there, including flamingos, herons and egrets; the number of species may change. The calm waters and network of canals are also suitable for inexperienced kayakers.

Al Zorah Golf Club is also located north of the city. Its 18-hole golf course was designed by Nicklaus Design and is situated in the heart of the Al Zorah community. Nature and golf thus complement the coastal promenade with further possible themes for planning your trip.

Ajman’s history at the museum and along the Corniche

Ajman Museum is housed in an 18th-century fort that served as the ruler’s residence until 1970. The collection includes manuscripts, weapons, models of wooden dhows and exhibits on irrigation systems. It also displays pottery and burial jewellery from an excavated cemetery discovered in Al Muwaihat. The finds date back to 3000 BC. A dedicated section focuses on the pearl trade, which once shaped the region. The museum is considered the emirate’s most important museum and illustrates life in the past.

Another historic landmark along Ajman’s Corniche is the Al Murabaa Watchtower. It has stood there since the 1930s and served as the city’s first line of defence. In the Emirate of Ajman, the Dhow Yard is also one of the world’s largest centres for traditional dhow building.

Markets, horses and seasonal races

A wide selection of fresh fish and seafood is sold at Ajman Fish Market. The selection may vary; haggling with the fish vendors is common. The market offers a different insight into Ajman than its historic exhibits or coastal promenade.

At Al Tallah Camel Racecourse, camel races are usually held on Friday and Saturday mornings and afternoons during the racing season from October to March; visitors are welcome. There is no official schedule, so check which dates are planned before your trip.

Ajman Stud is about 30 kilometres east of Ajman. The grounds, used primarily as a working stud farm, can be visited. During a visit, you can learn how the horses are trained and prepared for competitions. To arrange a tour, contact the tourism department.

When looking for a hotel in Ajman, deciding what you want from your stay can be a good first step: the coast and promenade, museums and historic sites, or nature and horses offer different ways to shape your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Ajman.