Luxury holidays in Ajman – What You Need to Know

A haven of relaxation, adventure, exploration and beauty awaits on Arabian shores in the sun-drenched emirate of Ajman.

This scintillating holiday destination is brimming with appeal, offering an array of attractions, scenery and activities, as well as serving up exceptional hospitality absolutely everywhere you go.

You will also find a host of superb luxury hotels and resorts, with accommodation, leisure features and dining destinations to suit families, friends and couples.

With all of this in mind, we decided to put Ajman in the spotlight and tell you why this exhilarating destination is the perfect choice for your next luxury escape.

What is the weather like in Ajman and when is the best time to visit?

Ajman enjoys a subtropical, arid climate, with sunshine and warm temperatures the whole year round. This means it’s a great destination for a holiday whatever the season.

How long is the flight from the UK to Ajman?

The nearest airport to Ajman is Dubai International Airport, which is located around 30 minutes away by car. It takes approximately 7 hours to fly directly from London to Dubai International Airport.

What language is spoken in Ajman?

Arabic is the official language spoken in Ajman, although English is also commonly used and signs and restaurant menus are written in both. The official currency used in Ajman is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED).

What are the top attractions in Ajman?

When it comes to things to see and do, Ajman has plenty to offer. Whether you’re seeking action-packed sports and leisure activities, or historic landmarks and absorbing cultural attractions, this wonderful destination has something for everyone.

Explore the emirate’s enthralling past with a visit to Ajman Museum, an impressive 18th century fort that served as the ruler’s residence until 1970. Today the building houses an array of ancient weapons, tools and manuscripts, as well an exhibit devoted to Ajman’s fascinating pearl trade.

For a truly memorable cultural experience, you could head over to Al Tallah Camel Race Course. Here you can enjoy the traditional Bedouin sport of camel racing. A trip to the Ajman Arabian Horse Stud also offers a great insight into Ajman’s heritage. Visitors can learn all about the local passion for the famed breed, as well as find out how these striking animals are trained.

If beautiful architecture is more your thing, the impressive Aamnah Bint Ahmad Al Ghurair Mosque is not to be missed. Built by Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, in memory of his mother, the dazzling white and gold structure covers 15,000 square metres and is a sight to behold, especially when it is lit up at night.

Those who prefer to spend their holiday by the water could head to Ajman’s marina district for a spot of people watching at one of the trendy cafes or restaurants that can be found along the palm-lined promenade. The nearby Corniche is also a great place to visit, being the perfect spot for a picnic on the beach, a laid-back walk, or a swim in the sheltered tidal pool.

A more active aqua venture can be found at Quest for Adventure, in Al Zorah. Here you can experience the thrill of cable wakeboarding, which involves standing on a board, holding a rope attached to a cable and being pulled around a watery circuit of ramps and obstacles. Everyone can join in the fun, with all levels of experience catered for.

Al Zorah is also home to a world-class 18-hole golf course, offering travellers the chance to tee off in the sun in a stunning natural setting.

Indeed, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Ajman and children are no exception.

The fabulous Funtastico inflatable water park is a great family-friendly attraction, welcoming kids from three to 14. Visitors will have hours of fun splashing around on the slides, whizzing along the chutes and tackling the many colourful obstacles. What’s more, it’s a great place to keep cool in the sunshine.

Ajman’s first petting zoo, Pygmy Park, is another great place for a day out with children. Located in Al Zorah, it is the home of a host of fascinating animals, including birds, reptiles, camels, goats, horses and more. Not only can you get up close to these friendly creatures, you will also have the chance to join in the fun at feeding time with the help of trained handlers.

If you’re travelling with older children, a visit to Al Zorah’s Battle Park might be more up your street. Paintball, IBattle and target shooting can all be enjoyed at this exciting attraction, where families and loved ones can team up or go against each other in one of the thrilling combat games.

What are the main natural wonders in Ajman?

Ajman is a destination rich in natural beauty, offering a variety of diverse landscapes that are home to an abundance of wonderful flora and fauna, and are ideal for a spectrum of incredible activities and adventures.

Pristine sandy beaches, terracotta desert dunes, lush mangrove forests and majestic mountains can all be found in this amazing emirate, and each one is well worth experiencing.

For spectacular scenery and wildlife, a visit to Al Zorah Nature Reserve, to the north of Ajman city, is a must. Nearly 60 species of birds, including pink flamingos, egrets and heron, live in the mangroves and lagoons here, with visitors able to explore the area by kayak.

Ajman is also home to a number of glorious beaches. As well as being great places to relax under clear blue skies, the warm, clear waters off shore are also perfect for ocean activities, including fishing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boat rides.

A trip to discover the spellbinding sights of the Arabian desert should also be on your agenda during your Ajman escape. Camel rides, desert safaris, sand-boarding and authentic Bedouin experiences are all excursions that can all be enjoyed in this scenic wilderness.

Further inland lie the magnificent Hajar Mountains. The enclave of Masfout provides the perfect place from where to access this rugged realm. This breath-taking landscape is perfect for climbing, hiking and mountain biking.

What’s the best way to explore Ajman?

Getting around Ajman is an absolute breeze with a number of ways to explore during your holiday. A fleet of modern buses covers all of the emirate, while travellers can also discover the attractions on offer by taking a taxi. A dedicated taxi service is provided for ladies, while special vehicles are on hand to ensure disabled visitors can access the sights in safety and comfort.

If you would prefer to hire your own car, you can do just that. Comprehensive insurance that includes personal accident coverage is essential, and you will need to have your passport, a valid international driving licence and a credit card.

Alternatively, you could just use your feet, with Ajman Marina, the Corniche and Al Zorah Nature Reserve all ideal places for a leisurely stroll outside of the summer months, when temperatures peak.

Is Ajman good for shopping?

If you like to shop, Ajman will be right up your street, with an array of retail destinations to be discovered during your stay.

For an authentic shopping experience and to put your haggling skills to the test, you could pay a visit to one of Ajman’s atmospheric souqs.

Traditional souvenirs, clothing and textiles are among the items on sale at Saleh Souq, while dazzling jewellery of all descriptions can be found at the Gold Souq. Both are located in the city’s Heritage District, which is known for its charming architecture and is home to Ajman Museum and Ajman Fort.

A more modern shopping trip can be enjoyed at Dana Mall, Ajman’s largest shopping centre, offering more than 200 stores spread over three floors. The complex also features a supermarket and a food court to ensure visitors are fuelled up and ready to shop.

Ajman City Mall, located on the city’s main road, is another superb option for travellers looking to enjoy a spot of retail therapy. Here you’ll find more than 60 outlets, as well as restaurants, a cinema and an amusement park.

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, you could always head to Ajman China Mall, where you can buy just about anything, including gadgets, sports equipment, clothes and much, much more.

What is the traditional food like in Ajman?

A myriad of divine dining experiences can be enjoyed in Ajman, with restaurants serving everything from global gourmet feasts to fast food favourites.

However, for a true taste of this intoxicating destination, sampling the local cuisine is a must.

You won’t be disappointed with the flavoursome authentic meals on offer, with spices such as saffron, cardamom and turmeric used to enhance meat, as well as fish.

A traditional shawarma, consisting of chicken or lamb carved from a spit and served in a pita, is a taste sensation not to be missed. Alternatively, seek out khuzi, the United Arab Emirate’s national dish, which sees roasted lamb or mutton served on rice and topped with vegetables and nuts.

Other local favourites include falafel, hummus and tabbouleh, a traditional salad made with chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion and bulgur wheat.

Alternatively, you could sample any of the many world cuisines on offer in the restaurants of Ajman. One of the latest dining destinations to open its doors in the Heritage District, is Viking. This medieval-themed restaurant takes diners back in time, with the interior designed to replicate a Viking longhouse and a meat-packed menu inspired by the Viking diet.

Discover the delights of Ajman for yourself. Book your dream holiday today with Destination2.