Dubai: If you have lived in the UAE for a while, you may have visited Ajman – whether it involved a trip to Ajman beach, or for shopping expeditions. However, the Emirate has many interesting experiences to offer that you may not be aware of. With a 16-kilometre stretch of beach along the Arabian Gulf, the Emirate has several watersport options, along with carefully preserved mangroves and even hiking and mountain sport options. Here are the top activities you can plan in Ajman.
1. Hike in Masfout
The mountain enclave of Masfout is a long ride away from Ajman city centre – you will have to drive 120km from Ajman city, along the Sharjah-Kalba road, to finally reach the area, cradled by the Hajar mountains, which is close to Hatta.
The enclave is ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking and mountain biking, as the elevated altitude keeps the temperature down, with a view of the rocky countryside. Your hiking trip can end at the Masfout Castle, a small but historic tower-shaped castle from the 19th century.
If you are not up for hiking, however, you can also plan a picnic or explore the wadis or valleys in a four-wheel drive.
Directions
Masfout is a 90-minute drive from Ajman city centre. Take Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street out of the city, turn right onto Emirates Road (E311) and then follow the Sharjah-Kalba Road to Masfout.
How to get there - https://goo.gl/maps/Db3sz7EbAbTMJbTz6
2. Get a dose of culture and history
Ajman also offers many cultural experiences that you can enjoy, whether it is by visiting the 18th century fort, which served as the ruler’s residence until 1970 and is now the Ajman Museum or the Manama Museum, which is a 60-minute drive from Ajman City. Another option – the Hassa Buweid or ‘White Stones’ castle in the city of Manama, which is 70km east of Ajman City, via the Al Dhaid Road (E88).
Directions to Ajman Museum - https://goo.gl/maps/WrdrVc4XDMpHwbVq5
Directions to Manama Museum - https://goo.gl/maps/JFR51ssbaBhe34zs9
Directions to Hassa Buweid - https://goo.gl/maps/i5cxnoE4kd7TbpNAA
3. Go kayaking, canoe through mangroves and watch flamingoes
Declared a nature reserve in 2004, Al Zorah has been developed for visitors and offers various activities including kayaking, canoeing and more. The kayaking tour takes you through the Nature reserve, offering a view of the flamingoes. However, there are many other activities that are also available, including jet-skiing and wake boarding.
4. Visit the UAE Pygmy Zoo
If you are not up for a kayaking session to see flamingoes in the wild, there is a smaller flamingo lake at the UAE Pygmy Zoo, which is also in the same development. The zoo offers more options for children to interact with the animals at the zoo, including a petting area and animal rides.
Tickets for the UAE Pygmy Zoo - Dh15 for adults, Dh10 for children
Directions to Al Zorah - https://goo.gl/maps/MYjXUTV7eXp2VSNM9
5. Visit a traditional Arabian market – the Saleh Souq
Step back in time and visit a traditional souq, which is part of a heritage path leading from the Corniche to Ajman Museum, in Ajman City. With palm-frond roofs, timber beams and a coral stone floor, you can experience a little bit of heritage and history as you shop for souvenirs, textiles or spices and perfumes.
Directions to Saleh Souq - https://goo.gl/maps/WrdrVc4XDMpHwbVq5
