Ajman, the smallest emirate in the UAE, is often overlooked when it comes to exploring this country.
Covering only 260sqkm, and with a population of about 230,000, it is a far cry from Dubai — without the hustle and bustle and modern thrills and conveniences. And that is exactly where its appeal lies.
Ajman is a quiet place where you can get away from it all.
And, at the same time, there are some things to keep you busy as well — some free and some cheap, making it ideal for a day out with the family.
Here's what you can do in Ajman:
Visit the museum
The main attraction at Ajman, its museum, is located in the small and picturesque fort Dowar Al Hosn, which used to be the ruler's residence until 1970. The museum houses an interesting archaeological collection found in nearby Mowaihat.
It also displays scenes and items of traditional life, with plastic cows and donkeys that have live goats and chicken for company.
Open from 9am-1pm, and 4pm-7pm in winter and 5pm-8pm in summer. Fridays 4pm-7pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm. Admission Dh4 for adults, Dh2 for children under seven.
Dig deeper
In 1986, workers laying new sewage pipes discovered a circular tomb of the Umm Al-Nar variety in Mowaihat. Work was halted and archaeological excavations unearthed some painted ceramic vessels, beads, copper tools and implements and the skeletal remains of the original inhabitants of the area.
Go to the beach
Ajman Corniche follows on from that of Sharjah and is the place for a stroll. You could grab a bite at one of the small restaurants and cafés overlooking the sea, hire a jet-ski, go quad-biking, head out for a swim in the sea or enjoy a picnic on the wide sandy beach.
Although popular on weekends, the beach never seems to get overcrowded and has several bays that offer privacy.
Watch dhow building
Ajman's dhow yard is one of the most active in the region and builders still use traditional tools to craft the wooden boats. It is interesting to watch the builders at work.
Go bird-watching
On the salt-flats towards Al Hamriya on Shaikh Zayed Street, birds such as flamingos flock among the mangroves. You can drive your car along the water's edge, and try spotting a variety of birds in this outlandish terrain.
Shop
There are two main malls: City Centre has all the local favourites, such as Carrefour and a Magic Planet, and an array of smaller, independent shops and cafés. Then there is Safeer Mall, with all your usual favourites. The Iranian souq sells all sorts of household goods and the interesting Pink Palace sells kitsch and everything else for Dh9.
Watch the fishermen
Amid the dhows, modern boats and a couple of fancy yachts idling in the marina, fishermen go about their business, mending nets, cleaning fishing baskets and sorting their catch of the day. Seagulls accompany every new arrival and wait for leftovers while sparrows pick fishy remains from the nets.
Head for the Outside Inn
The Inn is at the entrance of Ajman Corniche next to the Holiday Beach Club and overlooks a quiet beach.
A variety of beverages and excellent pub-food, such as chicken wraps and prawns in a basket, make it popular with expats, especially from Sharjah (if the number plates of vehicles parked in the vicinity are anything to go by).
Masfoot and Manama
The two enclaves of the emirate of Ajman can be found further inland: Masfoot lies some 110km southeast, near Hatta, and is known for its agriculture, yellow-flowering farfar trees and its colourful marble. Manama — meaning sleeping place — is 60km south off the Dhaid and Masafi highway, and has a small fort.
Manama is famous for its stamps that were issued between 1966 and 1971, when it joined the UAE.
Spot oddities
On Quortabah Street, along the coastal route by the ruler's palace, there is a pavement with a signpost which says: 'Ladies Only Pedestrian Pavement'. Not much of a walk and the scenery is a little bleak, but as signs go, this is a little unusual. Then there are the traffic lights on the main junctions which count down the seconds left until the lights change colour, a very useful novelty; and the faux Buckingham Palace past City Centre on the way to the busy Ajman Cricket Club, where several games are on every weekend.
—Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey is a UAE-based freelance writer
