Most people think of Ajman as an extension of Sharjah. If you ever suggest spending a weekend there, you’d probably get glazed stares and a shaking of the head so vehement you’d never bring up the question again. I wish to put all these rumours to bed.
My quest was simple: to discover luxury, the rare and indefinable kind. Whispered stories of the legendary sands of Ajman’s coast and the emirate’s deep love for the famed Arabian horse intrigued me. Where was I to begin my hunt for luxe? There was only one place I could think of — the luxury hotel Kempinski in Ajman.
Ajman is truly the UAE’s small wonder. Nestled on the Arabian Gulf coast, it houses two ecologically diverse and rich agricultural enclaves (Masfut and Manama) and is home to the world-renowned Ajman Stud that breeds legendary Arabian horses. Its museum offers a comprehensive look at the UAE’s heritage and history. And recently, Ajman discovered natural mangrove patches just a few paces out of the main city.
As I drive into Ajman, I’m greeted by its glittering coastline. I marvel at the expanse of white beach that extends without blemish. I make a mental note to sink my toes in at the first chance. As I near the end of the coast, the Kempinski Ajman comes into view.
My room offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Gulf; Ajman is one of the few emirates to give an unobstructed view of the sea. No eyesore structures, just azure waters meeting peppermint sky. My first stop was Ajman’s National Museum, that’s housed in what is considered UAE’s first and only complete fortress; possibly built in the late 18th century.
The fortress served as the royal residence until 1970, and then as Ajman’s police headquarters till the late 1980’s, until it was turned into a museum. My tour is personally conducted by Saleh Al Astad, Head of Tourism Development, Ajman Culture and Media Department, who informs me that Ajman will, over the course of next year, be promoted as a tourist destination.
The campaign will feature the museum at its centre and spread out in phases showcasing various facets of the emirate that most have not seen or discovered. “In Ajman we have a deep respect for the past, it is an integral part of our future; this is why we’ve taken our time to develop each aspect we wish to promote. We’re already planning a licensed tourist guide programme, and will select heritage and ecological attractions that we will actively promote starting in the first quarter of 2012,” he says.
As my tour of the museum ends, I journey to the hotel playing back images of the rich and vibrant life the Emiratis led years ago and realise the importance of preserving it for future generations. Later, I sit sipping sun downers at Kempinski’s Zanzibar. The waves lap a couple of feet away; and the sun, a brilliant orange bubble, sizzles as it drowns.
The following morning, we make our way to the Ajman Stud, owned by Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, and home to the multi-champion stallion, Escape Ibn Navaronne. The stud’s veterinarian, Dr Umar Raza Gill, introduces to us to the magnificent horses. “The rulers of Ajman have a deep passion for horses; it is in their blood. Shaikh Ammar is extremely dedicated to them; without question this is more than a hobby to him,” says Gill as he pats the sturdy snout of one the Arabians. Stroking the snout of a horse is wondrous. It’s soft and imparts such a strong and comforting energy, you’ll find yourself attached to the stable door unable to pull away.
I reluctantly leave, my fingers still tingling from stroking the horses; suddenly, a sharp turn unto rough roads jolts me back to the present. We have one more stop! The natural mangroves of Ajman are a well-hidden secret; surrounded by half-finished construction and tucked away from prying eyes. As we round a corner, piles of sand and dirt give way to lush green wetlands while flamingoes pepper the blue waters. Vultures and kites, emerge occasionally to eat tiny fish, reptiles and insects.
I wistfully make my way back to the hotel, to be greeted by a surprise spa treatment at Kempinski’s Laguna spa. Buffed and shiny, I make my way back to Dubai promising to return to experience the wonders of the little big emirate again.
