The UAE's smallest emirate has big tourism plans this year. At the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week, Prime Minister Ajman announced that the number of international tourists last year increased by 29% compared to 2022.
The emirate also launched the Ajman Events Calendar with the Middle East's largest travel and tourism exhibition. The calendar features a range of cultural festivals, sporting events and entertainment to be held over the coming months as Ajman seeks to further attract domestic and international tourists.
Events to be held this year include Ajman Motor Festival, Liwa Ajman Date and Honey Festival, Folklore Strings Festival and Ajman Half Marathon. A grand fireworks display is also planned for New Year's Eve.
“We celebrate the rich diversity of art, culture, sports, entertainment and adventure that characterizes Ajman,” said Mahmoud Al-Hashmi, Director-General of Ajman Tourism Development Authority.
The number of international tourists to Ajman is on the rise, with the emirate reporting that 60% of tourists come from outside the UAE. Much of that is due to the emirate's affordability and unique charm, Alhashmi says.
“Ajman's history and culture is different from other emirates. It's something you can only find here,” Al-Hashmi said. The National At Arabian Travel Market.
“There are a lot of families here, about 60 per cent of visitors are families. They might want to go to a hotel in Dubai, but considering the cost in Ajman and the cost in Dubai, they don't want to stay here. They choose to stay. They probably won't be spending a week in Ajman, but they are staying here because they can choose a 5-star hotel that looks like a copy and paste of a 5-star hotel in Dubai. .It's not less, but it could be 30% or even 40% cheaper.”
Ajman Fort, the ruler's former residence, has a large museum, and Ajman is popular for its coast, mangroves, and Corniche. The emirate has wonderful nature reserves and hiking trails in the Hajar Mountains. There is also the village of Masfout, an enclave of Ajman completely surrounded by Ras Al Khaimah.
Al-Hashmi said being the UAE's smallest emirate also has unique advantages. “The small size of the city may seem like a challenge, but when a tourist comes here, he can probably see the whole destination in three or four days, so we see an opportunity. I think so.”
Ajman is looking to further expand its impressive tourist numbers. Proposals are being made to expand services at hotels including Oberoi Beach Resort, a five-star resort in Al Zohra. Al-Hashmi said new hotels are also being planned and managers will come to the emirate from Egypt and Europe.
Ajman is working to open its doors to tourists, as many international travelers seek cultural experiences during their travels.
“We are working with a company and they are preparing a program and although it has not started yet, we are in the stage of working with local people. They started with one family in the Masfout area, but soon tourists started visiting them, staying with them, sharing meals with them, and learning more about how local families in Ajman live. You will be able to see it for yourself,” Alhashmi said.
On Thursday, the Ajman Tourism Development Authority signed an agreement with the Rewaq Usha Cultural Center aimed at raising awareness among youth about the importance of preserving culture and heritage. The agreement will help both institutions foster the emirate's cultural and creative landscape.
This is part of Ajman's broader plans to strengthen ties with local cultural and creative groups. The move is also in line with Ajman Vision 2030's goals to strengthen the city's cultural and creative assets and establish the emirate as a regional cultural and tourism hub.
Updated: May 9, 2024, 4:10 p.m.
