Ajman is not the place you would go for a weekend – not if you are interests lie in shopping malls or water parks or say, alcohol. But, despite the lack of the glamour such as its counterpart Dubai or Abu Dhabi,  there are a few things here that are definitely worth seeing. It’s location, for instance is fantastic. Ajman runs along the Arabian Gulf which means is has a fantastic coastline – which more than makes up for what it lacks in size.

Ajman gives you a sense of timelessness; from its low rise buildings, forts and old houses that drip history, pristine beaches of fine white sands to quaint, traditional souks, from top notch hotels to ancient heritage sites and fertile green valleys on the outskirts of the town, there is always something here that will keep you coming back for more.

ajman fort
Image: Google

There is no dearth of interesting places to see here. Sightseeing, adventure or a peek into the past – Ajman has it all. An Ajman travel essentially means a visit to the waterfront area, Beach Rock Road, the Ajman Khor shoal, the Dhow Yard (a boat-building area) and Mowaihat, an important archaeological site on the city’s edge.

The naturally formed creek spreads inland and remains a major focal point in the city. Masfout, an important area of Ajman provides a visual treat to the visitor- with the Hajar Mountains in the backdrop of an agricultural area.

Here are the famous Ajman tourist attractions that you should absolutely see!

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Ajman Museum
Ajman museum situated within the eighteenth century fort built of corals and gypsum, which served as the Ruler’s palace and office until 1970 is an important tourist attraction. The museum contains interesting collection of archaeological artifacts, manuscripts, old weapons and reconstructions of traditional life. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the UAE. It is a great place to see old manuscripts, representations of old, traditional life and many other important weapons used in battle. The museum (curiously) served as a police station from 1970 to 1978!

Dhow Yard
Considered the world’s largest (and still active) dhow (traditional Arabian vessels building yard, the Ajman Dhow Yard is a huge draw for the visitors. The dhows that sail out of here are of high quality and by far the best that rule the seas. Visitors throng the yard to witness master craftsmen chip and hammer away to create the finest specimen this side of the Gulf and all of this using traditional tools, like their forefathers.

Mowaihat
Mowaihat is one of the most famous archaeological sites of the entire United Arab Emirates. It was accidentally discovered by municipal workers, who when laying sewage pipes discovered a circular tomb which was built in the style of the Umm al-Nar period dating back to 2000 to 2500 BC. Various artifacts including soft stones and painted ceramic vessels from the Umm al-Nar period, along with beads, two stamp seals and a number of copper implements were found buried. These materials are housed at the Ajman museum.

ajman red fort
Image: Google

The Red Fort
Built during the time of Sheikh Humaid bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, this fort consists of four rooms and two towers, each tower consisting two rooms. Following a restoration, a third tower was added to the two older towers. It is called the Red Fort because of the red plaster used in the construction of the walls. This fort is set amidst trees giving it the feel of being completely hidden, like a treasure waiting to be discovered. The beams of this fort are made of sandal wood, hence giving it a unique position among the ancient heritage sites in Ajman.

Etisalat Tower
A modern landmark in Ajman is the gleaming new Etisalat Tower designed in traditional mosque-style with painted turquoise and pink hues and enjoys a prestigious status with the very top resembling a giant golf ball. One of the world’s most distinctive skyscrapers, it is a sign of the massive development and a construction boom witnessed by the emirate in recent years. The Etisalat Tower is hard to miss.

hassa
Image: Google

Hassa Buweid Castle
Situated on hill-top and representing the historical heritage of Ajman Emirate, the fort was built by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi in 1976 on top of a gravel and stones hill called Hassa Buweid, owing to its white colour stones. The tower shaped castle’s was intended to provide protection. It comprises two rooms similar in architecture to other castles of its time.

Al Mareer Fort
Built during the rule of late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the fort has seven large rooms overlooking a yard in addition to a guard’s tower.

Sheikh Zayed Ajman Mosque
The impressive and rich architecture of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (which was officially opened in 2000 by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Ruler of Ajman) lies in the Al Jurf area on Emirates Road (heading towards Umm Al Quwain). The Mosque is built over 37,000 square meters of land and can easily accommodate 2500 worshippers.