Ajman (Arabic: عجمان Ajmān) is the smallest of the emirates and a city of United Arab Emirates.
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and is centrally located on the western coast of the United Arab Emirates. The Emirate lies on the Gulf coast where its beach extends for 16 km, and the total area of Ajman is 259 km³. Its population estimate is about 230 thousand as the year of 2004. The area of the Emirate of Ajman is about 460 km<sup>2</sup>. while the total area including the regional waters is about 600 km<sup>2</sup>. Ajman City is the capital of the Emirate and lies down at a small creek of 16 km. length to the North East of Sharjah.
The ruling family of Ajman is the AL Nuaimi tribe.
Ajman enjoys being located in the middle of the Emirates as a whole. The emirate borders Sharjah and is only 10 km away from Dubai in the south and Umm Al Quwain in the north. Many roads lead to and from Ajman from both Sharjah, Dubai, and Umm al Quwain.including Emirates Road. Ajman is near to the ports of neighboring Emirates. It is near the international airports of both Sharjah and Dubai. Ajman is planning to build an international airport in the area of Manama. To get to Ajman you can take a taxi from any airport to Ajman city, or other wise rent a car and drive there through Emirates Highway. Taxis go to Sharjah and Dubai, and also to Ra's al Khaymah and Umm al Quwain. If you are planning to stay there and use it as base to visit Dubai expect traffic jams at rush hours.
Taxis are really easy to find and are convenient for getting around in Ajman. Of course taxis can also be used to get to other emirates too. Look for the unmetered Ajman taxi as they offer cheaper prices than the official metered ones, e.g. 10 dirhams to Sharja, 40 dirhams to Dubai (best during the peak times.)
Look out for shared taxis that wait for 4 people to come and take the taxi, where you pay 10 dirhams to Dubai when 4 people are sharing the taxi. These are "unofficial" taxis, located in the Somali area of Ajman.
Guided tour buses can be found at top hotels where can arrange a tour to Ajman and main attractions in it.
Beach
Ajman beach is always a nice place to spend the day in with the warm sun, white sands, and clear waters. Dolphin spotting is also a recreation activity enjoyed in the emirate.
Designer outlets and major brands are available in City Center Mall and consist of a wide variety of food outlets too. In the traditional side, there is always the Iranian souq were you can buy domestic goods and if you are lucky some interesting pottery.
India House (Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul al-Aziz St; mains 4 to 10 Dhs)
Alcohol is allowed in Ajman and is available easily at hotels and restaurants.
Tap water is considered ok but it has a slightly salted taste. The obvious reason is that desalination plants are used to provide tap water. More to the point, you can safely use it to brush your teeth and prepare tea.
Bottled water is also available in any store around town.
The famous "Hole In The Wall" - located next to the Kempinski Hotel Ajman - was one of the few liquor shops in Ajman. Now moved down the street near the Beach Resort. It is NOT closed.