Thinking of Ajman, UAE? Discover pros and cons, prices, flights, beaches, museums and the Al Zorah reserve to decide if this affordable emirate suits your trip.
Ajman, the smallest emirate of the United Arab Emirates, draws travelers with its distinct ambiance, unhurried pace, and wallet-friendly appeal. Set on the Persian Gulf, it pairs secluded beaches and snug hotels with cultural spots that open a window onto local traditions and customs. Like any destination, though, Ajman has both strengths and drawbacks. Below we outline the key pros and cons to help you decide whether it deserves a place on your UAE itinerary.
The smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates is steadily winning over visitors seeking an affordable escape with Middle Eastern flair. Despite its compact size, the emirate offers plenty for a comfortable, budget-conscious holiday.
One standout feature is that Ajman is not a dry emirate, which sets it apart from several neighbors. Visitors can relax without strict restrictions, a point that matters to those who value a freer, more laid-back stay. Add to that the excellent public beaches, where you can unwind far from the busiest tourist strips.
Package and hotel prices are notably lower than in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Expect cozy hotels, restaurants serving local cuisine, and a range of leisure options at accessible rates—an obvious draw for travelers across budgets.
Even with a modest hotel stock, Ajman has a distinct charm, blending tradition with modern comforts. It suits those who prefer a quieter pace and want an authentic slice of the UAE without paying a premium for opulence. In short, it feels like a smart balance between price and quality.
Major tour operators, including FUN&SUN, PAC Group, Space Travel, and Coral Travel, report that bookings to Ajman in 2024 remain at roughly last year’s level. On average, Ajman accounts for 5–10% of total UAE package sales.
An expert from Intourist noted stable demand but pointed out that the emirate has only 14 hotels. With more than 1,000 hotels across the UAE in the company’s portfolio, Ajman’s share naturally stays relatively small.
A Space Travel representative added that demand has not changed compared with 2023, as no new properties have emerged to spark extra interest.
At the same time, Let’s Fly reported a 33% increase in requests for Ajman trips versus last year. Yet, due to the limited hotel base, the emirate’s share in overall UAE sales rose by just 0.8%, reinforcing the broader view of steady, rather than surging, demand.
Ajman’s particular mix elicits different reactions. For some, its calm character and lack of crowded urban entertainment are a major plus. They value the quiet setting, unhurried public beaches, and a chance to tune into local culture.
For others, the limited nightlife and fewer attractions are a downside. Shoppers and thrill-seekers may feel underwhelmed: Ajman simply doesn’t compete with Dubai or Abu Dhabi in terms of malls and big-ticket amusements.
Even so, the emirate appeals to travelers hunting for a budget-friendly break with regional flavor. Prices are lower than elsewhere in the UAE, and the absence of a dry law adds to the no-fuss holiday vibe.
The core experience here is beach time. Beyond hotel grounds, there are relatively few sights and activity hubs—and the emirate has only 14 hotels. Food and drinks outside all-inclusive plans are pricey, so full board or All Inclusive is the practical choice.
All told, Ajman suits a calm, affordable vacation rather than a chase for luxury or high-octane entertainment. What delights some will disappoint others; it comes down to personal priorities.
Ajman combines nature with a rich cultural heritage. Once a fishing village, it has grown into a popular resort that still carefully preserves its history.
PAC Group notes that the emirate’s symbol is the fishing net; some hotels weave this motif into their interiors for a touch of authenticity. The city’s fish market remains a must-visit. Visitors can also stop by Ajman’s Gold Market to soak up the atmosphere of a traditional bazaar.
Ajman Museum, housed in a historic fort, offers a deep dive into the emirate’s past, with artifacts and exhibits that illuminate local traditions and ways of life.
The Ajman shipyard is considered the world’s largest producer of traditional Arab boats; watching the manual boatbuilding process underscores the region’s maritime legacy.
Ajman Corniche is a seaside promenade along the Persian Gulf—a favorite for walks, with restaurants, cafes, and sweeping sea views.
Ajman’s beaches are known for being clean and calm, drawing beachgoers and fans of water sports alike.
The Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife, including pink flamingos, and a scenic place to kayak through mangroves.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman stands out as a beautiful, imposing landmark—among the emirate’s largest—and a showcase of Islamic architecture and culture.
The Ajman Fish Market is one of the city’s most colorful spots, where residents pick up fresh fish and seafood and the rhythms of coastal life are on full display.
Al Zorah Water Park, set within the Al Zorah reserve, offers a wide range of rides and water attractions for all ages, along with restaurants, cafes, and areas for picnics and outdoor relaxation.
Ajman Zoo is a popular family outing. Compact yet varied, it features species from the region and beyond—lions, tigers, monkeys, ostriches, and more—and takes part in programs to preserve and breed rare species. The grounds include rest areas and entertainment zones.
Together, these sights reveal Ajman’s heritage, natural assets, and distinctive atmosphere—appealing to travelers seeking an authentic experience.
Value-priced packages on direct flights are now available from 12 Russian cities.
Ahead of the high winter season, Space Travel announced its largest-ever block program to the UAE. Under this plan, packages on direct flights operated by four partner airlines will be sold from 12 cities in Russia. The bulk of capacity comes from flydubai, which scheduled flights from 10 cities: Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Ufa, Kazan, Samara, Mineralnye Vody, Makhachkala, and Volgograd. All flights arrive at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 2 (DXB).
The flydubai block program effectively runs year-round: Space Travel maintained guaranteed seats from seven cities even through the summer.
Space Travel also continues its cooperation with Emirates, keeping block space on the carrier’s services. Flights to DXB Terminal 3 operate from Moscow (DME) three times a day, as well as from Saint Petersburg.
Some flights will go into Al Maktoum International Airport, which is especially convenient for transfers to other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Ajman. Ural Airlines will fly there from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, and Sochi, while Utair will serve the airport from Tyumen and Surgut. The Utair block program is being extended from the summer season.
A 10-night tour for two with flights at Royal Hotel 3* / Ramada Hotel Suites Ajman 4* (Ajman) starts from 133,000 rubles (alcohol not included).
Intourist offers a 10-day package at Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche 4* (Ajman) from 163,500 rubles for two with flights (all inclusive).
By comparison, a stay at Arabian Park Edge by Rotana 3* (Dubai) on the same terms starts from 173,000 rubles, with alcohol included. A package at the popular Rixos Bab Al Bahr 5* (Ras Al Khaimah) starts from 279,500 rubles for two (ultra all inclusive). A similar 10-day package at Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi 5* (Abu Dhabi) starts from 343,100 rubles.
With Space Travel, an all-inclusive package at Al Hamra Village 4* (Ras Al Khaimah) starts from 173,000 rubles, and at Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island 5*—from 177,000 rubles.
Anex offers a 10-day Dubai stay at JA Beach Hotel 5* from 251,000 rubles for two with flights, and at JA Lake View Hotel 5* from 258,000 rubles. Another premium all-inclusive option in Dubai from Anex—W Dubai — Mina Seyahi 5*—starts from 427,000 rubles for a 10-day package for two.
The price gap makes one conclusion hard to miss: compared with other emirates, Ajman’s small scale helps keep a holiday noticeably more budget-friendly.