Stand on the corniche in the late afternoon and the whole shape of Ajman becomes clear: a curve of white sand on one side, the masts and stalls of the fish market on the other, and a low skyline that never tries to outdo its neighbours. It is a city you can walk in an afternoon and still find something new the next morning.
Ajman suits travellers who want a quieter base in the Dubai–Sharjah–Ajman metropolitan area, who prefer a fort, a mangrove and a camel track to a theme park, and who are happy to move between the city, the corniche and the inland enclaves of Al Manama and Masfout. This guide covers the sights and experiences worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to the questions visitors ask most.
Top things to do in Ajman
1. Ajman Museum
An old fort in the central square, built in the late 16th century and once the ruler's palace; in the 1970s it served as a police station. Inside you can see different artifacts and reconstructions of traditional life, and a copy of the 1853 Perpetual Treaty of Peace is on display.
Because it sits in the central square, it pairs naturally with a walk along the corniche afterwards. Entry is 4 dirhams, so it is an easy stop even on a short visit.
2. Souk Saleh
A historic market built in the 1950s, and one of the named attractions of the emirate. It is the kind of place to browse slowly rather than rush through.
Combine it with the central square and Ajman Museum, which are close enough to cover in the same outing.
3. Ajman Beach
The beach is a good place to spend the day, with warm sun, white sands and clear waters. Dolphin spotting is one of the recreation activities enjoyed in the emirate.
Go early if you want the calmest water, and keep the corniche for the evening, when it fills with families and food stalls.
4. Ajman's corniche
The corniche is a popular evening and weekend destination for families, with fast food outlets, coffee shops and stalls, and a number of hotels along it.
Treat it as an evening rather than a morning stop, and use it as the link between the beach and the fish market.
5. Al Zorah Nature Reserve and Mangroves
The reserve and its mangroves are one of the emirate's named attractions, and the wider Al Zorah area supports outdoor activities including golf, children's play areas and kayaking.
Kayaking in the mangroves is the way to see them properly. Pair it with the golf club or an abra ride, since both are in the same part of the coast.
6. Al Zorah Golf Club
Golfing at the Al Zorah Golf Club is one of the emirate's established activities, set within the newly developed Al Zorah area.
Build the rest of the day around it: the mangroves and the Al Zorah abra station are both nearby.
7. Abra ride
Ajman offers marine passenger transport via abras, the traditional wooden boats, along the coastline. Stations are located at Ajman Fish Market, Al Rashidiya, Al Zorah, Musherief and Safia.
Starting from the Ajman Fish Market station lets you combine the ride with a look around the market before you board.
8. Al Tallah Camel Racecourse
You can watch camels gallop around the track at Al Tallah Camel Racecourse, one of the emirate's named attractions.
It is a viewing rather than a whole-day activity, so pair it with something else on the same side of the city.
9. Equestrian Club
A relaxed horse-riding centre with a range of classes, listed among the things to do in the emirate.
Classes are the point here rather than spectating, so decide in advance whether you want to ride or simply watch.
10. Marsa Ajman
A waterfront in Ajman featuring a variety of restaurants and cafés.
It works best as a meal stop, and sits comfortably at the end of a corniche or beach day.
11. City Centre Ajman
The emirate's biggest mall, and an attraction in its own right for its architectural experience and variety of shops and confectionaries.
Use it as a hot-afternoon or evening option when you want to be indoors.
12. The Red Fort and the museum in Al Manama
In the inland enclave of Al Manama you will find the Red Fort and its museum, one of the emirate's named attractions. The surrounding area has fertile agricultural land.
This is an inland trip rather than a city stop, so give it its own half-day rather than trying to squeeze it between coastal sights.
13. Masfout Museum
An archaeological showcase in the inland enclave of Masfout, tracing 5,000 years of history from prehistoric times until the formation of the UAE.
Masfout was named the Best Tourist Village in the World by the UN in 2025, so allow time beyond the museum itself.
14. Masfout Oasis
The oasis is the natural companion to the Masfout Museum, in the same inland enclave.
Visit the museum first for the context, then walk the oasis while the light is still good.
15. Visit the house of the poet, Rashid Al Khadar
The house of the poet Rashid Al Khadar is listed among the sights of Ajman, and appeals to visitors interested in the emirate's literary and domestic heritage.
It is a small stop, so fold it into a wider city walk rather than making a separate journey for it.
If you only have one day
Morning. Start at Ajman Museum in the central square, then walk through Souk Saleh while the market is still the main activity of the area. Continue to Ajman Beach and spend the middle of the day on the sand and in the water, keeping an eye out for dolphins.
Afternoon. Take an abra ride from the Ajman Fish Market station, then head to Al Zorah Nature Reserve and Mangroves for kayaking among the mangroves. If you would rather stay on land, the Al Zorah Golf Club is in the same area.
Evening. Eat at Marsa Ajman, then finish on Ajman's corniche, which is at its busiest and most enjoyable at the weekend and in the evening, with its fast food outlets, coffee shops and stalls.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Ajman Museum cost to enter?
Entry is 4 dirhams, about 1 USD.
Where can you ride an abra in Ajman?
Marine passenger transport by abra runs along the coastline, with stations at Ajman Fish Market, Al Rashidiya, Al Zorah, Musherief and Safia.
What can you do in the Al Zorah area?
The newly developed Al Zorah area supports a range of outdoor activities, including golf at the Al Zorah Golf Club, children's play areas and kayaking in the mangroves of the Al Zorah Nature Reserve.
When is the best time to visit the corniche?
The corniche is a popular evening and weekend destination for families, so plan it for the end of the day rather than the middle of it.
Pick your dates, decide whether you are basing yourself on the corniche or inland, and start building the itinerary around the fort, the mangroves and the beach.