AJMAN // Picturesque beaches, dramatic deserts and mountains, historic forts and year-round sunshine will help Ajman’s new tourism bosses put the emirate on the global holiday map, they say.
The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) was formed last year to bring the emirate into line with tourism in the rest of the UAE, and it has jumped into the task.
“We are not competing with anyone, we are only complementing each other as we are all one working for our country,” said Sheikh Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager of the department.
“ATDD have started doing maintenance to the forts and castles in Masfoot and Manama mountain areas.
“Then we also have Al Zorah project and our museum, built in 1856, that are already supplementing these potentials.”
The department was established by order of the Ajman Ruler, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi.
Ajman is well known for its untouched beaches and mangrove wetlands, and is only a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, putting it well within reach of international tourists.
Traditionally, its visitors have come from Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The emirate has two five-star hotels, the Ajman Palace and the Ajman Kempinski, both on the Corniche. Two more are due to open in the area soon.
Christian Huschka, the executive assistant manager of the Ajman Palace, which opened in December last year, said the department would play a crucial role in the success of the hotels.
“Tourists have to know about Ajman and want to visit Ajman before they can choose a hotel here to stay in,” Mr Huschka said.
Work on the Dh4 billion Al Zorah project, comprising four resorts, is expected to be completed in 2015.
Ajman, the smallest emirate, has 31 hotels with a total of 2,500 rooms. Last year they had 290,000 guests, generating Dh124 million.
Seventy big-name restaurant chains are also setting up in Ajman, said Sheikh Faisal.
ATDD has published a pocket guide in English for visitors and is taking part in international tourism exhibitions for greater exposure to the world’s travellers.
All tour operators and hotels must have work permits issued by the ATDD, which is also consulting with more established tourism authorities for advice.
A committee has been formed to generate ideas for a unique annual event that could be held in the emirate, Sheikh Faisal said.
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Straightforward ways to reduce sugar in your family's diet
- Ban fruit juice and sodas
- Eat a hearty breakfast that contains fats and wholegrains, such as peanut butter on multigrain toast or full-fat plain yoghurt with whole fruit and nuts, to avoid the need for a 10am snack
- Give young children plain yoghurt with whole fruits mashed into it
- Reduce the number of cakes, biscuits and sweets. Reserve them for a treat
- Don’t eat dessert every day
- Make your own smoothies. Always use the whole fruit to maintain the benefit of its fibre content and don’t add any sweeteners
- Always go for natural whole foods over processed, packaged foods. Ask yourself would your grandmother have eaten it?
- Read food labels if you really do feel the need to buy processed food
- Eat everything in moderation
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
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Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Chelsea 2 Burnley 3
Chelsea Morata (69'), Luiz (88')
Burnley Vokes (24', 43'), Ward (39')
Red cards Cahill, Fabregas (Chelsea)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
FIXTURES
Monday, January 28
Iran v Japan, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Tuesday, January 29
UAEv Qatar, Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium (6pm)
Friday, February 1
Final, Zayed Sports City Stadium (6pm)
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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