Ajman draws more than 200,000 tourists in first five months of year

Cultural and leisure offerings make emirate an attractive destination

Ajman Museum is popular with tourists. All photos: Pawan Singh and Antonie Robertson / The National

Ajman's Clock Square.

The corniche is the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

Etisalat tower is one of the most recognised buildings in the emirate.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Ajman.

Souk Saleh is well known for its tailors.

Al Murabba Watchtower near the corniche.

More than 200,000 people visited Ajman in the first five months of the year, when hotel occupancy reached 65 per cent.

From January until the end of May, the number of hotel nights was 373,000.

Tourist numbers are expected to increase during the summer months.

Khadija Turki, from Ajman Tourism Development Department, said the emirate’s tourism sector is receiving significant attention and plays a vital role in the UAE’s thriving economy.

Ms Turki said Ajman, promoted as a family destination, offers visitors activities that include paddle boarding, kayaking, and trips to heritage sites.

In the past few years, the emirate has opened the Ajman Museum, the Masfout Museum and the Manama Museum, now all leading tourism destinations.

Al Zorah Nature Reserve is another popular attraction. Covering nearly 200 acres, Al Zorah is home to dozens of native and migratory birds, including pink flamingoes.

Ajman revealed plans to boost its tourism infrastructure during the World Travel Market 2021 in London.

During the exhibition, officials from the Ajman Tourism Development Department said it would increase the number of events and activities that promote Emirati heritage in an effort to attract investment in arts and culture.