The Emirate of Ajman is situated on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, extending over a distance of 16km between the emirate of Umm- Al- Quwain & Sharjah. It covers about 259 sq. km which is equivalent to the 0.3% of the country's
total area. It has population of 118,812. The Emirate of Ajman has three geographical regions. They include Ajman City, Masfout region & Manama region.
The Emirate of Ajman is a monarchy, ruled by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi III since succeeding his father in 1981. The Crown Prince of Ajman is Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. The emirate has been ruled by members of the Al Nuaimi family since 1810 and contributes four seats to the 40-seat Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates.
Ajman's Municipality and Planning Department, founded in 1968, is responsible for integrated city planning, trade licensing, building licensing, and the development of roads and civic infrastructure, health care, agricultural policy and public parks. The emirate also has a Department of Economic Development, which encourages foreign direct investment and drives the emirate's economic opportunities.
In 2023, Ajman's GDP was AED 36 billion (US$ 9.8 billion), showing significant growth of 6.25% compared to 2022.
Ajman's economy is dominated by five sectors: manufacturing; construction; wholesale and retail; real estate and business services; and transport, storage and communications. In 2012, these sectors contributed some 82% of total GDP, with manufacturing (37%) and construction (15%) the two largest contributors. Major export markets are the GCC countries and Asia, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Iran among the principal export trade partners.
Ajman Port provides superb facilities & incentives to investors & businessmen & the Port Authority has also set up two dry docks.
Ajman has several Free Zones, including Ajman Free Zone (AFZ), Ajman Media City (AMC) and Ajman NuVentures Centre Free Zone (ANCFZ).
Ajman Free Zone was established in 1988 to lead the industrial development of the emirate by attracting various companies and offering different privileges. Together with Ajman Port, it is a major contributor to the emirate's economy. Exporting to over 65 countries, the Free Zone has some 256 industrial companies and more than 12,000 companies operating in it.
Ajman was the first emirate in the UAE to offer 100% freehold to global investors, in 2004. The Ajman Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ARERA), established in December 2008, regulates the emirate's real estate market. In 2025, Tiger Properties announced a $10 billion project called Tiger Downtown Ajman.
Ajman has unspoiled beaches, and its busy corniche is a popular evening and weekend destination for families, with coffee shops, fast food outlets, hotels and other establishments.
Places of interest include Ajman Fort, which was formerly the residence of the Ruler and is now a museum showcasing traditional life in Ajman; the Red Fort, built during the reign of Sheikh Humaid bin Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi (1910–1928); Manama Museum, located in Al Mareer Fort; and the Al Murabaa Watchtower on the Ajman Corniche, built in the 1930s.
Ajman University, founded in 1988 as Ajman University College of Science and Technology, is the principal higher education institution in Ajman, offering specializations in engineering, information technology, dentistry, mass communication, pharmacy and health sciences, business administration, environment, water and energy, education and law.
Gulf Medical University (formerly Gulf Medical College) was established in 1998 and was awarded university status in 2008; it specializes in medical & health studies. City University College of Ajman (CUCA) is another institution of higher education, licensed by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in 2011.
The agricultural & fisheries sectors cover regions as Helayu, Masfout, Mizaira & Manama. Ajman is also the base for units processing & exporting a variety of fish & seafood to many Asian & European Countries.