Ajman: The Hidden Gem of the United Arab Emirates

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaban]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wadaean]
• Yesنعم
  [naam]
• Noلا
  [laa]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك
  [min fadlik]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  [aadhraan]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kaifa halik?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bikhayr. wa'ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al'inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد رؤية القائمة، من فضلك
  [uriid ru'ya alqa'imah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la aakul allahm]
• Cheers!في صحتك!
  [fi sahtik!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأريد الدفع، من فضلك
  [uriid aldaf', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [alnajdah!]
• Go away!اذهب بعيدا!
  [adhhab baedan!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بطبيب!
  [iatisil bitabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt altariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أود أن أشتري...
  [awad an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتفرج
  [ana faqat atfarij]
• How much is it?كم سعره؟
  [kam sa'ruh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuk khafdh alsa'ru?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam alssa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [alssa'ah alwahidah]
• Half past (10)نصف العاشرة
  [nisf al'ashirah]
• Morningصباح
  [sabah]
• Afternoonبعد الظهر
  [ba'd althuhr]
• Eveningمساء
  [masaa]
• Yesterdayأمس
  [ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [alyawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thulatha]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamania]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  [asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين...
  [ayna...]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al'anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك إظهار لي (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuk 'izhar li (ala alkharytah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى الحافلة القادمة؟
  [mata alhafilat alqadimah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى...)
  [tazkirah (ila...)]

Ajman’s history can be traced back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlements in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. Excavations in the Al-Muwaihat area have unearthed tombs, pottery, and tools, indicating a thriving community that engaged in trade and agriculture.

In the late 18th century, the Al Nuaimi tribe, under the leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, settled in Ajman. The Al Nuaimi tribe established control over the region, laying the foundation for the emirate’s political and social structure that continues to this day.

In 1820, Ajman, along with other Trucial States, signed a maritime truce with the British Empire, marking the beginning of the British Protectorate era. This agreement aimed to curb piracy along the Arabian coast and protect British shipping interests in the region. The truce was later solidified with the General Maritime Treaty of 1853.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ajman’s economy flourished due to the pearling industry. The warm, shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf were ideal for pearl diving, and many of Ajman’s inhabitants were involved in this lucrative trade. Pearls from Ajman were highly prized and traded across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The discovery of oil in the 1960s significantly transformed Ajman and the other Trucial States. While Ajman itself did not have substantial oil reserves, it benefited from the wealth generated by oil in neighboring emirates. This period marked the beginning of rapid modernization and infrastructure development.

On December 2, 1971, Ajman joined the other Trucial States to form the United Arab Emirates. Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the then ruler of Ajman, played a crucial role in the unification process. This historic event laid the groundwork for Ajman’s integration into a rapidly developing nation.

Ajman is home to several cultural landmarks that highlight its rich heritage. The Ajman Museum, housed in an 18th-century fort, offers insights into the emirate’s history, including traditional lifestyle exhibits, archaeological findings, and artifacts from the pearling era. The museum is a testament to Ajman’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.

Ajman is located approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Dubai. The nearest major airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is well-connected to cities worldwide. From the airport, you can reach Ajman by taxi, which takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to Ajman, which is a more economical option but may take longer.

Ajman has a well-developed road network, and taxis are a popular mode of transportation. They are metered and relatively affordable. For public transport, buses are available, connecting Ajman to other emirates and within the city. Car rentals are also available and can be convenient for exploring at your own pace. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem operate in Ajman as well.

The official currency in Ajman is the UAE Dirham (AED). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange bureaus. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops and markets that may not accept cards.

Ajman is generally considered safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as being aware of your surroundings and not leaving personal belongings unattended. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for an ambulance, and 997 for the fire department. Hospitals in Ajman offer high-quality medical care, and there are numerous pharmacies for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, wear modest clothing and women should cover their heads. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Using your right hand for handshakes and giving/receiving items is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ajman like a local, visit the Ajman Fish Market early in the morning to see the fresh catch of the day and interact with the fishermen. Explore the Ajman Museum to learn about the Emirate's history and culture. For a relaxing experience, spend time at Ajman Beach, which is less crowded than other emirates' beaches. Don't miss out on trying local cuisine at traditional Emirati restaurants.