Ajman is the smallest city out of seven Emirates, but it is a city of everything culture and regional history. The best tourist attraction spot in Ajman is the Ajman Museum. This fort-turned-museum says a lot about the region’s history and culture. You will find fascinating displays and exhibits here dating back to before the oil discovery era of the Emirates. Here is a complete guide to the Ajman Museum.
Overview of Ajman Museum
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the Emirate’s most loved cities. The reasons are evident due to the glamor, activities, and attractions. But, the other cities are worth visiting as they throw light on the region’s culture and heritage. Ajman’s Museum is one of them. It is the Emirates one of the oldest forts. The museum was once the residence of the ruling family. But, it also served as a defense to protect Ajman.
History of Ajman Museum
A historically significant creation in Ajman is definitely the Ajman Museum. It was originally a fort and was constructed in the 18th century. Also, the museum played a major significance in enriching the history of Ajman City.
- Initial Purpose- Ajman Fort was built in the 18th century. It served as the then-ruling family’s residence.
- Strategic Significance- The fort was the main defense building of the Emirates. It stood strong to protect the country from conflicts and foreign invasions.
- Transformation- Ajman Fort was the residence of the ruling family until 1970. Later on, the fort became a police headquarters between 1970 and 1978.
- In 1981, it turned into a museum to uphold the city’s history and culture.
- Late Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi ordered to restore and transform the fort into a museum.
- The museum opened its doors for visitors to learn about the region’s rich heritage.
What to See?
Ajman Museum takes you through the lanes of the Emirates when it was a small village. So, you will find traces of ancient articles, like clay jars and jewelry. Also, the traces of fishing and pearling tools are quite fascinating. Furthermore, the chronological arrangement of dioramas will take you through the alleys of the Bedouin marketplaces. Besides, you will find annotations in English and Arabic on the displays for your convenience.
Pottery
- Find a breathtaking display of an excavated cemetery inside the museum.
- Spot pottery and funeral jewelry that are as old as 3000 BC. It was discovered in the Al Mowaihat area.
- The site is proof of the Emirate’s early human settlement. However, it is still a residential space.
- The archaeological finds here were a sudden discovery in 1986.
- Workers found copper fragments, pottery, and artifacts from 2500 BC (Ajman’s Bronze Age).
Check out our Sharjah city tour that cover several nearby places.
Fishing
Fishing was a common tradition and way of earning for the Ajman locals. Hence, you will find a separate section of exhibits dedicated to pearl fishing.
- Fishing is still popular and one of the best activities for locals and tourists in Ajman.
- But, you will need a special fishing license. UAE authority is quite strict and is active in preserving marine life.
- Tourists can go for deep-sea fishing trips from licensed vendors in the region.
Miscellaneous Exhibits
- Find other exhibits in the museum that mimic the traditional life of Ajman locals.
- The details on the figurines are no less than real. You will definitely forget that you are standing inside a perfectly designed mock-up.
- You will spot a mannequin of a barber with bloodstains on his hand from his customer’s head.
- Additionally, there are rooms featuring unique archaeological discoveries of the region.
Attractions Highlights
- Archaeological displays- Ajman Museum will leave you amazed by ancient settlement remnants. So, you will find pottery and jewelry.
- Traditional Emirati Life- Find proofs of the dhows (old wooden fishing boats), ancient weapons, and pearl diving tools.
- Historic documents and manuscripts- Walk through the exhibits that take you back to the city’s history and governance era.
- Old Police Station Setup- Visitors will find a preserved section that depicts how the fort once served as a police station.
- Traditional Market Recreation- Admire the beauty and vintage charm of the old shops and the amazing Emirati lifestyle.
Timings
- The Ajman Museum opens daily.
- Saturday to Thursday- 8 am to 8 pm
- Friday- 2 pm to 8 pm
- It takes approximately three hours to explore the museum.
How to Reach
- Location- Ajman Museum, Al Bustan, Ajman
- By Car- It takes 45 minutes from Dubai to reach Ajman Museum. Take the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road or Emirates Road to reach your destination.
- By Bus- Board the E400 bus line. It travels from Dubai to Ajman.
- By Private Transfer- You can choose optional private transfers from Book Tours in Dubai to reach the destination.
Entry Fee
There are different ticket rates for the Ajman Museum. You can contact Book Tours in Dubai for the ticket details.
Nearby Places to Visit
There are other places near Ajman Museum that you can explore.
- Dhayah Fort
- Umm Al Quwain Fort
- Al Hayl Fort
- Telegraph Island
There are other Museums that you can explore in UAE:
- Al Shindagha Museum
- Coffee Museum Dubai
- Etihad Museum in Dubai
- Museum of the Future
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi
- Museum of Illusions Dubai
We at Book Tours in Dubai offer a wide range of Dubai tour packages that you can explore here.
Final Words
That’s all about the Ajman Museum. It is one of the best places to be if you really want to travel back to the era of the Emirates before oil discovery. We hope you will have a good time at the museum with this complete Ajman Museum guide by Book Tours in Dubai.
