Photos of Ajman, the smallest Emirate, United Arab Emirates

Ajman is the smallest Emirate with an area of just 260 km² and a population of about 250,000. The town of Ajman, on the Persian Gulf, is surrounded on all sides by the Sharjah Emirate. Ajman also controls two small inland enclaves, Manama and Masfut.

Ajman is presently ruled by Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi; his palace ("Diwan") is set in a large garden overlooking the sea. The most interesting sight in Ajman is the old Police Fort, built in the late 18th century. It was the Emir's palace and office until 1970 and then served as the main police station until 1978. It became a wonderful museum in 1991 with interesting archaeological exhibits; there are Bronze Age burial objects and a replica of a 5,000 year old burial site. There are displays of weapons, displays of traditional professions and children's games and a dhow in the courtyard, among others. At the quiet harbour wooden dhows can be seen; there is a dhow building yard here too.