This fascinating museum was opened in 1981 in a lovely old eighteenth century fort which served as the Ruler’s palace and office until 1970, when it became the main police station. Located in the town centre, the museum houses an interesting collection of archaeological artefacts, manuscripts, old weapons and reconstructions of traditional life. Open from 9 a.m. to1 p.m., 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in winter and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in summer, Fridays 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Saturdays. During Ramadan, opening times are Sunday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission Dh4

Dhow Yard

The boatbuilding yard on the north side of the creek is just a few kilometres from the city centre. This is one of the most active dhow-building yards in the country, and is well worth a visit.

Mowaihat

The archaeological site of Mowaihat is located on the oustkirts of Ajman. In 1986, while laying a new sewage pipe, workers from the Municipality discovered a circular Umm al-Nar-type tomb, c. 8.25m in diameter. A rescue excavation was conducted which recovered numerous examples of soft-stone and painted Umm al-Nar ceramic vessels, as well as over 3000 beads, two stamp seals, a number of copper implements, and the skeletal remains of several dozen individuals. At the time of its discovery, the Mowaihat tomb represented the first indication of Umm al-Nar period occupation in the Northern Emirates. Subsequent work has now identified major sites of this period on the Gulf coast at Al Sufouh, Tell Abraq and Shimal. The material from Mowaihat forms the bulk of the archaeological finds on display in the Ajman Museum.

Around Ajman

Ajman also has two inland enclaves: Masfut is an agricultural village located in the mountains 110km to the south-east of the city, whilst Manama lies approximately 60km to the east. See section on Trips to Take for more details.