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Ajman is the smallest emirate in the UAE. It often gets overlooked next to Dubai. But it has quietly grown into one of the best places to live in the region.
Ajman offers affordable housing, clean beaches, and a calm lifestyle. It is perfect for families and professionals alike. If you want easy access to Dubai without the high cost of living there, Ajman is a great choice.
So, is Ajman a good place to live? The short answer is yes. Let’s explore why.
Advantages of Living in Ajman
There are many reasons people choose to move to Ajman. Here are the top benefits:
- Lower cost of living compared to Dubai and Sharjah
- Bigger homes for the same price
- Quiet, peaceful neighborhoods
- Clean beaches within easy reach
- Family-friendly communities
- Short drive to Dubai for work or entertainment
Bigger Homes at Lower Prices
One of the biggest draws of Ajman is the affordable housing. You get more space for less money.
Here’s a quick price comparison:
| Property Type | Ajman (Starting Price) | Dubai (Starting Price) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Villa | AED 34,000/year | AED 75,000/year |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | AED 18,000/year | AED 40,000/year |
That’s a big saving. You can upgrade your home without stretching your budget.
Peaceful, Quiet Communities
Ajman moves at a slower pace than Dubai. The streets are less crowded. The neighborhoods are calm.
This makes it ideal if you want to:
- Relax after a long day at work
- Raise a family in a safe environment
- Avoid the noise and rush of big city life
Best Areas to Live in Ajman
Ajman has several great neighborhoods. Each one suits a different lifestyle. Here’s a quick overview:
Ajman Downtown
Ajman Downtown is the heart of the city. It is lively and well-connected.
Why live here:
- Close to Ajman Corniche
- Easy access to shops and restaurants
- Modern high-rise apartments with sea views
Average Prices:
- Studio: Rent AED 15,000 | Sale AED 164,000
- 1-Bedroom: Rent AED 21,000 | Sale AED 234,000
- 2-Bedroom: Rent AED 30,000 | Sale AED 315,000
Emirates City
Emirates City is popular with commuters. It sits near major highways connecting all emirates.
Why live here:
- Mix of studio to 4-bedroom units
- Easy access to Sharjah and Dubai
- Modern tower blocks with amenities
Average Prices:
- 1-Bedroom: Rent AED 16,000 | Sale AED 166,000
- 2-Bedroom: Rent AED 20,000 | Sale AED 216,000
Al Rawda
Al Rawda is quiet and family-friendly. Schools and clinics are close by.
Why live here:
- Peaceful environment
- Schools and healthcare nearby
- Buildings with pools and gyms
Average Rent Prices:
- Studio: AED 13,000
- 1-Bedroom: AED 19,000
- 3-Bedroom Villa: AED 53,000
- 4-Bedroom House: AED 57,000
Al Nuaimiya
Al Nuaimiya borders Sharjah. It is great for those who need to travel between emirates.
Why live here:
- Close to malls, schools, and hospitals
- Easy commute to Sharjah and Dubai
- Wide range of apartment options
Average Prices:
- Studio: Rent AED 15,000 | Sale AED 184,000
- 1-Bedroom: Rent AED 20,000 | Sale AED 322,000
- 2-Bedroom: Rent AED 30,000 | Sale AED 388,000
Al Rashidiyya
Al Rashidiyya is a mix of apartments and villas. It has a strong community feel.
Why live here:
- Close to universities
- Mix of luxury and affordable options
- Good for families and young professionals
Average Rent Prices:
- Studio: AED 11,000
- 1-Bedroom: AED 21,000
- 2-Bedroom: AED 25,000
- 3-Bedroom Villa: AED 46,000
Al Mowaihat
Al Mowaihat is a suburban area. It feels spacious and green.
Why live here:
- Villas with large gardens
- Parks, schools, and supermarkets nearby
- Quiet residential streets
Average Rent Prices:
- Studio: AED 24,000
- 1-Bedroom: AED 19,000
- 2-Bedroom: AED 24,000
- 3-Bedroom Villa: AED 58,000
Things to Do in Ajman
Ajman has plenty of places to visit and enjoy. Here are some top attractions:
- Ajman Marina
- Ajman Museum
- Al Zorah Natural Reserve
- Ajman Beach and Corniche
- Sheikh Zayed Mosque
- Al Safia Park
- Ajman China Mall
- Aqua Bounce Water Park
- Al Marsa
I have visited quite a few of these. I hope you enjoy them too!
Education in Ajman
Ajman has a growing education sector. It serves a large and diverse community.
Schools:
- Many public and private schools
- International curricula available
- Options for all age groups
Universities and Colleges:
- Several higher education institutions
- Courses in business, engineering, science, and arts
- Strong research and development focus
Ajman University is the most well-known institution. It offers a wide range of degree programs and plays a key role in the emirate’s academic growth.
The government continues to invest in education. New facilities and technology are being added to improve learning outcomes.
Healthcare in Ajman
Ajman has a solid healthcare system. Both public and private options are available.
Key highlights:
- Public hospitals and clinics across the emirate
- Private hospitals with specialist services
- Emergency, maternity, and surgical care available
Sheikh Khalifa Hospital is the main public hospital. It covers a wide range of medical specialties.
Private clinics and hospitals are also common. They offer faster appointments and specialist care.
The UAE requires all residents to have health insurance. This makes healthcare accessible for everyone living in Ajman.
Job Opportunities in Ajman
Ajman is close to Dubai, so many residents work there. But Ajman also has a growing job market of its own.
Top industries in Ajman:
| Industry | Types of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Trade & Commerce | Retail, logistics, supply chain |
| Manufacturing | Textiles, plastics, food production |
| Construction | Architecture, project management |
| Hospitality | Hotels, tourism, events |
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, admin staff |
| Education | Teachers, administrators |
| IT & Tech | Software, cybersecurity, telecoms |
| Finance | Banking, accounting, financial services |
| Government | Public services, administration |
Many residents also commute to Dubai or Sharjah for higher salaries. Ajman’s lower cost of living means your income goes further.
Safety and Security
Ajman is a very safe place to live. The UAE has some of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Why Ajman is safe:
- Low crime rates across the emirate
- Visible police presence on streets and highways
- Fast emergency response times
- Strict safety rules in construction, transport, and public spaces
- Active community policing programs
- Strong cybersecurity protections
The government runs regular safety awareness campaigns. Residents feel secure in both public spaces and their homes.
Shopping in Ajman
Ajman has a great mix of shopping options. From big malls to local markets, there is something for everyone.
Top places to shop:
- Ajman City Centre — 79+ brands and 18 restaurants
- Ajman China Mall — 1,600+ retailers, great for bargain hunting
- Al Safeer Mall — Hypermarket, food court, and family entertainment
- Traditional souks — Local goods, spices, and unique finds
- Outlet malls — Designer brands at lower prices
Whether you want luxury labels or everyday essentials, Ajman has you covered.
Save Money by Living in Ajman
Living in Ajman is much cheaper than Dubai or Sharjah. The savings are significant.
Example savings:
- A 2-bedroom apartment in Ajman starts at AED 18,000/year
- The same in Dubai starts at AED 40,000/year
- That’s over AED 22,000 saved per year
These savings add up fast. Many residents use the extra money to travel, invest, or simply build better financial security.
Recreation and Leisure
Ajman offers more leisure activities than most people expect.
Things to enjoy in Ajman:
- Stroll or jog along Ajman Corniche
- Relax on clean, uncrowded beaches
- Dine at waterfront restaurants
- Visit Al Jarf Public Garden or Al Hamediya Public Park
- Use the sports courts, BBQ areas, and play zones in public parks
It is a great place for families, fitness lovers, and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Things to Consider Before Moving
Ajman is a great place to live, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Traffic
The Corniche area can get busy, especially during peak hours. If you work in Dubai, expect a commute.
Tips to manage traffic:
- Choose a home away from main roads
- Leave early or late to avoid rush hour
- Use public transport where possible
Noise from Construction
Ajman is growing fast. Construction is ongoing in many areas. This can be noisy at times.
The good news: once projects are complete, the noise stops and the area improves.
School Options
There are good schools in Ajman. But many families prefer schools in Dubai. The commute for children is manageable. Many Dubai schools offer transport for Ajman residents.
Is Ajman Right for You?
Ajman is a great choice if you want:
- ✅ Affordable housing
- ✅ A calm, peaceful lifestyle
- ✅ Easy access to Dubai
- ✅ Clean beaches and green spaces
- ✅ A safe, family-friendly community
It may not be ideal if you want to be right in the middle of city life or need a wide range of local schools.
Useful Links for Ajman Residents
- Ajman Free Zone
- Ministry of Health and Prevention
- UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Ajman Police
- Civil Defence (Fire)
- National Ambulance
- GMC Hospital Ajman
- Federal Electricity & Water Authority
- Ajman Central Post Office
- Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Department of Lands & Properties Ajman
- General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs
- Ministry of Labour Ajman
