Ruler
H. H. Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi is the Ruler of Ajman. As the 10th ruler of the emirate of Ajman, he succeeded his late father Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi on 6 September, 1981. He received his early education in Dubai in 1940 before proceeding to Cairo, Egypt, to continue his higher education. Soon after, H. H. became involved in the political affairs of the emirate and became the Deputy Ruler of Ajman. He held this position from 1960 to 1981. He is considered the founder of the new emirate of Ajman.
History
The Al Nuaimi tribe, who migrated to the region around 1775, formed Ajman. The first recognition of Ajman as an autonomous state was in 1820. The reign of the former Ruler of Ajman, late Sheikh Rashid Bin Al Nuaimi lasted 53 years, from 1928 to 1981.
How it was named
According to UAEPedia, the emirate was called ‘Aeyman', a slang word for Ajman. The name may be refers to Oman, the neighbouring region and the similarity in the topography of both areas.
However, there are other theories about how it was named. One of the theories is that it was named after a prominent Arab tribe named Ajman living in that area.
Geography
Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates and covers an area of 260 sq km. The emirate is located on the Arabian Gulf Coast in the northern area of the UAE.
Main regions of Ajman are:
- Ajman city – It comprises the Ruler's office, companies, banks and commercial markets in addition to the Ajman port, which is located on the natural valley which passes through the city.
- Al Manamah city - It is about 60km from Ajman and is known for its landscapes and high mountains which are rich in magnesium, chromate and rocks.
- Masfout city - It is about 110Km to the southeast and is known for its agricultural activities, mountains such as Dafta and Leshan and wide valleys such as Ghalfa.
Nature and environment
Ajman has a coast and a few sandy beaches. Parts of Ajman are characterised by the rugged Hajjar mountain range.
Economy
According to
Ajman Annual Economic Report 2014, the economy of the emirate of Ajman grew by 5 per cent as GDP at current market prices increased from 15,690 million dirham in 2012 to 16,441 million in 2013. The contribution of various economic sectors to the realised growth tend to vary. Where the construction, real estate and business services and financial corporation sectors grew at a rate of 8 per cent in 2013 compared to 2012 which was higher than the average growth in the emirate. Also, the wholesale, retail trade and repairing services sector grew at a rate of 6 per cent in 2013 as compared to 2012.
Ajman Port and
Ajman Free Zone are two key players in the economic growth of the emirate.
Landmarks
Some of the
major landmarks in Ajman are:
- Ajman Museum
- Masfout Castle
- Masfout Gate
- The Red Fort
Population
Ajman's population increased by nearly 12,000 from the last census. The census book ‘Ajman in Figures 2011' issued by the Secretariat General of the Executive Council of the emirate of Ajman estimated the population at about 262,186. Nearly 16 per cent of them are Emiratis.
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