Ajman City Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Staying connected in Ajman is simple with accessible mobile services and wide Wi-Fi availability.

Connectivity Options

Local SIMS from Etisalat or Du available at airports and malls. Airalo offers eSIM options.
Free Wi-Fi at hotels, malls, cafes, and many public spaces. Consider Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet.
Emirates Post for traditional mail services, with branches located in Ajman.

Language & Assistance

Ease communication with spaciously spoken English and helpful translation resources.

Language Aids

Official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood in tourist and business areas.
Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam, and Tagalog are common due to the diverse expatriate community.
Google Translate is very effective for basic communication. Explore Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Essential Arabic Phrases

Learning a few basic Arabic expressions can enhance your interactions and show appreciation of the culture.

Common Greetings & Polite Words

"Marhaba" (مرحبا) - Hello (Mahr-hah-bah)
"Shukran" (شكرا) - Thank you (Shook-ran)
"Na'am" (نعم) - Yes (Nah-am)

Practical Arabic for Travelers

Simple phrases for daily interactions, making your visit smoother.

Everyday Expressions

"Laa" (لا) - No (Lah)
"Min fadlak" (من فضلك) / "Min fadlik" (من فضلكِ) - Please (to male/female)
"Kam hatha?" (كم هذا؟) - How much is this? (Kam hah-thah)

Money & Banking

Financial Access

ATMs are widely present at banks, malls, supermarkets, and hotels.
Major banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and HSBC operate in Ajman.
Most banks are open Sunday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with some mall branches open longer.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the emirate.

Tipping & Currency

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (10-15% in restaurants, taxi drivers appreciate rounding up).
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), fixed against the US Dollar.
Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and authorized exchange houses.
It is wise to carry some smaller denominations for local markets and small purchases.

Essential Tip

Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip for uninterrupted access, especially when mobile data might be limited.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand the typical operating hours for various services and establishments in Ajman.

Government & Banks

Government offices operate Sunday-Thursday, 7:30/8:00 AM to 3:00/4:00 PM. Banks usually follow similar hours, 8:00 AM to 3:30/4:00 PM.

Retail & Malls

Retail shops are generally open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with malls often extending to 12:00 AM on weekends.

Restaurants

Opening hours of restaurants vary considerably, from early morning breakfast service to late-night dining options.

Holiday Impact

Religious and public holidays can alter business schedules. Planning around these dates is advisable.

Public Holiday Adjustments

Islamic holidays (Eid, Prophet's Birthday) vary yearly; businesses may have reduced hours or close.
National Day (December 2nd) and New Year's Day (January 1st) are also public holidays.
During Ramadan, business hours are often shorter; respect fasting hours in public.

Seasonal Schedules

While major tourist attractions remain open, some smaller establishments might adjust hours seasonally.

Off-Peak Operations

Seasonal being closed for major tourist attractions are rare in Ajman.
Little local shops might close for extended periods during the hot summer months.
Always confirm specific business hours in advance, especially for small local venues during low season.

Airport Services and Flight Compensation

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass access to independent airport lounges worldwide.
Offers comfort and amenities before or between flights for frequent travelers.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and a relaxed environment.

Flight Compensation Assistance

Compensair assists with compensation claims for flight disruptions.
Cltarget flight delays, cancellations, or refused entry onto the plane.
Streamlines the process for receiving due compensation.

Check Schedules

Verify opening times for specific establishments, especially during public holidays and mont saint-michelh of Ramadan, to avoid inconvenience.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural guidelines for a respectful and pleasant experience in Ajman.

Greetings & Dress

Observe local customs regarding greetings and attire, a demonstration of respect for the culture.

Social Interactions

Handshakes are common among men; for men and women, wait for the woman to initiate.
Modest dress is advised in public (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear is for beaches/pools only.
Mosque visits: conservative dress for women (headscarf, long sleeves/pants/skirts) and slacks for men.

Dining & Photography

Customs surrounding meals and photo-taking reflect local traditions and privacy values.

Mealtime & Media

Eat with your right hand for traditional meals.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially women and children.
Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, or airports.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Awareness of certain behaviors and discussion topics helps maintain respectful interactions.

Avoid These Behaviors

Public displays of affection are strongly discouraged.
Alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues; public intoxication is compared to the law.
Swearing or rude gestures are considered offensive and may carry legal consequences.

Ramadan & Discussions

Special consideration in Ramadan and thoughtful approach to sensitive conversations demonstrate cultural understanding.

Cultural Respect

Discussions of local politics or religion warrant extreme attention and sensitivity.
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours (sunrise to sunset).
Hotels typically choose areas for non-fasting guests during The islamic holy month.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

Societal Norms

The UAE is a conservative society with legal restrictions on same-sex relationships.
Showing affection in public is usually discouraged for all genders.
Women are generally treated with courtesy and travel safely across the area.

Expected Conduct

Respectful behavior toward all individuals is a core expectation.
Awareness of local laws and customs prevents unintended issues.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure & Transport

Newer infrastructure (malls, hotels, airports) offers is very accessible with ramps and elevators.
Taxis can accommodate folding wheelchairs; newer public buses include accessible features.
Older areas or smaller local establishments might not be very accessible.

Services & Resources

Fewer specific services exist for visual or hearing impairments compared to Western nations.
Guide dogs might encounter restrictions in some public locations.
Contact venues directly to confirm accessibility features and available support.

Travel with Support

For travelers with specific needs, it's a good idea to travel with a companion or arrange for personal support in advance.

Accessibility Information for Travelers

Ajman is continually enhancing its accessibility, specifically within newer infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure & Attractions

Modern developments offer improved accessibility, ensuring wider participation for all visitors.

Accessible Locations

Newer malls, major hotels, and airports generally feature good accessibility.
These spaces typically include ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
The Ajman Museum has some accessible areas for visitors.

Outdoor & Transportation

Enjoy Ajman's outdoor spaces and travel around with increasingly accessible transport options.

Getting Around

The Ajman Corniche provides a flat surface, suitable for wheelchairs, ideal for outdoor enjoyment.
Taxis can often accommodate folding wheelchairs for convenience.
Public buses, especially newer models, incorporate accessible features.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

While specific services are evolving, preparation can greatly aid visitors with visual or hearing needs.

Support & Navigation

Fewer specific services exist compared to Western countries.
Guide dogs might encounter restrictions in some public places.
Traveling with a companion or ensuring personal support is advisable.

Information Resources

Pre-Trip Planning

Accessibility information often resides on individual attraction and hotel websites.
Contact specific venues in advance, especially smaller establishments, to confirm features.
This proactive approach helps confirm the suitability of amenities for your needs.

Important Accessibility Contacts

Ajman Tourism

Official tourism body for general inquiries.

Hotel Concierge

For specific hotel accessibility questions.

Transport Providers

Inquire about accessible vehicle options.

Prioritize Your Comfort

For any specific accessibility needs, reaching out to service providers and venues beforehand is the most effective way to guarantee a comfortable visit.

Ajman City Travel Tips