Combining charm and warm hospitality with a vibrant culture and rich heritage, Ajman has plenty to offer visitors looking for a memorable and authentic stay in the UAE. HE Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, director general of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, talks HN through the steps that the Emirate is taking to showcase its distinctly diverse tourism offering to the world.
What major tourism projects and activities does the Ajman Department of Tourism Development have planned for 2024-2025?
The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) has curated an impressive and varied array of year-round events and activities to captivate visitors of all interests and ages. These include the Ajman Motor Festival, a showcase of automotive innovation held at various locations across Ajman, along with exciting sports competitions, like the Ajman Running Race, the Gulf Youth Games and cycling challenges. Cultural enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival, the Folklore Strings Festival and the Poetry Evening ‘Bawh Al Qawafi,’ while food lovers can indulge in culinary delights at the Food Festival. The year 2024 will culminate in a grand New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, creating a spectacular welcome for 2025. Visitors can also look forward to engaging in activities focused on adventure, such as the Masfout Trails for hiking and Tarfih Karting for go-karting, wellbeing and retail experiences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy now and in the future in Ajman. We are confident that these tourism initiatives will collectively contribute to a memorable and enriching travel experience.
How is the ADTD integrating innovation and sustainability into its projects?
The ADTD is prioritizing key principles of innovation and sustainability in its strategic focus. This includes showcasing Ajman’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant events calendar and diverse tourism offerings to both domestic and international audiences. Collaborations with strategic partners are seen as crucial for fostering further growth and enhancing Ajman’s position as a leading destination in global tourism. By partnering with esteemed entities, the department aims to offer world-class hospitality and experiences, ensuring visitors have memorable and enriching stays. Ajman is also committed to sustainable tourism development and cultural enrichment, highlighting initiatives that promote responsible travel practices and preserve the emirate’s unique heritage for future generations.
Can you update us on the growth underway in Ajman’s tourism industry?
The ongoing expansion of the tourism sector in Ajman is evident from the significant surge in tourism activities and international arrivals. In 2023, international visitor numbers rose by
an impressive 29 percent compared to 2022, with diverse source markets contributing to this success. The sector’s growth is further supported by a range of accommodation options, with 52 hotel establishments, offering a combined 4,315 rooms across various categories.
How is the ADTD contributing to the region’s broader tourism strategy?
The ADTD is playing a crucial role in advancing the overall tourism strategy for the region. By showcasing Ajman’s unique charm, vibrant culture, rich heritage and warm hospitality to both domestic and international travelers, the department is helping to attract a diverse range of visitors. Moreover, through strategic partnerships forged during events like ATM 2024, the department is contributing to broader efforts to enhance the tourism sector and foster economic growth in Ajman. These collaborations enable Ajman to offer exceptional accommodation options, luxurious amenities and world-class experiences, ensuring that every visitor enjoys a memorable and enriching stay. By doing this, we are, in turn, further solidifying Ajman’s position as a leading destination in global tourism.
What do you regard as the ADTD’s most memorable achievements over the past year?
The ADTD has reached several significant milestones in the past year. The 29-percent rise in international visitor numbers in 2023, year-on-year (y-o-y), confirmed Ajman’s growing appeal as
a travel destination. Additionally, the department saw a commendable 5 percent rise in revenue per available room (RevPAR) and impressive 11 percent growth in total revenue y-o-y, reflecting the sector’s robust financial performance. The positive developments have continued this year, with figures for Q1, 2024 indicating significant increases in occupancy rates, total revenues and the number of visitors in y-o-y comparisons, pointing to sustained interest and growth in Ajman’s tourism sector. These achievements underscore the department’s commitment to enhancing Ajman’s position as a leading destination that provides exceptional experiences for travelers.
How do you envision Ajman’s tourism sector evolving?
Taking account of the current global travel landscape and emerging industry trends, the ADTD envisions sustainable growth, innovative experiences and cultural enrichment to be key focal points in the future for Ajman’s tourism industry. By continuing to showcase Ajman’s unique offerings, fostering collaborations and embracing new technologies and trends, and in line with Ajman Vision 2030, Ajman aims to position itself as a leading destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences, diverse activities and memorable adventures.
