It’s easy to pass by this hidden gem, located in the heart of Ajman city, however if you are looking to spend an interesting hour or two with the kids soaking up local culture, Ajman Museum could be the perfect place. And that’s exactly what we did last week while staycation-ing at Ajman. While we’ve been to many forts around the UAE, this one definitely has been carefully restored and filled with artefacts to tell you beautiful stories.
Ajman Museum, an 18th century fortress, built from coral stone and gypsum originally housed the royal family. The fort went on to be an important part of Ajman’s defence line, also housing Ajman Police. Following the restoration in 1981, the fort has been turned into a museum and highlights the rich history of the region. The museum, along with its magnificent architecture, gives an excellent glimpse to life of the locals from the 1970s.
Entering the Ajman Museum
Once you enter through the large wooden doors, you see the fort built in a traditional courtyard style. There is the main palace building, along with two wind towers and two watch towers. It is a delight to be able to walk through most of the ‘rooms’ (now air-conditioned) that highlight the different sections of the local’s everyday lives. You also get to walk past canons used from the 1970s and climb narrow stone stairs. Make sure to take the time to sit on the benches in the courtyard and imagine being transported back in time.
Exhibits around the Ajman Museum
While there are rooms dedicated to black-and-white photographs giving an insight to life in the early 20th century, there are also real artefacts of tools, clothes, resources and more, used from back then. All display exhibits have detailed Arabic and English annotations, helping give a better understanding. Useful not just for me, but also my 5 year old bursting with questions. Life-like figurines take us back in time as you get to witness a traditional farming ground, Bedouin wedding, children learning at school, traditional households and more. Rooms furnished with wooden chests, palm leaf mats, clay pots and so much more is all on display.
There are so many rooms to discover, from the Ajman police force to the emirate’s first radio station, you’ll want to keep hopping from one room to another. My favourite has to be the souq where life-like figurines were depicted as traders and artisans at work.
Ajman Museum details
Museum timings: Saturday to Thursday – 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Fridays- 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Ticket prices: Adult- AED 5, Family of four – AED 15
As always, it is best to call up and check for public holiday related and up -to-date information.
Plenty of paid parking is available close to the Museum.
Prams are allowed in, but many sections of the museum, because of its layout are not pram/ wheelchair friendly. (at the time this blog post is written)
Easily accessible hand sanitisers are placed at various sections of the museum.
Eating inside the museum is not permissible. We didn’t seen any refreshment centre/ local cafe, however, lots of work outside the Museum was taking place, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a lovely, cozy coffee shop did pop up. As for now, it is advisable to carry water with you.
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