Fujairah vs. Ajman: An Expat’s Dilemma
Fujairah is known for its tranquility and unique natural landscape, while Ajman for its thriving business and traditional charm. As an expat moving to the UAE, choosing the best city to live in can be a tough dilemma, especially when it comes to hidden gems like Fujairah and Ajman.
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In this Pacific Prime article, we will take a closer look at Fujairah and Ajman, what makes them similar and different, what charms tourists to their land, and what kind of lifestyles and economic opportunities they offer for expats looking for a new home.
An Expat’s Guide to Fujairah
Fujairah is the only Emirate located completely on the eastern coast of the country, next to the Gulf of Oman. This unique location gifts Fujairah with stunning geographical landscapes, from tranquil sandy beaches to the rugged Hajar mountain.
Fujairah may not be as urbanized as other Emirates, but this means it has some of the calmest and most peaceful beach resorts to offer. At Fujairah, you can enjoy life at a leisurely pace, with no traffic jams and no construction to disturb you.
Fujairah is connected to Dubai via daily bus services. The ticket prices can range from AED 25.71 to 40.40 for an approximately three-hour trip. If you would like a more speedy option, a taxi ride from Dubai to Fujairah takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes at a fare of approximately AED 270-330.
Due to its direct access to the Indian Ocean, Fujairah is a home to thriving shipping industry, with the Port of Fujairah and Fujairah Free Zone to service incoming and outgoing ships as well as foreign businesses and investment.
An Expat’s Guide to Ajman
Ajman is the smallest Emirate in terms of land area but its capital, Ajman City, is the fifth largest city in the UAE after Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain.
Ajman City is a city with the right mixture of bustling businesses and traditional touch. The city has been growing in popularity as a destination for expat as it is cheaper compared to Dubai and has a more leisurely pace of life.
You can find growing business hubs as well as relics from the historic days of the Emirate. It is home to the Ajman Museum with artifacts dating back as far as 3,000 BC while the city’s port and Free Zone play key roles in the economic growth of the Emirate.
Ajman is connected to Dubai via daily bus services. The trip will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, which means if you are in the mood for the more vibrant city life of Dubai, it is certainly doable as a one-day trip.
Comparing Fujairah and Ajman: Attractions and Tourism
Both Fujairah and Ajman offer unique experiences that can cater to tourists with various interests, from historical sites to stunning beaches and mountain adventures. We’ll discuss more below:
Fujairah’s Attractions and Tourism
Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and at the foothill of the Hajar Mountains, Fujairah is rich with unique natural landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities enthusiasts. Whether you are looking to snorkel in clear warm water or are up to hiking Arabian Wadis, Fujairah has you covered.
Wadi Al Wurayah
Wadi Al Wurayah is the UAE’s first protected mountain area and was designated as Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2010.
This Arabian Wadi offers stunning hiking trails and a chance to get a glimpse of wide arrays of flora and fauna, including 94 endangered bird species and Arabian Tahr, a goat species native to Eastern Arabia.
The best months to visit are from October to April. Visitors must obtain an entry permit from the national park authority before entering.
Snorkeling and Diving in Fujairah
For those who are looking to take a dip, Fujairah boasts various snorkeling and diving spots along its coast, including the famous ‘Snoopy Island’ which resembles the famous cartoon character, Dibba Rock surrounded by reef and corals, and Sharm Rock with its coral reef and coral sealives.
A Historic Trip in Fujairah
Want to relax after your day outside? Fujairah is also home to various cultural heritages of the UAE, including Al Bidyah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the UAE as well as Fujairah Fort, the oldest fort in the UAE, and more.
Ajman’s Attractions and Tourism
The Emirate of Ajman is the smallest in terms of land area in the UAE, but Ajman city is the fifth largest city in the UAE with vibrant business, scenic beaches, and traditional charm.
Ajman Museum
The Ajman Museum, housed in an 18th-century fort, will take you back in time to the historic days of Ajman. The museum displays artifacts dating as far back as 3000 BC excavated from an ancient cemetery discovered in the area of Al Muwaihat as well as a collection of ancient manuscripts and weapons.
Masfout Castle
The Emirate of Ajman is also home to the 19th-century Masfout Castle. This mud and stone castle, sitting on the mountaintop to guard the city from raging bandits in the bygone days, can provide you with a sweeping scenic view of the city and the rocky landscape below.
Ajman Marina
Once you have your fill of the bygone eras of Ajman, its lively city is ready to welcome you back. You can take a leisurely stroll along its marina, scattered with a yacht club, restaurants, and shopping malls with both local and international brands to spend your day.
Comparing Fujairah and Ajman: Economy and Business
Both Fujairah and Ajman have seen significant development in recent years, including the expansion of ports and free zones in both cities, resulting in flourishing businesses and foreign investment.
With its access to the Indian Ocean, Fujairah is home to a thriving shipping industry with the Port of Fujairah and Fujairah Free Zone. The city also has announced Fujairah Plan 2040 for the expansion of its airport and shipping facilities as well as more housing complexes and infrastructure.
Ajman is known for its bustling commercial activity and rapidly growing economy. The city has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Ajman port and Ajman Free Zone.
Combined with the city’s strategic location and affordable real estate, Ajman is among the ideal investment destinations in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Ajman a Good Place to Live in the UAE?
Ajman can be a good place to live in the UAE if you are looking for a more affordable place to live compared to major cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Ajman is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and more peaceful pace of life compared to larger cities.
Which is a Better Place to Live, Dubai or Ajman?
Ajman might suit you better if you are looking for a more laid-back lifestyle and affordable cost of living. However, if you are looking for a vibrant city life with direct access to international travel and vast amounts of large city amenities, Dubai might be your option.
What are the Benefits of Living in Ajman?
Ajman provides a more relaxing and laid-back lifestyle compared to larger cities in the UAE. While maintaining lively economic activities, Ajman still keeps its tight-knit atmosphere in its community.
Is It Worth Going to Furaijah?
If you are looking for outdoor activities, like hiking the Arabian River valley (Wadi) or snorkeling in clear blue water, Fujairah can be up for your consideration. Fujairah is connected to Dubai via a 3-hour bus trip or approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes taking a taxi.
Is Fujairah Expensive to Live in the UAE?
Fujairah has a cheaper cost of living compared to major cities of the UAE such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It may not be as urbanized as larger cities but that means you can look for more affordable housing and a more relaxing pace of life in Fujairah, with no traffic to disturb you.
Is Fujairah Cooler than Dubai?
Fujairah is relatively cooler than Dubai with the average temperature in September at around 35 degrees during the day and 28 degrees at night compared to 39 degrees during the day in Dubai and around 29 degrees at night.
Conclusion
Both Fujairah and Ajman are great options for you if you are looking for a cheaper cost of living and a slower pace of life in the UAE. Each boasts a generous option of calm and peaceful beach resorts for you to relax and enjoy life.
However, if you are looking to spend your day embarking on outdoor adventures and it is not mandatory that you have the quickest access to Dubai, the tranquil, relaxing, and sleepy atmosphere of Fujairah might better suit your taste.
Or, if tranquil nature and unique landscape are what you are looking for, you might also want to take another hidden gem of Umm Al Quwain into consideration. Explore more about Umm Al Quwain in our articles Expat Considerations: Fujairah vs. Umm Al Quwain or Expat Insights: Umm Al Quwain vs. Ajman – Where to Live?.
One key point you should never forget when moving to the UAE, however, is your access to healthcare. UAE offers free public healthcare for Emirati nationals only. Foreign expats are recommended to purchase private insurance to cover their medical expenses while in the UAE.
Pacific Prime, as an insurance broker with over 20 years of experience can assist you in finding insurance plans that provide you the right coverage for your time in the UAE. Whether you are looking for coverage for yourself or your family, let our experts assist you.
Our service is free of charge, so you can reach out to us for a free and no-obligation health insurance plan comparison today.
Coming to Pacific Prime, she is ready to utilize her experience for the new pursuit. With a strong passion for storytelling and writing, she hopes her words could help bring people closer to the best international health insurance plan that works for them. After all, as a writer, there is no greater honor than when one’s words can add clarity to the world of the readers.
Apart from writing, she is an avid planespotter. On the weekends, you can expect to find her loitering around the airport, gawking at all the aircrafts taking off and landing. When the weather does not permit planespotting, you can find her huddling on her cozy couch, watching ballet and figure skating as well.
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- Fujairah vs. Ajman: An Expat’s Dilemma - 24th October 2024
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