Ajman, the UAE’s smallest emirate, is rapidly transforming into a major player in the real estate market, driven by accelerated infrastructure development, tourism growth, and increasing population. In the first half of 2025, the emirate’s real estate sector recorded transactions worth AED 12.4 billion, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The Department of Land and Real Estate Regulation reported 8,872 transactions, including 7,306 trading deals exceeding AED 8.4 billion in value. Among these, the luxurious Al Zahia development stood out, with its highest individual transaction valued at AED 50 million. Popular districts like Al Rashidiya and Ajman Downtown have seen significant price appreciation, with apartment sale prices rising between 6% and 48% in 2024. The villa segment also showed strong momentum, with price-per-square-foot increases ranging from 7% to 65%. Ajman’s affordability, accessibility, and growing lifestyle advantages are attracting both local and foreign investors. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai and improved transport connectivity further enhance its appeal. Tourism has also played a pivotal role, with Ajman generating AED 547 million in tourist revenue in 2024 and welcoming over 658,356 visitors. The emirate’s 52 hotels, offering 4,315 rooms, cater to this growing influx. Ajman University has also seen a surge in student enrollment, reflecting the emirate’s growing population. British expatriate Sally Wise, who plans to move from Dubai to Ajman, highlights the emirate’s competitive rental market and relaxed coastal lifestyle as key attractions. With modernized real estate regulations and steady demand, Ajman is poised to remain a hotspot for value-focused investors and end-users seeking practical alternatives to larger markets like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
