Ajman's Real Estate Boom: Rising Popularity

Ajman Real Estate Boom: Why More Are Moving to UAE's Smallest Emirate

For a long time, Ajman, the smallest member of the United Arab Emirates, received little attention from international investors and property buyers. However, in recent years, it has undergone dynamic development, primarily due to infrastructure improvements, a rise in tourism, and the maturity of the real estate market. Affordable prices, its coastal location, and proximity to Dubai are all factors attracting more local and foreign investors to the emirate.

12.4 Billion AED in Half-Year Transactions

In the first half of 2025, Ajman's real estate market recorded transactions totaling 12.4 billion AED, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period the previous year. The Official Land and Real Estate Authority registered a total of 8,872 dealings, including over 7,300 sales transactions worth more than 8.4 billion AED. The exclusive development of Al Zahia played a leading role in sales, with one residential property changing hands for 50 million AED.

Price Increase in Most Popular Districts

Property prices per square meter in areas like Ajman Downtown and Al Rashidiya have grown by 6 to 48%, demonstrating increasing demand. New project launches and an expanded inventory have significantly boosted the market, especially in the villa segment. In prime areas, house prices per square meter showed even a 65% growth over a year.

Investor Interest and Structural Transformation

Interest from investors in Ajman is not just a temporary phenomenon. According to Property Finder data, searches for property purchases have grown by 45% annually, a pace four times faster than the increase in rental interest. This suggests a structural change in the market, as people intend to plan long-term in Ajman. The number of sales listings also rose by more than 120%, indicating that developers are meeting genuine end-user needs, not just launching speculative projects.

Ajman's Advantages: Accessibility, Low Prices, and Developing Infrastructure

Ajman's main attraction lies in its low real estate prices and excellent accessibility. While prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become unaffordable for many, Ajman still offers reasonably priced apartments and houses, while proudly boasting more modern amenities and infrastructure. The emirate has a well-developed road network, particularly improved by the development of routes 311 and 611, ensuring fast connectivity towards Sharjah and Dubai.

Tourism as a Driver of Growth

According to Ajman's Tourism Development Authority, the emirate attained tourism revenues of more than 547 million AED in 2024, representing an 8% increase from the previous year. More than 658,000 visitors arrived throughout the year. The emirate currently has 52 hotels and 4,315 rooms, capable of catering to the growing tourism demand. Eastern regions near Fujairah's border offer adventure tours and nature-related experiences to diversify offerings.

Education and Population Growth Hand in Hand

Ajman's university is also experiencing growth, both among local and international students. Last year, it recorded the largest intake of students in its history, with students from more than 70 countries. This indicates that Ajman is no longer just in the 'affordable' category but is increasingly influencing decisions based on quality of life.

Coastal Lifestyle Becomes More Accessible

Compared to Dubai's coastal apartments, the Corniche area in Ajman still offers exceptionally favorable prices. The average annual rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Ajman is 50,000 AED, while the same in Dubai's coastal zones can exceed 169,000 AED. This price difference encourages many to seek a new residence in the northern emirates, particularly in Ajman.

Freehold Zones: New Opportunities for Foreigners

Areas like Emirates City and Ajman Corniche are freehold zones, allowing foreign buyers to legitimately acquire property. This further expands interest in Ajman, especially among those thinking long-term or looking to generate income from rentals. In certain projects, gross yields can reach 8–10%.

Investment or Home? Why More People Are Choosing Ajman

Ajman is still in the early stages of its development cycle, presenting an attractive opportunity for those seeking long-term price growth and stable rental returns. Affordable prices, transparent regulations, and gradually improving quality of life all contribute to making the emirate increasingly attractive.

Overall, Ajman is proving not just to be an 'alternative' but increasingly a real option for those wanting to make smart decisions regarding residence or investment in the United Arab Emirates. Accessible prices, developing infrastructure, proximity to the coast, and a more peaceful lifestyle are drawing more people to Ajman — whether they be local families, international investors, or renters moving out of Dubai.

(Source: Opinion of Bayut real estate brokerage website.)