H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry: Ajman is ready for business

Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry shared his insight on the Russian and CIS tourism markets and the current situation in Emirate Ajman.

What are your expectations for the Russian tourism market with the resuming of the international flights between Russia, CIS and the UAE?

The relationship between the Russian and CIS tourism market and the Emirate of Ajman has been cultured and developed over the years and there is a great rapport between the partners. The cooperation between us is one of trust, appreciation and discovery.

We are working together with our partners to reassure the travelers that Ajman is ready for business whilst ensuring them total safety as they come back to enjoying holidays in the sun, discovering Ajman various attractions and relaxing on the best beaches of the country.

Packages are being crafted for all our returning guests to ensure that all tastes, budgets and requirements are met. We are looking forward to welcoming back old and new friends and the Emirate of Ajman is certainly the focus of the Russian and CIS travelers who are looking for new adventures.

What are the precautionary measures applied in the Emirate to ensure the health and safety of the tourists and residents?

Ajman Tourism Development Department in collaboration with the concerned authorities has planned comprehensive safety regulations to ensure the wellbeing of our tourists and residents.

New measures have been put in place to ensure everyone’s safety, both in a visible way such as temperature checkpoints, disinfection stations, food serving requirements and salons bookings guidelines, and non-visible procedures such as ensuring that hotels, markets and tourist attractions follow our new stringent disinfection and health policies and regulations. Regular inspections and reviewing our processes in line with WHO and The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority directives are done on regular bases.

Ajman hotel establishments are also set to receive the “BV” certification in recognition of its adoption of the highest safety guidelines to protect guests, visitors and hospitality employees in Ajman, in line with the strengthening of precautionary measures taken by the UAE.

Bureau Veritas (BV) includes a comprehensive checklist to confirm compliance with good hygiene practices, social distancing, and all other recommendations to maintain the highest levels of safety. It also includes field audits to check that the expected protective measures are implemented efficiently.

How do you keep on developing the Emirate to impress the foreigners? Any new attractions or landmarks coming up soon that you would like to highlight?

Ajman Tourism Development Department continues its efforts to enhance the position of Ajman, Masfoot and Manama on the map of local, regional and global tourism, and to highlight the prominent tourist sites in the emirate including unique picturesque beaches, Al Zorah Nature Reserve, heritage sites and others.

Ajman includes the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United Arab Emirates reflecting a soothing aura filled with cool breeze, magnificent scenery and natural mangrove forests, ideal for a family soiree. The beaches are apt for marine sports & activities like diving, jetskiing, fishing, sailing and a wide range of interesting family oriented sports lined with cafés and restaurants.

Ajman also includes natural mangrove forests in Al Zorah Reserve, one of the key recreational and educational attractions in the emirate. Spread across one million square meters, the forest is home to many wild and marine species along with various species of local and migratory birds, including pink flamingo birds that can be seen throughout the year. With seven kilometres of waterfront, two kilometres of beach and a tidal creek, the nature reserve is made for waterborne activities. The best way to explore the mangroves is by kayak, and the calm waters and network of channels make it suitable even for novice paddlers. Golfers, meanwhile, can tee off at the 18-hole Championship golf course at the nearby Al Zorah Golf Club.

With its majestic mountain backdrop, the agricultural enclave of Manama is known for its pleasant scenery, wild honey and historic fortresses. Located in the plains at the foothills of the Hajar Mountains to the east of Ajman, Manama is about an hour's drive from city centre. It has a quiet, residential feel, making it a popular getaway for city dwellers. Nature lovers will enjoy a unique journey to Manama with a wide variety of trees including Acacia, Ghaf and flowering Sidr and Simr that attract Asiatic honeybees, while history buffs can visit three historic fortresses. Al Naseem Nature Reserve is being developed at Manama to allow visitors to appreciate the resilient flora and fauna of the interior.

Masfout represents a wonderful haven for relaxation and fun with the family, and is characterized by its rocky cliffs and the Hajar mountains that surround it, making it every traveler's dream and a popular getaway for city dwellers. Known for its fertile agricultural land and high-quality marble, Masfout is in the south of the UAE near Hatta, a 90-minute drive from Ajman city. Its high altitude brings cooler temperatures and the rugged backdrop attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rocky countryside surrounding the town is ideal for walking, mountain biking, picnics and wadi exploration. Ajman Tourism Development Department is planning for developing several hotel projects to attract more tourists to Masfout in addition to Masfoot Museum project, which embodies its ancient history and rich culture.

Guests can also visit Ajman Museum that provides a compelling glimpse of Ajman’s past, from centuries-old manuscripts and weaponry to models of wooden dhows and ingenious irrigation systems. The museum features a pearl diving and trading section, while the fort itself is a perfect example of traditional Emirati architecture. The museum opens daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and on Fridays from 2:30 pm to 8 pm.

Ajman Tourism Development Department is working on launching various initiatives and projects to promote the emirate and attract more visitors including Ajman Heritage District that is set to become a key touristic attraction in the emirate embodying the emirate’s rich cultural heritage while driving economic growth and boosting tourism. Other projects include Ajman Marina, a 1.5-kilometre-long esplanade, perfectly set to attract joggers, cyclists and families out for an evening stroll, and “Merkaz” mall that will provide a unique shopping and entertainment experience with stunning panoramic roof and a variety of shopping and dining options.