Ajman, the smallest emirate, is bounded on three sides by Sharjah with one side facing onto the Arabian Gulf coast. The emirate is developing, with a government that is supporting business establishment and investment. The Ajman Free Zone is one initiative to help encourage overseas investment.

As part of a recent development boom, Ajman opened its real estate market, creating developments that were available to foreign ownership, although many were hit by the downturn in the market.

Agriculture remains an income generator, using the wide areas of fertile land for fruit and vegetable growing, as well as grazing for livestock. Fishing is also a contributor to the economy, in conjunction with the Ajman Seaport, offering eight wharves.

There has been concentrated investment in industry. The biggest sector is chemicals, with a number of textile factories – clothing, fabrics and leather –establishing in the emirate.

Despite the beautiful coastline, the tourism industry in Ajman is currently small, but is another area of development. The Ajman Festival was introduced and attracts a number of visitors from inside and outside the emirate each year.