The UAE is made up of seven emirates – or lands – but most of us only know Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which leaves five undiscovered destinations for year-round sunshine.
Ajman, a 40-minute taxi ride from Dubai International Airport, might be the smallest emirate, but it packs a mighty punch, with glorious mountains, ancient forts, lively souks, long stretches of desert and practically untouched beaches along its Persian Gulf coastline.
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GET IN A FLAP
The Al Zorah Nature Reserve is a sanctuary of mangrove forests, sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons.
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Home to almost 60 species of birds, you can walk the scenic pathway to spot snacking flamingos.
The best way to get a sense of the vastness and beauty of this ecosystem is to take a guided two-hour kayak tour, £35 per person (Questforadventure.net).
FEEL LIKE A VIP
In need of some TLC? The luxe Oberoi Al Zorah hotel is all about relaxation.
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Surrounded by olive trees, with sweeping ocean views, there’s an 85m pool, private beach, spa and gym.
Choose from suites with terraces to three-bed villas with a private pool.
Staff will spoil you with mango ice lollies, ice-cold water bottles and refreshing face towels.
Rooms cost from £210 a night, including breakfast (Oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-al-zorah-ajman).
Or for something a little different, try the Caravana Beach Resort, staying in a cool caravan right on the beach, with your own barbecue and private hot tub, from £150 per night (Caravana.ae).
HIT THE DUNES
Explore the sands surrounding Ajman with a desert Jeep safari.
Extras include dune bashing (driving fast over bumpy sand), sandboarding, camel rides and an unlimited evening barbecue with belly dancing entertainment.
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Tours cost from £17 for two hours (Arabian-safari.com). If you prefer hiking, the Hajar mountain range, 80 miles to the south-east, has loads of trails.
It is cooler in the mountains, but it’s still best to stick to early mornings or October to March (Ajman.travel).
DINE WATER-SIDE
If all that activity has made you hungry, the Oberoi’s Vinesse restaurant serves sublime international cuisine.
The chicken makhani curry, £25, and dal tadka, £7, stand out. Seafood lover?
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Head to the beachside Aquario restaurant, which is all cloud-like sofas and chilled vibes, serving everything from sushi to barbecued catch of the day.
A meal for two costs about £50.
If you want to carry on the party, take a 15-minute taxi ride to the Salt & Sea bar at the Fairmont hotel, where music and cocktails await, right on the water’s edge (Fairmont.com/ajman).
FYI
Return flights from the UK to Dubai cost from £440, (Emirates.com).
For more info, visit Ajman.travel.
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