If you have not walked the Ajman Corniche lately, it is time to look again. The emirate’s best-loved seafront has just come through a AED 150 million overhaul, and the result is less quiet promenade and more proper waterfront destination. A wider beach, a dedicated cycling and running track and hectares of new green space have turned the strip into one of the most upgraded stretches of coast in the northern emirates. Here is exactly what changed and how to make the most of it.
What actually changed
This was not a touch-up. Ajman Municipality awarded a AED 150 million Corniche beach development project under the Ajman 2040 urban plan, delivered with China Maritime Company, to expand the beach, add coastal protection and green the whole seafront. Two phases wrapped first, with the final landscaping following on, and the new Corniche is now open and in daily use. For the full lay of the land, from parking to swimming spots, our complete Ajman Corniche guide walks you through it.
A much bigger beach
The headline change is the sand. The beachfront was pushed roughly 150 metres further into the sea, with sand dredged from about three kilometres offshore, taking the total beach area to around 220,000 square metres. That is a huge jump on the old strip. In practice it means wide, clean sand with rows of sun loungers and parasols, far more room to spread out, and the kind of setup you would normally expect at a paid beach club in Dubai, except this one is a free public beach. Our roundup of the best beaches and outdoor spots in Ajman puts it in context with the rest of the coast.
A 2.5km track for walkers, runners and cyclists
The other big win is movement. There is now a 2.5 kilometre cycling track running the length of the Corniche, with a separate pedestrian walkway alongside it so joggers, walkers and cyclists are not fighting for the same space. It is flat, scenic and right on the water, which makes it the easiest place in the emirate to build a daily walk or ride into your routine.
WOW Ajman Expert Tip: In summer the track only makes sense before about 9am or after sunset, when the sea breeze takes the edge off. Come winter it is comfortable most of the day. Either way, the stretch nearest the water catches the best breeze.
300,000 square metres of green space
Ajman has added around 300,000 square metres of landscaped green space along the Corniche, which is the part that genuinely changes how the seafront feels. More lawns and planting mean more shade, more places to lay a picnic blanket and a lot more reason to linger into the evening. It is exactly the kind of free, low-key outing that fills our list of free and cheap things to do in Ajman.
Made for families
The upgrade was clearly designed with families in mind. There is a children’s playground with colourful slides and new equipment, and a proper volleyball court with a net for a sunset game. Between the playground, the sand and the space to cycle, it is an easy no-cost afternoon once the heat drops, and it pairs neatly with our guide to the best things to do with kids in Ajman this summer.
Make an evening of it
The Corniche has always been at its best after dark, and the makeover leans into that. Time your visit for golden hour, walk or cycle the track, let the kids loose on the playground, then round it off with dinner nearby. The seafront and fish market are right there, so our pick of the best seafood restaurants in Ajman is the natural way to finish.
WOW Ajman Expert Tip: Weekends and public holidays get busy at sunset, so the parking nearest the beach fills first. Arrive a little before the light drops, or park further along the strip and walk the new track in, which is half the fun anyway.
Ajman Corniche makeover: your questions answered
A AED 150 million upgrade has widened the beach to around 220,000 square metres, added a 2.5km cycling track with a separate pedestrian walkway, created about 300,000 square metres of green space and installed a children’s playground, sun loungers and a volleyball court.
Yes. The revamped Corniche is a free public beach, with facilities that would normally sit behind a paid beach club elsewhere in the UAE.
Yes. There is a 2.5 kilometre cycling track running the length of the Corniche, with a separate pedestrian walkway alongside for walkers and joggers.
Ajman Municipality awarded the AED 150 million beach development project under the Ajman 2040 urban strategy, delivered with China Maritime Company, to expand the beach, add coastal protection and increase green space.
Before about 9am or after sunset, when the sea breeze makes the beach and track comfortable. The middle of the day in peak summer is best avoided.
