Ajman Fort, 18th century fort in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Ajman Fort is an 18th-century fort built from coral stones, rocks, and mudbrick with thick defensive walls and square watchtowers. The two-story structure has narrow rooms, interior courtyards, and solid walls that show typical Arab defensive architecture from that period.

The fort became the center of power in 1816 when Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi took control of Ajman after a strategic military action. It then served for many years as the main seat of government and defense for the emirate.

Ajman Fort housed Ajman Police from 1967 until 1978, after Ruler Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi moved out to Al Zaher Palace. Restored in the early 1980s, it now holds Ajman Museum and anchors the Dh25 million Ajman Heritage District, opened in October 2020 with some 37 shops and restored walkways.

The fort stands in the centre of Ajman, within the Ajman Heritage District opened in October 2020, whose restored buildings and walkways hold some 37 shops. The museum occupies two storeys reached by stairs, with narrow rooms and courtyards, so allow time for the upper floor. Mornings are cooler for the outdoor courtyards.

The fort features a wind tower structure called barjeel, which is the earliest example of this architectural element in the United Arab Emirates. This natural cooling system was designed to pull air down into the interior spaces, long before modern air conditioning was invented.