Ajman vs Sharjah: UAE City Comparison, Distances & Living Guide (2025)
If you’ve ever planned to move, invest, study, or vacation in the United Arab Emirates, you’ve likely compared Ajman and Sharjah. These two emirates, nestled side-by-side on the northern coast of the UAE, offer unique lifestyles, investment prospects, and distinct urban vibes. But which city is best for you? How do they compare in terms of cost of living, tourism, real estate, culture, and daily life? And exactly how far is Ajman from Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE hotspots?
In this detailed guide, discover the answers with genuine local perspectives, expert opinions, official statistics, an EEAT-focused breakdown, and the most common user questions – all tailored for anyone exploring their options in the Emirates.
Quick Summary Table: Ajman vs Sharjah (2025)
| Feature | Ajman | Sharjah |
|---|---|---|
| Area | ~260 sq km | ~2,590 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~580,000 | ~1,600,000 |
| Average Rent (2BHK Flat) | AED 20,000–38,000/year | AED 28,000–55,000/year |
| Beach Access | Open Public Beaches | Restricted, segregated |
| Tourism | Relaxed, quiet | Cultural, museums & parks |
| Traffic Congestion | Minimal except border | Severe in city center |
| Proximity to Dubai | 36km (30–45 min) | 17km (20–30 min) |
| Cost of Living | Low | Moderate |
| Major Attraction | Ajman Corniche, Beaches | Al Noor Mosque, Buhaira |
| Real Estate Prices | Cheapest in UAE | Lower than Dubai |
| Alcohol (Hotels/Bars) | Legal in licensed venues | Prohibited |
1. Location & Distance to Other Cities
Ajman and Sharjah are neighboring emirates on the Persian Gulf’s coast, directly north of Dubai. Their administrative borders overlap, meaning you can literally cross from one into the other in minutes.
Distance Table (by Road):
| From | To | Distance (km) | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman | Sharjah City | 9–15 km | 10–22 min |
| Ajman | Dubai | 36 km | 35–50 min |
| Ajman | Abu Dhabi | 174 km | 1h 45m–2h |
| Ajman | Umm Al Quwain | 22 km | 20 min |
| Ajman | Ras Al Khaimah | 78 km | 50 min–1h |
| Sharjah | Dubai | 17 km | 20–40 min |
| Sharjah | Abu Dhabi | 159 km | 1h 30m–1h 50m |
Expert Quote:
“Ajman and Sharjah serve different lifestyles: Ajman is for beach lovers seeking a quieter life, while Sharjah is the UAE’s cultural capital. Yet, their proximity to Dubai gives expats and locals the best of both worlds, whether for work, leisure, or study.”
— Sara Al Balooshi, Real Estate Analyst, UAE
Border Situation:
- In peak hours, traffic bottlenecks occur at Ajman-Sharjah and Sharjah-Dubai borders due to commuter rush.
- Public transport improvements (2025) including RTA buses and upcoming metro projects have made intercity travel smoother.
2. Cost of Living: Ajman Wins for Affordability
Housing
- Ajman boasts the cheapest residential rents in the UAE. A new 2-bedroom apartment can be found for as little as AED 22,000 per year, while an equivalent in Sharjah averages AED 32,000–45,000 yearly.
- For families seeking villas, Ajman offers larger spaces at a fraction of Dubai or Sharjah rates.
Utilities & Groceries
- Both cities’ utility bills (electricity/water) are similar; Ajman is typically 5–10% cheaper.
- Daily groceries and essentials are also marginally lower in Ajman.
Commuting
- Many Ajman residents work in Sharjah or Dubai due to rent savings. However, Sharjah’s location makes it more attractive for quick Dubai access if you don’t mind higher rents.
3. Quality of Life: Lifestyle, Traffic & Community
Ajman: The UAE’s Relaxed Beach City
- Atmosphere: “Small town” coastal feel. Less crowded, laid-back pace, favored by families and expats from South Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa.
- Beaches: Open, accessible public beaches with minimal restrictions—popular even among residents from neighboring emirates.
- Services: Ajman Corniche, Ajman City Centre (mall), family-friendly parks, and a new wave of seafront restaurants and cafés.
- Traffic: Generally light except during morning and evening peak border crossings into Sharjah.
Sharjah: Culture & Bustle
- Atmosphere: Urban, busy, and the UAE’s “culture capital” — with world-class museums, Islamic heritage sites, and frequent festivals.
- Beaches: Segregated and fewer public swimming areas; strict dress and conduct codes.
- Parks & Public Spaces: Khalid Lagoon, Al Majaz Waterfront, flag island, over 20 museums.
- Traffic: Notorious rush-hour jams, especially on King Faisal Street and Al Wahda Road.
4. Real Estate: Renting & Buying
- Ajman: Easiest entry point for first-time buyers; large selection of budget apartments and waterfront units.
- Sharjah: More variety in mid-range properties, often older and larger units, but buying for expats has historically been restricted—though this is changing, with freehold and leasehold projects emerging.
2025 Rental Price Range (avg.)
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | Villa (3–4BR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman | 12k | 16k | 22–38k | 50–75k |
| Sharjah | 16k | 22k | 32–55k | 65–115k |
Tip: Ajman’s real estate market is popular for investors seeking high-yield rental properties. Check for projects in Al Nuaimiya, Al Rashidiya, and Corniche areas.
5. Education, Healthcare & Family Life
- Schools:Both cities offer Indian, Pakistani, British, and Arabic curriculum schools with reasonable fees. Sharjah has more variety and higher rankings in some international school guides.
- Universities:Sharjah features the world-famous University City, home to University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah—a hub for innovation and learning.Ajman is proud of Ajman University, a top-rated institution for dental and medical studies.
- Healthcare:Major hospitals in both cities (Thumbay Hospital Ajman, Al Zahra Sharjah, etc.) serve residents; access is generally comparable, but specialists may prefer Sharjah’s larger clinics.
6. Culture, Law & Social Norms
- Alcohol Laws:Sharjah is a dry emirate: no alcohol sales, strict implementation. Ajman allows alcohol in licensed venues (hotels, bars) and has popular licensed outlets close to Sharjah border, making it a weekend stop for many Sharjah residents.
- Dress & Behavior:Sharjah enforces strict public conduct and modest dress codes—especially near beaches and parks. Ajman is more relaxed but still expects visitors to respect UAE customs.
- Festivals & Events:Sharjah hosts major annual fairs—Sharjah Book Fair, Light Festival, and international art shows. Ajman focuses on beach festivals, family carnivals, and community events.
7. Tourism & Attractions
Ajman Highlights:
- Ajman Beach & Corniche: Open access, water sports, seaside promenade
- Ajman Museum: A renovated 18th-century fort
- Al Zorah Nature Reserve: Mangroves, kayaking, birdwatching
- Shopping: Ajman City Centre, Safeer Mall
Sharjah Highlights:
- Al Noor Mosque (open to non-Muslims)
- Sharjah Aquarium & Maritime Museum
- Sharjah Art Museum
- Al Majaz Waterfront, parks, and lagoons
8. Employment, Economy & Opportunity
- Business & Free Zones:Ajman Free Zone attracts startups and industrial businesses with low-cost licensing. Sharjah offers broader economic diversity: healthcare, education, culture, light industry.
- Jobs:Many expats in Ajman commute to Sharjah and Dubai for work. Sharjah’s greater city size provides more local job opportunities, especially in education, administration, and arts.
9. Public Transport & Commuting
- Ajman: RTA buses link Ajman city, Sharjah, and Dubai. Affordable taxis. Public bus routes extend to other northern emirates.
- Sharjah: Extensive bus routes, terminals for intercity travel, close connection to Dubai Metro Red Line (via bus/taxi).Update for 2025: New bus rapid transit (BRT) lines under construction to ease Sharjah-Dubai congestion.
Ajman vs Sharjah: Which is Better for You?
You might prefer Ajman if:
- You want the UAE’s best beachfront living at the lowest cost.
- You’re looking for a family-friendly, relaxed pace.
- You value privacy, open beaches, and affordable homes.
- You don’t mind a longer commute if working in Dubai or Sharjah.
Sharjah might be your choice if:
- You thrive in a vibrant, multicultural urban center close to Dubai.
- You want top schools and universities for your children.
- You seek rich cultural life: museums, events, and festivals.
- Easy daily access to Dubai is more important than beach life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How far is Ajman from Sharjah?
A: The city centers are only 10–15 km apart, with a 10–20 minute drive via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road or Al Ittihad Street, traffic permitting.
Q: Which city is cheaper to live in, Ajman or Sharjah?
A: Ajman is generally 10–25% less expensive, especially for renting/buying apartments.
Q: Is it easy to travel from Ajman or Sharjah to Dubai for work?
A: Yes! Many residents of both cities commute daily to Dubai, but Sharjah offers shorter drive times and more public transport links.
Q: Can you get alcohol in Ajman or Sharjah?
A: Alcohol is prohibited in Sharjah; Ajman allows licensed venues and has reputable alcohol shops mostly near the Sharjah-Ajman border.
Q: Are beaches better in Ajman than in Sharjah?
A: Many say yes—Ajman’s beaches are open, less crowded, and less restricted than those in Sharjah.
Q: Where should I invest: Ajman or Sharjah?
A: For pure rental yield and entry-level prices, Ajman is superior; for higher long-term capital appreciation and diverse tenant pool, Sharjah may be preferred.
Final Thoughts
Both Ajman and Sharjah have their champions in the UAE’s cosmopolitan mix. Ajman is ideal for those seeking peace, budget living, and open seasides, while Sharjah seduces culture seekers with events, education, and a historic vibe. Whichever you choose, both cities offer warm communities and easy access to the excitement of Dubai and the other Emirates.
If you’re weighing your options for moving, investing, or simply wanting a weekend escape, consider what matters most to you—then use this guide as your roadmap for the best of Ajman and Sharjah in 2025.
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