Ajman Corniche: Where people come to soak in the serenity of the sea

Ajman Corniche has turned into one of the favourite haunts of the emirate's visitors.

People enjoy barbecues on the beach amid the lapping waves and the serene sea breeze. Some take a leisurely walk on the shore, while others venture out for a swim in the crystal blue waters. A row of cafés and fast food joints teem with tourists on the stretch overlooking the sea.
Ajman Corniche has turned into one of the favourite haunts of the emirate's visitors.
It has become a place where families come for picnics and have a whale of a time.
It is located along the northwestern shore of the emirate on the Corniche Road (or the Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street), which stretches from the roundabout just after Coral Beach Resort Sharjah to the five-star Kempinski Hotel Ajman.
Besides the beach, roads along the Corniche also buzz with tourist activities, as hotels, restaurants and entertainment areas are lined up for 4km. The place also offers an ideal location for social activities and events.
On a sunny day, tourists bask and swim in authorised areas of the beach, which is safeguarded by the rescue unit and coastal guards of Ajman Civil Defence.
On weekends, expatriates and locals from Ajman and neighbouring emirates unwind in the Corniche, and children feast on sumptuous meals at the restaurants and eateries near the beach.
Flats with views of the sea
Of late, the area has attracted a large number of residents who have moved from other emirates seeking apartments with a sea view at a cheap price. The huge demand for such apartments has led to a building boom, with residential and commercial units dotting the place.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Osama Ahmed, who has witnessed a rapid urbanisation in Ajman while living in the area for over 20 years, said: "Ten years ago, the Ajman beach was nothing else but a swathe of sand. There was a street that linked Ajman to Sharjah, and it extended till the last roundabout located on the border of the two emirates."
He added: "As a journalist, I have covered different phases of development in Ajman Corniche, which is characterised by soft sand and clear blue waters.
"The spaces and benches along the beach, topped with umbrellas to protect people from sun rays, and a cycling track alongside it beckon tourists to the place."
Why people love the Corniche
The development of the Corniche Road is one of the most important achievements of the Ajman Municipality. The road is a walker's paradise and a sense of joy overwhelms a person in every stroll.
As part of the Ajman government's tourist-friendly plans, it provides a slew of services to visitors. One of them is allocating areas for children to have fun.
Mohammed Al Hamady, a resident, said he moved to Ajman Corniche because he likes his apartment with a sea view and it fills him with tranquility.
"I like it because I just have to cross the road to go swimming," he added.
Deepa K - a teacher who has been living in the neighbourhood for 15 years now - said that after moving from one building to another in the same area, she has settled at the Corniche Tower and have been living there for three years.
"Ajman Corniche Road is the best place to live in. Apart from the sea view and pleasant breeze, we find all kinds of entertainment nearby," she said.
Mohra Al Shamsi, a tourist, said: "Ajman Corniche is a place where I enjoy walking, get some fresh air, and meet friends."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Ajman