Seventeen countries  ·  400+ guides  ·  Every fact checked, every page dated Founding PartnersAdvertisePartner with usTheMediterranean.com ↗inquire@TheMiddleEast.comEN  |  العربية
TheMiddleEast.com The Digital Identity of the Middle East الشرق الأوسط
Concierge
The fort that houses the Ajman Museum, with its carved gate and old cannons

Home›Culture›Royal Families›Al Nuaimi family

Royal Families · Ajman, UAE

The Al Nuaimi Family: Ajman's Ruling House

The Al Nuaimi family leads Ajman, the smallest of the seven emirates, and Ajman's ruling family has guided it from a dhow-building harbor to a relaxed coastal city that makes an easy addition to a UAE luxury vacation.

At a glance

Al Nuaimi family at a glance

Ruling house
Al Nuaimi
Ruler
His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council
Ruler since
1981 (45 years on 6 September 2026)
Crown Prince
His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi (since 1993)
Area
About 260 sq km, the smallest emirate

A small emirate with a long story

The Al Nuaimi, of the Na'im tribe, have led Ajman since the early 19th century, when the family established itself on the coast between Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. Life revolved around fishing, pearling and, above all, dhow building; Ajman's shipyard is still one of the few places in the region where traditional wooden boats are built by hand. The United Arab Emirates was formed on 2 December 1971 by six emirates, and Ras Al Khaimah joined on 10 February 1972. Each emirate keeps its own ruling family, and the seven Rulers together form the Federal Supreme Council. Learn more in the UAE's history and culture.

A pink flamingo wading in the blue waters of Ajman
Photo: Pexels

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid and the federation

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, who led Ajman from 1928 to 1981, was one of the founding Rulers who joined the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971. His long rule took Ajman from the pearling era to the age of the federation.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid and the Crown Prince

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, has led the emirate since 1981 and marked 45 years as Ruler on 6 September 2026. His years have brought new universities, free zones, a modern corniche and beachfront hotels, while keeping Ajman's easy-going character.

His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi has been Crown Prince since 1993 and chairs the Ajman Executive Council, overseeing the emirate's development plans.

Protocol and correct titles

The Ruler is His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman. The Crown Prince is His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman. Members of the family carry the title Sheikh or Sheikha.

Heritage to see in Ajman

Ajman Museum

Ajman city

Housed in an 18th-century fort that was long the Ruler's residence, with displays on pearling, crafts and daily life.

Ajman Dhow Yard

Ajman Creek

Watch master builders shape wooden dhows by hand, as they have for generations.

Ajman Corniche

Ajman city

A palm-lined beachfront with resort hotels, cafes and sunset walks.

Plan your visit

Ajman is about 30 minutes from Dubai. Start with our UAE luxury vacation guide, pair it with neighboring Sharjah, and compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.

Ultra-Luxury Real Estate · Own Here

From a stay to a home of your own

Across the Middle East, the finest resorts and the finest homes now sit side by side, and many international buyers own before they ever visit.

Ultra-Luxury Tourism & Ultra-Luxury Real Estate

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.