Emirate of Ajman
Ajmān, or Ujman (Arabic: عجمان) is the smallest member state of the United Arab Emirates, with an area of just 260 square kilometres. Its capital is Ajmān.
Located along the Persian Gulfit also controls Masfut and Manama, two small, inland enclaves that are primarily agricultural. The population of approximately 235,000 is located mainly in the capital, Ajmān. The population was only 36,100 in 1980 but grew considerably in recent years, due to an influx of people from the neighboring emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, and other countries.
It is presently ruled by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. The Crown prince of the Emirate is Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. His directions have led to massive development and a construction boom in Ajmān in the recent years.
History
On 8 January 1820, Sheikh Rashid ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi signed the General Maritime Treaty with Britain, accepting a protectorate to keep the Ottoman Turks out. Like four of its neighbours, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route to India made it important enough to be recognized as a salute state (albeit of the lowest class: 3 guns).
On 2 December 1971, Sheikh Rashid ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi joined the United Arab Emirates.
Its rulers were:
- 17.. - 17.. Sheikh Rashid ibn Hamid Al Nuaimi
- 17.. - 1816 Sheikh Humayd ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi
- 1816 - 1838 Sheikh Rashid II ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi (d. 1838)
- 1838 - 1841 Sheikh Humayd II ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi (1st time) (d. 1873)
- 1841 - 1848 Sheikh `Abd al-`Aziz I ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi (d. 1848)
- 1848 - 1873 Sheikh Humayd II ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi (2nd time)
- 1873 - April 1891 Sheikh Rashid III ibn Humaid Al Nuaimi (d. 1891)
- April 1891 - 8 July 1900 Sheikh Humaid III ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi (d. 1900)
- 8 July 1900 - February 1910 Sheikh `Abd al-`Aziz II ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi (b. 18.. - d. 1910)
- February 1910 - January 1928 Sheikh Humayd IV ibn `Abd al-`Aziz Al Nuaimi
- January 1928 - 6 September 1981 Sheikh Rashid IV ibn Humayd Al Nuaimi (b. 1904 - d. 1981)
- 6 September 1981 - 20.. Sheikh Humayd V ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi (b. 1931)
