As 2025 travel plans start to come together, many eager travellers are facing tighter and tighter budgets. However, a travel expert at Destination2 revealed one “true hidden gem” that could give you the luxury getaway you’ve been hoping for without breaking the bank.
Betty Bouchier-Hobin hailed Ajman in the UAE as the perfect budget Dubai alternative, offering similar luxuries, bustling city vibes and stunning natural landscapes but for a much lower price. Potentially even cheaper for Brits than heading to European Mediterranean favourites like Mallorca.
While a weekly five-star hotel rate in Italy or Spain during the peak of summer can easily run over £2,000, five-star hotels in Ajman during the same period are available at £900 a week and under, according to the expert. She claimed it could soon become the “ultimate destination” for travellers seeking out budget luxury.
Ajman is also less than an hour by car from Dubai, offering city seekers access to the iconic tourist city without the hefty price tag it’s known for. Because Ajman is also the smallest Emirat,e it offers a more intimate and traditional regional experience for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the heritage of the UAE.
Betty highlighted: “Part of Ajman’s charm is that it caters to all types of travellers. Families can enjoy Funtastico Water Park, couples can unwind in luxury spas and adventure-seekers can try desert safaris or watersports along its stunning 16-kilometre coastline. It’s perfect for those seeking a smaller, more intimate escape, but still with top-tier service and luxury the UAE is known for.
“Its rich culture also appeals to holidaymakers. Visitors can step back in time at the Ajman Museum, housed in a historic 18th-century fort, or experience authentic Bedouin traditions such as starlit camping and experience the village life of Masfout.
“Less than a 40-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, Ajman is easily accessible, with direct flights from eight different UK airports. It’s the perfect spot to add to your travel wish list.”
The coastline of Ajman is littered with luxury hotels that lay claim to stretches of the largely uncrowded white sandy beaches. It receives very little rainfall and from April to October the average temperature rarely dips below 20 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect sunny escape.