Ajman Department Of Tourism, Culture And Media Established By Sheikh Humaid To Enhance Emirate's Cultural Landscape

H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, the Ruler of Ajman, has enacted Law No. (2) of 2025. This law establishes the "Ajman Department of Tourism, Culture and Media" and appoints Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi as its Chairman. This new department will replace the Ajman Department of Tourism Development and the Ajman Culture and Media Department, inheriting their rights and obligations.

The financial allocations for the two previous departments in the 2025 government budget will be redirected to this new entity. Additionally, all employees from these former departments will transition to the new department with their current financial benefits intact, ensuring no loss of acquired rights. The law also includes Emiri Decree No. (15) of 2025, which appoints Mahmood Alhashmi as Director-General of the department.

The newly formed department aims to create a comprehensive legislative framework that governs tourism, cultural, and media activities. It seeks to align with global trends while maintaining professional and ethical standards. A key focus is on enhancing Ajman's reputation in these sectors according to its strategic vision for development.

Among its primary goals are fostering a competitive environment that encourages innovation in services and products. The department plans to highlight Ajman's tourism attractions, heritage sites, and historical landmarks. It also aims to strengthen Ajman's cultural and media presence locally, regionally, and internationally.

The department's mission includes establishing Ajman as a global centre for tourism, culture, and media by nurturing national talent for leadership roles in these sectors. It intends to provide necessary infrastructure to attract investments that boost GDP while promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Headquartered in Ajman city, the department may open additional branches or offices within or outside the emirate with approval from the Chairman of the Executive Council. Its responsibilities encompass tourism development through policy creation, event management, licensing, facility classification, promotion of Ajman, and attracting tourism investments.

Cultural and Media Sector Initiatives

In cultural affairs, it will oversee artistic growth, heritage preservation, museum management, support creative talents, and protect cultural identity. In media regulation, it will issue licences, monitor content quality, support media investments, and contribute to policy formulation.

The department is tasked with drafting relevant legislation while building partnerships to encourage investment opportunities aligned with its mandate. All previous laws related to the former departments are abolished under this new legislation; however current regulations remain until new provisions are introduced.

This law becomes effective 90 days post-issuance and will be published in Ajman's Official Gazette.

With inputs from WAM