Introduction
Ajman is embracing a bold vision for sustainable economic and social development by fostering close collaborations between the public and private sectors. Through its innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) service, managed by the Department of Finance (DOF), Ajman is unlocking new avenues for growth, delivering world-class infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of government services.
Why Public Private Partnerships Matter
Driving Sustainable Growth
PPP isn't just a policy—it's a strategic driver for Ajman's ambitions. By engaging the expertise, innovation, and capital of private enterprises, PPPs help accelerate project delivery, diversify funding sources, and reduce government financial risk. This collaborative model delivers results that would be difficult for the public sector to achieve alone, leading to:
Expanded financial resources.
Reduced project implementation times.
Lower and optimized service costs.
Higher service quality and competitiveness.
Broader Objectives
Risk Reduction: By sharing investment and operational risks with private partners, the government can focus resources on other priorities.
Efficiency: PPPs bring private sector experience in project management, often delivering infrastructure or services faster and more efficiently.
Shift in Role: Public agencies transition from direct service managers to policy makers and quality controllers, empowering innovation without sacrificing oversight.
The Legal and Regulatory Framework
Ajman is committed to clarity, transparency, and best practices in its partnership framework. The cornerstone is Law No. 2 of 2022, which came into force on January 1, 2023. This law is designed to:
Encourage private investment in developmental projects.
Enable government authorities or private entities to propose PPP projects.
Diversify and develop strategic infrastructure.
Improve service quality across all government domains.
Ensure fair, transparent procedures in partner selection and contract management.
Key Provisions
Feasibility Requirements: Any partnership contract must demonstrate economic, financial, technical, and social feasibility.
Budget Allocations: If government payments are involved, these must be planned within the authority’s budgets.
Approval Criteria:
Contracts ≤AED20 million: Approved by the government agency's Director-General.
AED20–50 million: Approved by the Director-General of the Department of Finance.
AED50 million: Requires approval from the Ajman Ruler’s Representative for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
Duration: Contracts are limited to a maximum of 30 years, with possible extensions for public interest and appropriate approvals.
Role of Ajman Department of Finance
The DOF is the facilitator and guardian of PPP excellence in Ajman. Its core responsibilities include:
Proposing and updating legislation aligned with international best practices.
Drafting executive regulations and detailed procedures for PPP contracts.
Evaluating project feasibility studies and providing recommendations.
Creating an enabling environment for PPP investments in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The PPP Unit
To ensure standardized, high-quality delivery, the DOF established a dedicated PPP Unit responsible for:
Setting objectives and strategy for government entities.
Developing guidelines, toolkits, and supporting documentation.
Reviewing and approving business cases for partnerships.
Supporting authorities through all project phases—identification, preparation, procurement, negotiation, execution, and performance monitoring.
How PPPs Benefit Ajman and Its Partners
For the Emirate:
Infrastructure improvements and innovation.
Enhanced public services and quality of life.
Financial sustainability and reduced public expenditure.
Increased competitiveness on a regional and global scale.
For Private Sector Partners:
Access to large-scale, long-term projects.
Strong, transparent legal protection.
Partnership with a forward-thinking, development-driven government.
Opportunity to showcase their expertise and drive regional impact.
Getting Involved: The Partnership Process
Project Proposal: Can be initiated by either a government authority or the private sector.
Feasibility Review: Comprehensive evaluation of economic, financial, technical, and social factors.
Approval and Contracting: Based on project value and set legal guidelines.
Implementation and Oversight: Project delivery monitored by both parties, with the DOF ensuring compliance and best outcomes.
Ajman’s Vision for the Future
With PPPs, Ajman is setting a regional benchmark for how governments and businesses can work together for the greater good. Their approach not only accelerates infrastructure and service delivery but also reinforces Ajman's role as a dynamic, sustainable, and business-friendly emirate.
Suggested Images for the Blog Post
Ajman Department of Finance Headquarters: Symbolizes trust and official government oversight.
Signing Ceremony or Partnership Agreement: Illustrates collaboration between government and private sector representatives.
Infographic: Simple flowchart or diagram depicting the PPP process from proposal to execution.
Ajman Infrastructure Highlights: Photos of modern infrastructure projects delivered under PPPs.
Collaboration in Action: Images showing joint project teams or consultation meetings.
PPPs in Numbers: Data visualization showcasing impact metrics—projects completed, sectors covered, investment volumes, etc.
Ajman Cityscape or Landmarks: Visual connection to the emirate’s growth and its ambitions.
Conclusion
The Public Private Partnership service by the Ajman Department of Finance is transforming the emirate’s development landscape. With a robust legal framework, transparent procedures, and a commitment to excellence, Ajman is inviting private sector partners to join in building a resilient and prosperous future for all.
For full details on becoming a PPP partner in Ajman, visit the Department of Finance’s Public Private Partnerships page.
