Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger returns to the UAE, exploring a lesser-known emirate with a resort and golf course that truly impress.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. There is no oil wealth or extravagance to be found here. That is precisely its charm. It impresses with peace, space, nature, and a golfing experience you rarely expect in the Emirates.
Our trip to the UAE begins with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates takes us nonstop overnight to our destination. Shortly before departure, we take advantage of an attractive upgrade offer and experience the flight on the A380 at its best: an excellent menu, a seat that converts into a two-meter-long bed, and the legendary bar in the rear cabin area. A cocktail, a short sleep, and a brief dream of sun, beach, and lush fairways make the 6.5-hour flight and the three-hour time difference easy to handle.
Entry into Dubai went smoothly, as did the car rental. Just an hour after landing, we drive north on the multi-lane highway at max 120 km/h. Friday morning—similar to a Sunday in the Emirates—means little traffic and a relaxed drive. After about 40 minutes, we arrive at our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Subtle Luxury
The terraced five-star resort is nestled in a vast natural area with direct access to the sea. The architecture features clean lines, glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and retreats lie between the buildings, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. Everything feels open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are an impressive lobby, the Library Lounge, and the centrally located, light-filled main restaurant Vinesse.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Prices vary seasonally, approximately between 350 and 450 euros per night for rooms and suites, while villas start around 1,500 euros. Not cheap, but providing a balanced ratio of performance, location, and atmosphere.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impresses us immediately. Located on the second floor, it offers ample space. Warm tones, clear lines, and discreet accents keep the style light and subtle. The large bathroom with striking tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass front to the living area underlines a modern design standard.
Below, we look through dense vegetation over the pool, which, at 85 meters, is unusually long for a resort. The Poolside Lounge offers light dishes and refreshing drinks. Occasionally, the turquoise sea shimmers through the palms of the manicured gardens, especially charming in evening lighting.
We begin our day with breakfast on the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, offering a buffet and à la carte. In the evening, the restaurant delights with tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes. We particularly enjoyed the multi-course Indian Thali menu, which took some getting used to regarding its spiciness. The atmosphere is sportily elegant and the interior modern.
Below these buildings, villas, some with private pools, extend to