Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger explores Ajman, the smallest emirate in the UAE, discovering a resort and golf course that truly impress.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Unlike the other emirates, it is not known for oil wealth or grand superlatives. This is exactly its charm: tranquillity, expansiveness, nature, and a golfing experience rarely expected in the Emirates.
Our journey to the UAE begins with a reliable evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai. Emirates brings us nonstop overnight to the destination. Shortly before departure, we take advantage of an attractive upgrade offer and experience the flight with 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. A cocktail, a short sleep, and a brief dream of sun, beach, and lush fairways make the 6 ½ hour flight and three-hour time difference easy.
Entry into Dubai goes smoothly, as does renting a car. One hour after landing, we speed at up to 120 km/h on the multi-lane highway northbound. Friday morning – comparable to our Sunday in Europe – means light traffic and a relaxed drive. After almost 40 minutes, we reach our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Understated 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 are interspersed, creating an oasis-like atmosphere. Everything feels open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are the impressive lobby, the library lounge, and the centrally located, light-flooded main restaurant Vinesse.
Accommodation options range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Prices vary by season, around 350 to 450 euros per night for rooms and suites, with villas starting at about 1,500 euros. Not a bargain, but a balanced ratio of performance, location, and atmosphere.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with private terrace impresses us immediately. Located on the second floor, it offers ample space. Warm toned colors, clean lines, and subtle accents create a light, unobtrusive ambience. The generous bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, darkenable glass front to the living area underlines the modern style.
Below us, through dense vegetation, we see the pool, with a record-breaking length of 85 meters for resorts. The poolside lounge offers light dishes and refreshing drinks. Occasionally, the turquoise sea glimmers through the palms of the well-kept gardens, especially enchanting in the evening lighting.
On the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, we start the day with a breakfast leaving nothing to be desired, offered buffet-style and à la carte. Dinner impresses with tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes. We particularly enjoy the multi-course Indian Thali menu, with a spiciness we must get used to. The atmosphere is sporty elegant with modern interior design.
Beneath these buildings, villas – some with