Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger returns to the UAE, exploring Ajman, a lesser-known emirate with a captivating resort and golf course.
A Quiet Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. There is no oil wealth or grand superlatives here, which is exactly its charm. It offers tranquility, vast 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 takes us nonstop overnight. Shortly before departure, we take advantage of an attractive upgrade offer and experience the A380 in its finest form: excellent meals, a seat that converts into a two-meter-long bed, and the legendary bar at the back of the cabin. A cocktail, a short sleep, and a brief dream of sun, beach, and lush fairways make the 6.5-hour flight and three-hour time difference effortless.
Entry in Dubai is smooth, as is picking up the rental car. Just an hour after landing, we drive at max 120 km/h on the multi-lane highway northward. Friday morning—equivalent to Sunday in the Emirates—means light traffic and a relaxed journey. After about 40 minutes, we arrive at our destination: the five-star Al Zorah Beach Resort in Ajman.
Unobtrusive Luxury
The terraced five-star resort nestles within a vast natural area with direct access to the sea. The architecture features clean lines, glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and retreats lie in between, creating an oasis-like atmosphere—open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are the impressive lobby, the library lounge, and the centrally located, light-filled main restaurant Vinesse.
Accommodation ranges from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools. Depending on the season, rooms and suites range roughly between 350 and 450 euros per night, while villas start around 1,500 euros. Not a bargain but a balanced relation of service, location, and ambiance.
Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impresses immediately. Located on the second floor, it offers ample space. Warm tones, clean lines, and subtle accents ensure an unpretentious, light atmosphere. The large bathroom with distinctive tiles and a transparent, dimmable glass wall toward the living area underscores modern standards.
Below, through dense vegetation, we overlook the pool stretching 85 meters—a record length for resorts. The poolside lounge offers light meals and refreshing drinks. In places, the turquoise sea glimmers through palm trees of the manicured gardens, especially charming under evening lighting.
On the terrace of the main restaurant Vinesse, we start our day with an impeccable breakfast, offered buffet and à la carte. Evenings feature tasteful Mediterranean, Arabic, and Asian dishes. We particularly enjoy the multi-course Indian Thali menu, which takes some getting used to due to its spice. The atmosphere is sporty elegant with modern interior design.
Villas extend below these buildings to the beach, some with private pools. The second main restaurant, Aquario, at the beach serves exquisite fish and seafood. In January