Travel insider Jürgen Linnenbürger explores a lesser-known emirate in the UAE and discovers a resort and golf course that truly impress.
A Hidden Gem
Ajman is the smallest of the seven United Arab Emirates. It lacks oil wealth and grandiose attractions, which is exactly its charm. The emirate offers tranquility, vast nature, and a golfing experience rarely expected in the Emirates.
Our journey begins with an evening flight from Düsseldorf to Dubai via Emirates, which offers a seamless overnight flight with excellent service. After landing, a smooth immigration process and car rental set us on a highway northbound towards our destination. Within 40 minutes, we arrive at 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 sea access. Its architecture features clean lines with glass, wood, and metal. Pools, gardens, and peaceful retreats create an oasis-like atmosphere, open, transparent, and airy.
On the ground floor are an impressive lobby, a library lounge, and the centrally located, bright main restaurant Vinesse. Accommodations range from spacious rooms and suites to exclusive villas with private pools, with prices from €350-450 per night for rooms and suites, and villas starting around €1,500. Our Premier Ocean View Room with a private terrace impressed us immediately with warm tones, minimalist design, and a modern bathroom with unique tiles and adjustable glass partition.
Below us, the 85-meter-long pool, remarkable for a resort, is visible through lush vegetation. The Poolside Lounge offers light meals and refreshing drinks, with glimpses of turquoise sea through palm trees, especially enchanting at dusk.
Golfing Managed by Troon
A short drive away lies the Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, opened in 2015 and designed by Nicklaus Design. Situated in a protected coastal area of mangroves, lagoons, and natural waterways, it is managed by Troon Golf, ensuring top quality.
The 18-hole championship course (Par 72) measures up to 7,169 yards. We played from the gold (6,522 yards) and jade (5,283 yards) tees, equivalent to the yellow and red tees in Germany. Fairways are wide from tee boxes, but the course reveals its challenges closer to the greens.
Water hazards, 88 strategic bunkers, large undulating greens, and steady sea breezes demand focus and good course management. The open flat terrain means wind effects vary, making the course unpredictable even after multiple rounds. The course balances challenge and enjoyment without unfairness and has no handicap restriction, emphasizing enjoyment over competition.
Memorable Course Features
The opening holes offer a gentle start but quickly test skills, such as the second hole’s tee shot directly over water. Flamingos and herons frequent the wetlands alongside the fairway of the third hole.
Mangroves begin to influence play starting at the fourth hole. Wooden bridges over water hazards are notable features, and the minarets of the Ajman Sheik Zayed Mosque are visible across the course.
The