Work has started on the first phase of Al Zorah, an organically connected lifestyle development in Ajman, which is being spearheaded by Al Zorah Development Company.

Located along a natural peninsula on the coastline of Ajman, the flagship project is spread over an area of 5.4 million sq m. It has been masterplanned by the UAE-based Solidere International, part of Solidere, the Lebanese public company that is responsible for the urban regeneration of downtown Beirut.

Phase One development includes the first package – comprising 16 units – of Al Zorah Golf Villas, a gated community with rooftop terraces and an 18-hole signature golf course by Nicklaus Design. This phase also comprises four marinas, two world-class beachfront hotels and resorts, a clubhouse, serviced residential apartments, boardwalk, beachclub and wellness centre.

Construction work has been completed on the infrastructure for the marinas, while work is well under way on the two beachfront hotels and resorts.

The 18-hole Al Zorah Golf Course, which is expected to open next year, is located within a natural preserved environment of native sandy areas and mangroves, and a stroll away from the seafront. Switzerland-based Troon Golf, considered to be the world’s leading high-end golf development company, will operate and manage the project.

Set right on the Al Zorah Golf Course, Golf Villas are a distinctive gated community within the destination. “Al Zorah Golf Villas comprises just 42 villas which are defined by contemporary-style architecture,” says a spokesperson for Al Zorah.

With elegant white architecture contrasting with the green surroundings, the villas offer rolling outdoor views onto the golf course. Semi-enclosed courtyards provide secondary open-air living spaces and a private swimming pool.

The project also includes Al Zorah Golf Clubhouse, which will have a large swimming pool, a children’s pool with a landscaped pool deck, a modern gymnasium, a gourmet restaurant, a café, a multipurpose hall, and a club for teens.

The Oberoi hotel ... under construction.

Meanwhile, work on the first luxury resort within its flagship development is also progressing. The Oberoi Group’s subsidiary, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, will manage the resort featuring 113 guestrooms and suites, many of which have their own private pools. The hotel, spanning 100,000 sq m with 290 m of beachfront, offers pristine views of the Gulf.

The hotel is designed by Piero Lissoni – an internationally renowned Italian architect and designer, known for his modern and contemporary style – in partnership with the Norr Group. Six Construct, the main contractor for project, has commenced onsite construction and the project is scheduled for completion by summer 2015.

Imad Dana, CEO, Al Zorah Development Company, says: “We are creating a lifestyle concept that is totally new to the UAE. In addition to the soothing vistas of the rolling greens and fairways, Golf Villas residents become part of a natural setting – with several leisure pursuits in easy access.

“The close proximity to Dubai, yet away from the bustle of city life, and the wide range of outdoor pursuits further define Al Zorah as ‘where life comes naturally’. The free zone and freehold project makes for an extraordinary investment opportunity for investors from around the world,” he adds.

The project is a free zone development, offering 100 per cent ownership of business, land, villas and apartments and a hassle-free approach to setting up business to achieve the long-term growth objectives, Dana says.

Al Zorah offers residents and visitors pedestrian-friendly environments, small parks, waterfront and mangroves boardwalks, as well as dedicated landscaped routes for jogging, cycling and buggies. Nearly two-thirds of the masterplan focuses on creating open public spaces that differentiates Al Zorah from urban master-planned projects.

Nestled beside over one million sq m of natural mangroves, and home to more than 58 bird species, 12 km of waterfront and 1.6 km of sandy beaches, Al Zorah facilitates an active lifestyle and nature-oriented outdoor activities including kayaking, sailing, fishing and mangroves exploration.

Al Zorah has five key districts – The Gateway, Beachfront, Peninsula, Creekside and Golfcourse. The Gateway is the entrance of Al Zorah from Sheikh Mohamad Bin Zayed Road, while the Beachfront will accommodate high-end resorts, serviced residences, a beach club and boardwalk, beachfront residential serviced apartments and villas.

The Peninsula, connected by a pedestrian retail and leisure spine, comprises an entertainment complex, a marina, a suq and a lifestyle centre. The Creekside is a residential and hotel quarter planned as a calm high-end neighbourhood with direct access to the waterfront promenade and magnificent views of the creek and mangroves.

Furthermore, Al Zorah waterfront will include six world-class resorts and serviced residences with spectacular panoramic views.