Ajman-based Al Zorah launches Nicklaus-designed golf club as part of mega project

A new championship golf course designed by American professional golfer Jack Nicklaus has been launched at the massive Al Zorah development in Ajman, as part of the project’s first phase.

Developed by the Al Zorah company – a joint partnership between the government of Ajman and Solidere International – the golf estate is spread across two million square metres.

The par-72, 18-hole golf course is designed with generous fairways and wide corridors around two large lakes. It is being managed and operated by US-based Troon Golf.

An adjoining clubhouse offers facilities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool, multipurpose conference room, restaurants and a youth club.

The wider golf estates gated community is set around the 700,000 sqm golf course and will contain around 800 villas, townhouses and apartments. Most units will overlook the golf course, parks and a million square metres of natural mangroves. There are also pedestrian trails, a neighbourhood park and several community facilities.

An exclusive set of 42 contemporary-style villas will also be located on the golf course. These villas feature private terraces, swimming pools, and rooftop terraces overlooking the greens.

The golf estate forms part of The Fairways – one of the five districts within the 5.4 million sqm Al Zorah mega project. The other four districts include The Gates, The Shores, The Avenues and The Coves.

The first phase of the project includes four marinas, two beachfront hotels and resorts, golf villas and the newly opened 18-hole golf course. The two hotels include The Oberoi Al Zorah with 113 guestroom suites, a wellness spa, restaurants and swimming pools; and the Lux Al Zorah with 193 rooms, suites and villas and a number of entertainment options.

Developed with an initial investment of Dhs 2bn, phase one is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

Despite the current economic slowdown, the company is optimistic about demand from investors. The company’s chief executive officer Imad Dana told Gulf Business: “The beauty of the area, the quality of our product, closeness to two international airports and the infrastructure that Ajman has developed in the past few years will draw demand. And the pricing of our villas is also not too expensive”.