- Premium tourism destination in northern coastal strip of Ajman to be developed in four phases to include five districts – City Center, Parkland Resorts, Golf Course, Gateway and Corniche Village
- First phase of project to include 5-star resorts, Tourist Village, Beachside Village and Golf Course
Al Zorah Development Company, a joint venture of the Government of Ajman and Solidere International, today unveiled the full master-plan of its ambitious Al Zorah Resorts project, a premium tourism destination located on the northern coast of the emirate. The mixed-use development, located on a land area of over 5.4 million sq m, is envisaged to become a prime hub for the hospitality and tourism sector in the region.
The complete master-plan and various components of Al Zorah Resorts as well as the progress already achieved in the project development were announced at a press conference held on-site in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humeid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Al Zorah Development Company and Dr. Nasser Chammaa, Chairman of Solidere International accompanied by senior officials from Ajman Government, Al Zorah Development Company and Solidere International.
Al Zorah Resorts will devote 70% of the total area for resorts and other leisure facilities with the objective of driving the tourism and hospitality sectors. The other components include: 14% area for mixed-use and residential development; 7% for offices; 6% for retail; 2% for community facilities; 1% for logistics warehouses. The other key features include marinas and an 18-hole golf course.
The masterplan includes five districts – a dedicated City Center comprising hotels, offices, retail centres, marinas and a large public square; Parkland Resorts, a community of six beachfront hotels and creek-side residences complemented by a 1.6 km stretch of sandy beach and 3 km lagoon frontage; Golf Course – an 18-hole championship course; Gateway, a high-rise mixed use community; and Corniche Village, with villas and townhomes that overlook the sea.
The first phase of Al Zorah Resorts, to be completed in 2014, includes an upscale 160-room 5-star resort; a 300-room midscale 5-star hotel; a 180-room Tourist Village; a 50-room Beachside Village; and the Golf Course – all designed by internationally renowned architects, and HVS as the lead hotel consultant.
Sheikh Rashid Bin Humeid Al Nuaimi said: “Al Zorah Resorts is developed to catalyse the economy of Ajman with a focus on driving the tourism and hospitality sectors that will contribute to the emirate’s all-round growth. In addition to the thousands of jobs that the development will create, it will also power the evolution of several associated ancillary industries that, in turn, will generate many more indirect jobs. One of the most ambitious and large-scale developments in Ajman, Al Zorah Resorts will redefine the economic landscape of the emirate.”
Dr. Nassar Chammaa added: “We are honoured to partner with the Government of Ajman for this prestigious project which will have long-term economic benefits for the emirate. Our focus is on rolling out a world-class tourism and hospitality destination while also offering an unprecedented lifestyle experience for our customers. The seafront homes, hotels and golf course will become the new benchmark in luxury development not just in Ajman but across the region.”
At the press briefing, the senior management also highlighted the progress achieved on the project. All contracts for the infrastructure work in the first phase have been awarded, with land development activities including infrastructure and marina works going full-steam ahead.
In key accomplishments, the connection road from the Emirates Road to the main entrance of Al Zorah and an internal pathway connecting the City Center to the Parkland Resorts has been completed. The bulk of earthworks for all roads within the first phase has also been undertaken and all sites envisaged in the phase now have vehicular access.
Significant progress has been achieved on marina works too with two marinas in the City Center already completed and the contract for the construction of the two Resorts Marinas awarded. The road, infrastructure and marina work will be completed fully in 2012.
Imad Dana, Chief Executive Officer of Al Zorah Development Company, said: “With our emphasis on world-class hotels and resorts, Al Zorah Resorts is billed to drive mass tourism to the region. The unconventional project design integrating best-in-class sustainable practices and a creative thematic design will ensure that the project will stand out and add tremendous value to the local community.”
Mounib Hammoud, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer of Solidere International, explained: “The development will showcase the pioneering expertise of Solidere to develop integrated communities with bustling city centers as well as pristine holiday getaways. Al Zorah Resorts is a prime example of an ideal work, play and live environment that draws on the natural attributes and waterfront location.”
Set on the coastline of Ajman, Al Zorah Resorts stretches along a 12 kilometer waterfront on the Arabian Gulf Sea. White sandy beaches, mangrove forests, water canals and creek holes will charm regional and international tourists, whether seeking relaxation and tranquility or exciting leisure adventures.
