Al Zorah Development Company, a JV between Ajman and top developer Solidere International, has unveiled the full master-plan of its ambitious resorts project, a mixed-use development located on over 5.4 million sq m land area in the emirate.

Al Zorah Resorts project is envisaged to become a prime hub for the hospitality and tourism sector in the region, said senior company officials at the unveiling of the master-plan and various components of Al Zorah Resorts.

It includes five districts – a dedicated city center comprising hotels, offices, retail centres, marinas and a 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 & townhomes overlooking the sea.

The project will devote 70 per cent of the total area for resorts and other leisure facilities with the objective of driving the tourism and hospitality sectors, the company stated.

The other components include: 14 per cent area for mixed-use and residential development; 7 per cent for offices; 6 per cent for retail; 2 per cent for community facilities; one per cent for logistics warehouses. The other key features include marinas and an 18-hole golf course.

The first phase, 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.

The progress in the project work was announced at a press conference held on-site in the presence of Sheikh Rashid Bin Humeid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Al Zorah Development Company and Dr Nasser Chammaa, chairman of Solidere International.

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,' he noted.

Dr Nassar Chammaa said, “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,' he stated.

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,' Dr Chammaa added.

In key accomplishments, the connection road from the Emirates Road to 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 fully completed in 2012.

Imad Dana, chief executive officer of Al Zorah said: “With our emphasis on world-class hotels and resorts, the 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,' he added.

Mounib Hammoud, executive director & COO of Solidere, said, 'The development will showcase its pioneering expertise 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,' he remarked.

Set on the coastline of Ajman, Al Zorah Resorts stretches along a 12 km 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, Hammoud added.-TradeArabia News Service