Al Zorah, a lifestyle development in the UAE, has won recognition for its unique masterplan that integrates the beauty of its natural setting with the most modern urban amenities to create a refined coastal destination.

At the Arabian Property Awards ceremony, held recently in Dubai, UAE, Al Zorah’s masterplan was feted with the ‘Best Mixed Use Development’ Five Star Award, said a statement.

Imad Dana, chief executive officer of Al Zorah Development Company, said: “The Arabian Property Award for the accomplished work on Al Zorah is a testament to the exceptional design and planning that we bring to this unparalleled lifestyle development.

“Guided by Solidere International, Al Zorah’s masterplan stands out for its development approach of integrating the natural environment with modern amenities. From an extensive beachfront to naturally conserved and nurtured mangroves, Al Zorah will offer residents the opportunity to live in harmony with nature.”

Layth Madi, the chief masterplanner of Al Zorah, who received the award for the masterplan, which was prepared in partnership with Solidere International, said: “The masterplan for Al Zorah is compelling and responds to the unique setting of the development located between the Arabian Gulf and an inland lagoon and mangroves.

“Our masterplan for Al Zorah placed the emphasis on the human scale, by proposing a compact and walkable development composed of a network of streets, promenades and public squares which serve to connect several distinct mixed-use neighbourhoods. We are pleased and privileged to work with Solidere International on this visionary project, which continues a long-standing tradition of distinctive and truly ground breaking development.”

The masterplan achieves the right balance between nature preservation and the requirements of urban development, underlining Al Zorah as the first project in the region to create a nature reserve within the context of a private development, said the statement.

The masterplan designates the inland lagoon and mangrove as the ‘Al Zorah Reserve’, a protected biosphere.

The site's natural beauty has established the foundations for an eco-friendly development proposition with 60 per cent of the land area devoted to protected mangroves and public space.

The Arabian Property Awards recognised leading property developers, architects and interior designers. - TradeArabia News Service