There Is A Beach Resort On The Coast Of Ajman That You Will Hardly Believe Is In The UAE
Here is a really simple view of the way a new hotel comes about from a business perspective.
A developer puts up the investment, identifies the location decides they are going to build a hotel.
The five-star hotels in the UAE can cost between AED500million and AED100,000million to develop. They then partner with a hotel brand, who will be involved in the construction of the hotel, under the specifications of their brand.
Once the property is developed, the hotel brand is responsible for the design, fit out and management from there forward.
Understanding the various elements involved in constructing the masterpiece of the The Oberoi, Al Zorah resort on the beach coastline of the UAE, a little bit north of Dubai, will give you an insight into how this was made possible.
Here are a few things to know…
Ajman tourism is going through a resurrection
It has the Al Zorah beach resort area, with a championship golf course, yachts and mangroves, that are home to a thriving ecosystem of animals and marine life
A coming together of three different parties
The Ajman government together with Lebanese Development Company, Solidere, constructed a stunning resort in Al Zorah.
Indian hotel brand, The Oberoi, who also has a premises in Business Bay in Dubai, was the chosen partner.
Mr. Oberoi, was calling the shots and apparently said he only has hotels with less than 100 rooms, the developers had a space with around 300 rooms in mind, however they went ahead with 89, which is good news for the guests as all the rooms are double in size.
Enter a fourth…
Piero Lissoni was the chosen architect for the hotel. His website shows the contemporary, Italian nature of his work. This sets the tone for the design of The Oberoi, Al Zorah.
The result is a perfect mix, and it’s not like anything else in the UAE
When hotels like the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel or even Atlantis The Palm, were built, people travelled to Dubai for something they couldn’t get anywhere else.
Five stars were important; everything was bling, big and fancy. In recent years, however we’ve seen more contemporary openings, that would be at home in any international city or luxury destination.
The likes of Al Naseem hotel in Jumeirah for example; The Oberoi, Al Zorah is another.
The accommodation style is so elegant, it can compete with anywhere in the world.
And such quality design compliments the stunning coastal landscape, bringing out the best of Ajman. This is a quality resort.
Many new developments open all the time and those often try and incorporate an Arabic touch.
This one does not.
It’s contemporary, and will attract a mixed clientele. Albert, the sales and marketing director, explained and the hotel is open to all nationalities and didn’t have a preferred client base in mind. The resort is expensive so it will attract a certain affluence regardless of nationality.
But some subtle local touches may make a difference
The furniture throughout was selected by Lissoni, as were the books in each room. Indeed, Molocles ‘How To Build A Nation’, is in every room. The publishing company is owned by Tyler Brule who forwards the book and it’s noticeable, that in the UAE, a country that will be a blue print of how to build a nation in years to come, if not already, that there isn’t an example given on leadership from here (there is one small reference to Emirati figure skater Zahra Lahri).
Readers of Molocle and those who followed Brule’s ‘In The Fast Lane’ column for years in the Weekend FT, will know that he completely overlooks this region, never commenting on the culture, and even though his column was about traveling the globe, and all the best in transport, Emirates or the UAE did not feature. So, although the resort landscape is stunning, the design immaculate and the service impeccable, a subtle touch of the choice of reading material for each room could be seen as a flaw for the discerning observer.
To dine, choose Vinesse…
… and Aquario
What does The Oberoi compare or compete with?
The resort opened last April and is still growing, however it aspires to compete with the following hotels
- The Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Resort formerly the Banyan Tree
- St. Regis Saadiyat
- The One & Only Royal Mirage
It’s expensive, but does have some great offers
Stay & Play – Premier Room from AED1,865 per night
- Two nights in Premier room on double occupancy
- Breakfast for two people
- One round of 18-hole golf (green fee) for two people
- Return transfer to Al Zorah Golf Club
- Golf themed amenity
Spa Retreat – Premier Room from AED1,575 per night
- Two nights in a premier room on double occupancy
- Breakfast for two people
- One 60 minute spa treatment for two people
- One 45 minutes yoga session