Al Zorah is a curious Nicklaus design in Ajman, a short distance from Dubai airport and convenient for any visitor considering the UAE as a golf destination.

The course is curious because although the holes are near the Persia Gulf, and feel quite coastal in nature, the entire round is played out of sight of the sea and there are several Nicklaus holes you will have seen on more inland, manufactured designs. The dominant feature is a tidal marsh, which alternates between high and impressive or low and muddied depending on the tides. The hazard is particularly integral to the holes on the back nine that get nearest the Sea, such as par threes at the 15^th and 17^th and the short par four 16^th. The strong par four 8^th, which crosses the wetland and bends to the right, also uses the marshes well.

Managed by Troon Golf, the conditioning at Al Zorah is generally at a high standard and given how many courses in Dubai disappoint from a design perspective this is a very solid option for golfers looking to play something different in the region.

From the resort website.

In December of 2015, a truly unique layout spectacularly changed the golfing landscape in the UAE.

Meet the stunning Al Zorah Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf and located in Ajman, just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

A world-class course set amidst a beautiful naturally-preserved environment of striking mangroves and sheer tranquility – that’s the special proposition that’s been magically created by the famed Nicklaus Design group and which awaits golfers making the short trip from Dubai and other U.A.E. regions to play Ajman’s first ever golf course.

The spectacular par-72 Al Zorah Golf Club offers a truly sensational design with pristinely manicured fairways and greens, however, it is the way the Nicklaus Design team has protected the natural environment whilst creating the layout that really catches the eye.

In total, one million square metres of mangroves characterize the Al Zorah Golf Club and underline that notion of embracing rather than intruding the natural layout of the land. A plethora of native sandy areas, an abundance of wildlife and 12 km of waterfront add to that sense of rich beauty and biodiversity. Vast coastal areas with a constantly-changing tidal system also present a unique challenge for players, altering the look and feel of the course on an hourly basis.