Located a 25-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, Al Zorah is a development in Ajman which will include world-class hotels and resorts, residences, commercial space, leisure facilities, a private beach and an 18-hole golf course set across one million square metres of sandy areas and mangroves. Al Zorah’s biodiversity is home to almost 60 species of birds and marine life.

Al Zorah’s CEO, Imad Dana, says “Oberoi is famous for quality, which we were seeking at Al Zorah. A joint venture between the Government of Ajman and Solidere International, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah has recently opened its doors. It was designed by Italian architect, Piero Lissoni, and his Lissoni Associati studio. “The resort is divided into three platforms that run parallel to the ocean, and each building is carefully positioned in relation to its function,” Lissoni tells Commercial Interior Design. “The platforms rise up from the oceanfront and the height of the buildings increases with each, so as to guarantee superb ocean views from all areas of the resort.” The resort is the first five-star resort in Ajman, and has 113 keys, 25 units of twin-bedded and 88 units of king-bedded rooms, plus suites and villas with one, two, or three bedrooms.

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah includes Vinesse, the main restaurant, Aquario, the beach restaurant, and the poolside bar. “Positioned on the oceanfront, the beach restaurant is the place where the resort really comes alive,” says Lissoni. “The overall mood has a contemporary approach to traditional oriental architecture, producing a restaurant that is divided into different pavilions, connected together by walkways and arranged around a shallow pond.”

“The spa is a private and secluded world waiting to be discovered by the guests, inspired by the layout of an ancient Medina. The use of large transparent openings and geometric wood partitions allows the eye to travel freely to the distant horizon. The modern architecture blends in with perfumes of the local Orient, flavours of India, spicy elements arriving from the Occident, from Africa, from China, in true Italian style,” explains Lissoni.

Lissoni’s design style is known for minimalism. “I like hybridisation, mistakes and mixes that are not too controlled,” says Lissoni. “I think that a genuine sense of alchemy is generated, where a lot of things happen by chance. Touches of colour – teal, chartreuse, blue, green, and even a spot of red in some places – liven up the light-flooded grounds. “I have added a playful touch, working with patterned wall tiles in the dining areas and in the rooms. My signature style when I design is simplicity, but I hope to have the ability to always be a bit surprising.”

Lissoni’s projects include private villas and yachts, residential and hospitality projects such as Casa Fantini, Conservatorium Hotel, Edition Hotel, Grand Hotel Billia, Mamilla Hotel, Roomers Hotel, Shilla Stay Hotels, and Swire Hotel. Plus he has designed products for Alessi, B&B Italia, Bonacina 1889, Cappellini, Cassina, Flos, Glas Italia, Kartell, and Salvatori. 

For more information, visit Lissoni Associati or email them via the contact details below.

See also:

How to buy and rent property in Ajman

Look inside Marcel Wanders' first 5-star hotel design in the region, the Mondrian Doha

Sculptural memorial in Abu Dhabi lands Australian firm on World Architecture Festival shortlist