Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club has cemented its position as one of the Middle East’s most distinguished luxury venues by opening the doors of an eagerly anticipated new clubhouse.
Welcoming guests for the first time this spring, the stunning deluxe building – which has been created by ANNAKA and houses a trio of dining options alongside changing and retail facilities – will form a new focal point for both the golf club and wider local community.
Two outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness centre complement the existing golf course – which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year – to create one of region’s premier lifestyle hubs.
The clubhouse – designed by award-winning architect Annabel Karim Kassar and ANNAKA – puts materials from the Middle East in the spotlight, with Omani marble cladding the walls. Inspired by the themes of nature and inspiration, gradually sloping walls and deep green colour palettes help the building to blend effortlessly with the rich surrounding vegetation.
Situated just 2.5km from the coast, the building’s crowning glory is an opulent rooftop bar, providing panoramic views over the acclaimed Nicklaus Design course and spectacular Arabian Gulf as well as the magnificent Al Zorah Mangrove Forest.
A new landmark for the surrounding area, the magnificent clubhouse is also a significant milestone in the development of Al Zorah City, one of the most exclusive and elaborate destinations in the UAE.
Spread over an area of 5.4 million square metres and just 40 minutes from Dubai, Al Zorah City is a thriving golf and real-estate project that offers everything that golfers, couples and families could need to live in luxury, with an 18-hole championship golf course, walkways, jogging and cycling trails, restaurants and cafes, a marina and a choice of beachfront villas and apartments among its many outstanding five-star amenities.
Phil Henderson, general manager of Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, said: “This clubhouse is the culmination of years of hard work, and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.
“We set out to build one of the outstanding clubhouses in the Middle East – something that was not only worthy of our wonderful course but also worthy of being a focal point for golf in the region.
“We feel we’ve achieved exactly that, and look forward to seeing members, guests and competing professionals alike enjoy our new clubhouse and facilities for many, many years to come.”
George Saad, CEO Al Zorah Development Company, added: “The new clubhouse is a testament to our long-term vision for Al Zorah, showcasing our commitment to excellence, sustainability and community. It underscores our mission to create an exceptional integrated lifestyle destination, setting a new standard for the region.”
The opening coincides with Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club receiving the coveted Gold Flag accolade at the industry-leading 59club Middle East & Africa Service Excellence Awards for the second successive year and follows a record-breaking 2024, with the venue reporting substantial growth in golf revenues and the number of rounds played as well as earning three honours – including Middle East’s Best Golf Course – at the World Golf Awards.
As well as hosting a number of prestigious events – most notably the 43rd edition of the Pan Arab Golf Championship, the Al Zorah Mixed Amateur Open and an event on the Clutch Pro Tour – the club appointed highly respected golf course superintendent Terrance Mohammed and new head of golf Austin Cahill to bolster an already highly successful management team.
There are even more exciting times ahead for Al Zorah in 2025, with highlights including the venue hosting its first-ever Challenge Tour event this month and the return of the Clutch Pro Tour in October.