2015-09-10

Leading lifestyle developer expands into the hospitality sector with an eco-themed waterfront resort.

RAK Properties PJSC, Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) biggest property developer listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, has signed a Hotel Management Agreement with international hotel owner, operator and investor Minor Hotel Group (MHG) to operate a luxury eco-themed waterfront resort in RAK – Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort.

The upcoming resort will be built in Mina Al Arab, a scenic mixed-use waterfront community being developed by RAK Properties to showcase both Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty and rich heritage. It will comprise approximately 250 units of guest rooms, suites and Maldives-inspired overwater villas – the last being a first-of-its kind offering in the emirate. The new vacation spot will be situated in a secluded and picturesque area with its own private beach overlooking a stunning eco-reserve lined with mangroves. The area around the eco-reserve will not be developed to keep it unspoilt and will be home to an Eco Learning Center.

Among the featured amenities of the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort are various health and sports facilities, ballroom seating and events area, dedicated kids’ club and a local version of the world-famous Anantara Spa Experience. A diverse selection of quality restaurants will also feature including specialty Asian dining and seafood grill. The resort will complement Mina Al Arab’s ecological and leisure themes when it commences operations in late 2018.

Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, MD&CEO, RAK Properties, said: “Our partnership with Minor Hotel Group perfectly represents the coming together of an established international brand and a reputed local company that is known for its world-class residential and hospitality projects. In MHG we have found a highly credible and compatible partner that paves the way for a sustained and very productive association. Mina Al Arab is an ideal fit for a resort of Anantara’s stature given the strategic location, environmental settings, excellent infrastructure and the outstanding amenities in and around Mina Al Arab. Anantara will be a great addition to Mina Al Arab and we expect this resort to be highly sought-after, especially taking into account the tranquil appeal of its Maldivian-style overwater villas.”

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotel Group, commented, “The Middle East is a key market for Minor Hotel Group, both for outbound business to our properties worldwide and also to further expand our footprint within the region. We are delighted to be partnering with RAK Properties to add Ras Al Khaimah to our already well established UAE portfolio and look forward to working closely together to bring this new Anantara resort to the market. Ras Al Khaimah has so much potential as a leisure and lifestyle destination and RAK Properties’ inspired focus on the environmental aspects of the emirate both in terms of beauty and awareness through Mina Al Arab will further heighten its regional and global touristic appeal.”

Minor Hotel Group (MHG) currently has a portfolio of 134 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Aside from Anantara, its brands include AVANI, PER AQUUM, Oaks, Tivoli, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, and St. Regis. The group currently operates 10 hotels and resorts under three brands in the Middle East, the latest being its first property in Qatar which opened at the beginning of 2015. The group’s first properties to be developed in North Africa – Anantara resorts in Morocco and Tunisia – were recently announced.

RAK Properties PJSC continues to support Ras Al Khaimah’s thrust towards promoting itself as a real estate, tourism, leisure, and investment hub. Located along the coast around 45 minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, Mina Al Arab development has already established itself as one of the premier waterfront communities in the Northern Emirates, contributing significantly to local economic growth. The firm is currently expanding its residential offering with the Flamingo Villas and Bermuda Villas communities due for handover in Q4 2015 and 2016 respectively.

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Editors Note:

RAK Properties, a Public Joint Stock Company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, is a real estate development company established to implement the emirate’s plans to promote real estate, tourism and leisure facilities in RAK and invest in interesting projects. It is intended that its activities will encourage economic growth in the UAE in general and Ras Al Khaimah in particular. The company launched its first project, Julfar Towers – a 45-storied twin office and residential project at a cost of AED 500 million – in February 2006 followed by Mina Al Arab – spread over 43 million sq. feet at a cost of AED 10 Billion – in May 2006. It also launched RAK Tower in Abu Dhabi at Cityscape Dubai.

Minor Hotel Group (MHG) is a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 134 hotels and serviced suites in operation under the Anantara, AVANI, PER AQUUM, Oaks, Tivoli, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Minor International brands. Today MHG operates in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and South America. With ambitious plans to grow the hotel group to 190 properties, MHG continues to expand the home grown brands of Anantara and AVANI, plus continues to announce strategic acquisitions. For more information, please visit www.minorinternational.com