As the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah works quickly to build its status as a worldwide luxury destination, one new hotel is getting a lot of attention, partially based on where it’s being built.
Global developer SuperCasa is building a five-star hotel on Al Marjan Island, a man-made island and the first of its kind in the area.
The plan for the new SuperCasa hotel is happening within a greater context: The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), an office of the emirate’s government, is staking out plans to bring more visitors to the emirate. Building partnerships with various businesses and other parties, RAKTDA is setting up restaurants and hotels and other attractions just a stone’s throw from Dubai and its international airport.
Al Marjan Island itself was a colossal undertaking. Building many acres of development space in the Gulf waters is one thing; but together with stakeholders, RAKTDA has approved 41 properties within the emirate so far, with 12 more planned by 2019 and an additional 20 properties planned for the island at 2025.
“Part of our strategy focuses on positioning the development as a luxurious escape,” RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar told the Gulf News Journal on Monday, citing hotels, marinas, private beaches, waterfront homes and a range of leisure activities available at local resorts. “One of the key roles of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is to work to encourage further accommodation and attraction development while advocating for the continued investment by government stakeholders in protecting the natural assets of the destination, so we encourage sustainable developments and construction to LEED standards.”
Mattar also said there are plans to hold festivals and events on the island, including the Al Marjan Night Market on Thursdays with local artisans displaying their wares and a 12-hour beach festival called Destination Dawn.
“Our aim is to identify, encourage and support new tourism investment into Ras Al Khaimah.” Mattar said. “To do this, we are working and partnering with government agencies to reduce any barriers for investment to ensure ease of regulatory environment for investors. Furthermore, we will introduce a program of incentives to encourage tourism development, and we will support investors by providing research, access to tourism and business advice and facilitating public-private joint ventures.”
SuperCasa’s management is also excited about the partnership and plans for island life.
"We are delighted to announce our first hotel investment on Al Marjan Island.” SuperCasa Director Abdulrahman Al Houti said in a recent press release. “The ambitious project has been designed to become an iconic five-star property on Al Marjan Island. As a developer, we will ensure project completion in two years, to deliver a world-class luxury property by 2019. Investing in RAK is attractive due to huge advantages enjoyed by investors, as well as quick ROI and growth opportunities. We have selected Al Marjan Island because of the high guest numbers all year-round."
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