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.”
