IHG resumes plan to build Ras Al Khaimah resort
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) resumes development of the InterContinental Mina Al Arab Resort in Ras Al Khaimah in partnership with RAK Properties.
The announcement comes as the Ras Al Khaimah hospitality market is seeing a 10% increase in visitor numbers.
IHG said in a statement that it is "the ideal time" to resume the development of its second multi-feature resort in the UAE, due to strong year on year growth in the tourism sector.
The new hotel aims to open in 2019 and the 350-room luxury development will help boost Mina Al Arab’s offering as a top tourist destination in the UAE, the hospitality giant said.
It added that the hotel will be located on the Mina Al Arab Island, which is RAK Properties’ next major development.
CEO of RAK Properties and managing director Mohamed Sultan Al Qadi said: “The newly signed partnership with IHG will continue to set the bar, by providing an array of 5-star facilities and entertainment outlets, allowing for residents and visitors to enjoy the best of what Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. We will be announcing the groundbreaking of the project shortly.”
IHG chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa Pascal Gauvin added: “This hotel will mark the second resort in the UAE and demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding our luxury InterContinental brand in sought after locations across the Middle East.
"Ras Al Khaimah is quickly becoming the UAE’s desired destination for getaways, nature, and relaxation and once open, I’m confident that InterContinental Mina Al Arab Resort will be the first choice for tourists visiting the UAE as well as residents looking for a relaxing and fun getaway.”
Mina Al Arab’s newest island development will cover 811,420 square metres, and feature a 5-star resort, 4-star lifestyle resort, serviced apartments, shopping mall, beach and waterfront apartments, villas, and townhouses with a private beach clubhouse, and al fresco dining and entertainment venues.
Across the Middle East, there are 25 InterContinental properties open and an additional nine properties due to open within the next three to five years.