RAK Properties PJSC, Ras Al Khaimah’s leading publicly listed property developer, in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, has announced an exciting expansion of their strategic alliance with the introduction of the new Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah. This new development on Hayat Island marks a significant step in enhancing the emirate’s hospitality landscape.
The 156-key Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab, a 14-storey tower, is designed to offer a blend of contemporary design and spacious layouts. It features a range of studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, catering to the growing trend of extended stays. The hotel is equipped with a fully fitted fitness center, breakfast and restaurant areas, promising guests a blend of island-style living and authentic Arabic hospitality. Adding to its allure is the direct beach access and proximity to the luxurious InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa.
This development strengthens the ongoing partnership between IHG and RAK Properties, following the successful launch of the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah in 2022. The partnership has been celebrated for providing luxurious accommodations, world-class dining options, and exceptional spa experiences.
Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, expressed excitement about this collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts. He highlighted the growing demand for blended stays, where guests combine business and personal travel. This new project aims to plug the gap for long-term serviced stay in the emirate and diversify the hospitality portfolio on Hayat Island.
Ras Al Khaimah has recently been ranked as the world’s fourth best city for expatriates by InterNations, owing to its high quality of life and job opportunities. The emirate leads in providing essential expat services, with affordable and easily accessible housing. In the post-COVID era, the demand for longer hotel stays has surged, making extended-stay hotels a rapidly growing segment in hospitality.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director at IHG Hotels & Resorts India, Middle East, and Africa, commented on Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a destination for extended stays. He noted the emirate’s unique blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure, including the UAE’s highest mountain range. The Staybridge Suites Hotel Mina Al Arab is set to offer exceptional experiences to travelers, aligning with RAK Tourism’s efforts to establish the emirate as a leading tourist destination.
The Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab forms a key part of RAK Properties’ broader master plan for Hayat Island, which includes a variety of stay options, luxurious shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities. This development aligns with RAK Vision 2030, aiming to establish Mina Al Arab as a people-centric lifestyle destination.
This project is the second venture between IHG and RAK Properties, following the successful opening of the Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa in 2022.
Staybridge Suites® has become a prominent name in IHG’s extended-stay hotel brand since its inception in 2014. It caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking long-term accommodations. The brand offers residential-style studios and suites with amenities like complimentary daily breakfast buffets, light bites, and a thrice-weekly happy hour. With the increasing demand for extended stays, Staybridge Suites has expanded significantly in the Middle East, now boasting nine hotels with 1,648 rooms and four more with 558 rooms in the pipeline.
Where is Hayat Island?
Hayat Island, a man-made marvel, is nestled in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. This new, ambitious project spans an impressive 6,000,000 square feet. Designed to be a unique space for outdoor recreation and entertainment, Hayat Island’s creation aligns perfectly with Ras Al Khaimah’s naturally picturesque environment. The project, developed under the vision of RMJM, aims to become a premier tourist destination, offering a blend of tranquility and vibrant recreational activities.
The island is distinguished by its serene atmosphere, with entertainment facilities designed to be enjoyable yet not disruptively noisy. Emphasizing the beauty of the Arabian Gulf, it caters to those who revel in water activities, such as romantic canoeing amidst twinkling floating lanterns. Another distinctive feature is an open-air cinema on the water, where audiences can enjoy movies from the comfort of boats. The coastal stretch of Hayat Island boasts a vast sandy beach, complemented by numerous landscaped parks filled with diverse plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers, enhancing its aesthetic allure. The island’s community is further enriched with swimming pools and a central square adorned with ponds, fountains, and colorful sculptures, making Hayat Island a perfect fusion of luxury, recreation, and natural splendor.
