Sheikh Saud inaugurates Bab Al Bahr Sales Centre and model apartments

Sheikh Saud also unveiled the model apartments of the extensive resort project, the inaugural development on the Al Marjan Island, which is being developed by Rakeen, the master planner and developing arm of the Ras Al Khaimah Government..

Accompanied by Dr. Khater Massaad, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and Chairman of Rakeen, Sheikh Saud laid a symbolic cornerstone marking the official inauguration of the Bab Al Bahr Sales Centre.

Sheikh Saud then cut the ceremonial ribbon and led government officials, stakeholders of the Bab Al Bahr project and other VIPs into the Sales Centre.

H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qassimi said, "Bab Al Bahr opens a new era in the development of many lifestyle-oriented projects in Ras Al Khaimah. This innovative project serves a very important strategic purpose as it significantly boosts the emirate's reputation as a key business and leisure destination in the Middle East. More importantly, being the first of many landmark projects on the Al Marjan Island, the Bab Al Bahr project will be a key instrument in generating greater interest for the exclusive island development and the rest of our groundbreaking real estate projects in Ras Al Khaimah."

Dr. Massaad, the Chairman of Rakeen, commented:

"The prestige and reputation of the Bab Al Bahr project is crucial in the overall economic development plan of Ras Al Khaimah, particularly in the rapidly growing tourism sector. Tourism has become one of the emirate's fastest-growing economic contributors and the Bab Al Bahr project will help consolidate our position as a major tourist destination in the Middle East. This project also serves as an excellent complementary initiative to the extensive industrial and commercial development programs of RAKIA."

The Sales Centre and model apartments featuring one and two-bedroom units have been designed to cater to investors and property buyers, offering a hassle-free platform to facilitate all requirements needed in acquiring properties within the development.

The Sales Centre is equipped with offices and a meeting room for business.

"The Sales Centre will definitely expedite our marketing initiatives that help us achieve superior sales results, while the model apartments have been meticulously created to reflect the beauty and elegance of the actual Bab Al Bahr units. These steps represent our total commitment to provide beginning-to-end customer support and make the investment activities of our clients as comfortable as possible. Furthermore, our efforts are based firmly on Rakeen's core values of sustainability, responsibility and prosperity," said Wahid Atalla, Member of the Board, Rakeen.

On completion in the second quarter of 2010, Bab Al Bahr will feature five residential buildings and a total of 710 residential freehold apartments broken into 110 studio apartments, 290 one-bedroom apartments, 220 two-bedroom apartments and 90 three-bedroom apartments.

Key features include a pool bar, gym, themed swimming pools, children's play areas, club privilege access, 24-hour security, ample parking space for up to 800 cars, 100% free-hold ownership for residents, exotic gardens, private beach, a la carte dining options, facilities for various beach activities and a nearby golf course.

The $1.8bn Al Marjan Island is a cluster of four coral-shaped islands dotted with a variety of water homes, floating villas, hotels, resorts, sporting facilities and commercial spaces over a total area of 2.7 million square meters.

The development facilitates easy access to travel facilities being just 20 minutes from the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and only 45 minutes from Dubai.

Moreover, Rakeen has utilised state-of-the-art dredging techniques and technologies to ensure that the Al Marjan Islands are developed with the highest levels of environmental responsibility.