'Mina Al Arab' transforms Ras Al Khaimah into a world class tourist destination

This was announced at a press conference held at the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa in Dubai on April 30, 2006, and especially dedicated to the launch of this prestigious project.

This exciting project proposes the creation of integrated and diverse communities offering luxury residential and international standard tourism developments, coupled with world class retail entertainment and waterside dining facilities.

A number of themed resort hotels and two eco-hotels will also be featured along the beautiful natural beaches of the islands that will provide an estimated 3,500 sumptuous rooms for tourists and visitors of the emirate, in addition to a cluster of 3,500 residential units, mainly bora bora hotel units and standard apartments to cater for the regional & international visitors.

Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, Managing Director, RAK Properties, commented: "We would like to convey our profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for his forethought and leadership, without which we wouldn't be able to make this dream come true. Mina Al Arab is a perfect embodiment of RAK Properties' motto of 'Living Closer to Nature', and we are pleased to introduce this project to the people of the UAE in general and RAK in particular and the world."

Mina Al Arab is situated in a unique natural setting incorporating unspoiled beaches, a vibrant inner harbour, tranquil lagoons and a pristine ecological wetland reserve. A diverse and vital environment will be created through human scaled development, secure and comfortable urban settings and a water based lifestyle, offering visitors and residents a distinctive range of residential and recreational choices unavailable elsewhere in the region.

The project will offer a range of 388 residential villas that resemble various architectural styles such as the Arabic, Spanish, Venetian and Mediterranean all facing a natural lagoon and surrounded by cascades. Alongside the villas, a Harbour will be established as the heart of Mina Al Arab, which is set to become the downtown of the community with a thriving pedestrian, social environment meeting a traditional Arabian Souk selling everything from basic goods to luxury items.

Furthermore, an oasis walk - a lushly landscaped corridor that serves as a pedestrian and bicycle pathway and acts as a link between islands will be accessible along with an eco zone, occurring as natural coastal wetlands and home to a variety of fascinating marine life, thus preserving and showcasing the beauty of nature in ecological preserves.

Mina Al Arab is made complete by a host of amenities which complement the community and make it the ideal home, or the perfect retreat. These amenities include 310 hectares of open spaces, ecological preserves & landscaping, traditional "abra" water taxis, parks, medical facilities, mosque, cafes & restaurants, and recreational facilities such as gym, tennis courts, spas and sporting activities.

"We at RAK Properties aspire to build and establish our status as a sound and leading real estate developer in the country and the region. This unique setting and inspiring destination will place Mina Al Arab and Ras Al Khaimah on the international stage", concluded Al Qadi.