Accor and Al Hamra Sign Partnership for First Sofitel Resort in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras al Khaimah, UAE, September 25, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Set to open in 2023, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Ras al Khaimah, will be the group’s flagship Sofitel resort in the northern Emirates. Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey is expanding its luxury portfolio in the UAE with the introduction of the Sofitel brand into the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Set to open in 2023, the property will become a landmark resort for the group in the region.
The group is collaborating with Al Hamra, the leading real estate development and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, with plans to expand its hospitality portfolio. The group is focused on developing premier lifestyle destinations, including luxury hospitality and leisure developments.
Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said: “We are committed to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s transformational growth to make it the topmost liveable destination through its urban developments of the future. As the first destination to be certified safe and to record significant growth in tourism and hospitality following the pandemic, the Emirate is focused on strengthening its tourism infrastructure and we will contribute to this by bringing exceptional hospitality experiences. Through our partnership with Accor to bring the Sofitel brand to the Emirate, we strengthen our portfolio of hospitality and leisure assets, in addition to revolutionizing the hospitality landscape in Ras Al Khaimah
Nestled between the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains, the resort is set alongside a private beach, surrounded by landscaped gardens and an 18-hole golf course. Set on the pristine coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, the destination offers visitors an unparalleled experience with a unique topography. The landscapes vary from the highest mountain in the UAE, terracotta deserts to lush mangroves, white sandy beaches and the longest stretch of coastline in the UAE. The property is located less than one hour drive from Dubai International Airport.
“We have been witnessing an accelerated economic growth over past few years for Ras Al Khaimah, which has now positioned itself as a contending Middle Eastern hospitality destination”, says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “The introduction of Sofitel Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort positions Accor as a key player in Emirate’s commitment to develop tourism through enhanced visitor experience with differential and sustainable product while showcasing Accor’s branding capabilities as a leading hospitality group in the region.”
The resort will be strategically located at the heart of the Al Hamra integrated tourism destination, offering its guests direct access to a range of hospitality and leisure offerings which include Al Hamra Golf Club’s s championship 18-hole golf course, Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre (AHIECC) and Al Hamra Mall. All of which is located within an integrated destination with various residences and the future expansion of Al Hamra with a beach board walk and a sport’s complex.
Once open, the property will present 300 keys including contemporary rooms, suites and villas providing views of the gardens, the golf course or the sea. Moreover, the hotel will present six stylish restaurants serving excellent cuisine from around the globe.
Accor currently operates 62 properties (18,562 keys) in the UAE with 20 (5,831keys) properties in the pipeline, including 5 properties under the Sofitel brand.
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world leading hospitality Group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing luxury and premium brands, midscale and economy offerings, unique Lifestyle concepts, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor also boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and approximately 260,000 team members worldwide. Over 68 million members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily Lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its Planet 21 – Acting Here, Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.
About Al Hamra:
Al Hamra is a Ras Al Khaimah based real estate development and investment company. The group is focused on providing premier lifestyle real estate developments, while investing in hospitality and leisure segments. In line with the Emirate’s growth, Al Hamra has been instrumental in shaping the real estate landscape in the Emirate since its formation in 2003. The company is committed to reimagining life and hospitality through the friendly and safe environment Al Hamra Village has developed while also capitalising on the close proximity to Dubai, just 40 mins away, the financial benefits, the airport and the free-trade zones. Entities under the Al Hamra brand name include; Al Hamra Golf Club, Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club, Al Hamra Mall, Manar Mall, the multi-award-winning Al Hamra Village and Al Hamra Real Estate Development. Al Hamra is also the developer of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach & Golf Resort and Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach.