Tuesday, December 12, 2023
The leading publicly traded property developer in Ras Al Khaimah has announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. This expansion introduces the ‘Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab’ on Hayat Island.
This new addition, the Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab, offers 156 keys, including studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments characterized by contemporary design and spacious layouts. Situated in a 14-story tower, the property boasts a fully equipped fitness center, breakfast and restaurant areas, combining the charm of island-style living with genuine Arabic hospitality. Guests will also enjoy direct beach access and have access to the luxurious amenities of the nearby InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, located within walking distance.
RAK Properties and IHG Hotels & Resorts have enjoyed a successful partnership since the signing and opening of the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah in 2022. This partnership has garnered acclaim for its luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional spa experiences, solidifying it as a comprehensive destination for travelers.
Speaking about this partnership, Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, expressed excitement, highlighting the emerging trend of extended stays that blend business and personal travel. He emphasized that this concept will diversify and enhance their hospitality portfolio on Hayat Island and contribute to their food and beverage offerings, increasing the appeal of their overall hospitality offering on Mina Al Arab.
Ras Al Khaimah has earned recognition as the fourth-best city in the world for expatriates to live and work, according to a report by InterNations, due to its high quality of life and job opportunities. The emirate’s ease of entry for expats, affordable housing, and post-COVID-19 demand for longer hotel stays have driven the popularity of cost-effective extended-stay hotels, making them one of the fastest-growing segments in the hospitality industry.
Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for India, Middle East, and Africa, acknowledged Ras Al Khaimah’s unique appeal as a destination for extended stays, thanks to its natural beauty, history, and adventure opportunities. He affirmed IHG’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences and hospitality to guests through the introduction of Staybridge Suites Hotel Mina Al Arab.
This development is part of RAK Properties’ larger master plan for Hayat Island, which includes a range of stay options, luxurious shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities for residents and guests. Staybridge Suites Mina Al Arab aims to offer a genuine holiday lifestyle experience while providing the conveniences of everyday life, aligning with RAK Vision 2030’s vision of Mina Al Arab as a people-centric lifestyle destination.
This marks the second collaboration between RAK Properties and IHG Hotels & Resorts, following the successful opening of the award-winning Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa in 2022.
Since its establishment in 2014, Staybridge Suites® has become IHG’s preferred brand for extended-stay hotels, catering to both business and leisure travelers seeking branded long-term accommodations in the Middle East. With a focus on comfort and connectivity, the brand offers residential-style studios and suites, daily breakfast buffets, light bites, and a thrice-weekly happy hour. With growing demand for extended stays among business travelers and families, the brand has expanded to include nine hotels with 1,648 rooms in the Middle East, with four more hotels and 558 rooms in the pipeline.
