At Al Marjan Island
Marriott Worldwide and Atara Growth signed a brand new partnership settlement on August 21, 2025, that can see the launch Sheraton The Residences at Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah emirate within the United Arab Emirates, marking the primary Sheraton-branded residential property within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area.
In an unique interview, Umid Bazarov, Chief Working Officer of Dubai-based Atara Development, explores the importance of the deal, the strategic alternative of Ras Al Khaimah, and Atara’s regional plans.
Excerpts from the interview, which have been edited for readability:
What’s the significance of Atara Growth’s new collaboration with Marriott Worldwide?
First, this would be the first Sheraton-branded residences not simply in Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE, however in the whole GCC. That alone is a notable milestone. Second, we’re combining Sheraton’s long-standing world hospitality experience with our design and growth capabilities.
We intention to supply high-quality residences that meet worldwide service requirements. The event will boast personal seaside entry, uninterrupted sea views, and over 50 luxurious facilities for residents and friends, promising an unparalleled residing expertise.
When is the venture handover anticipated?
We’re focusing on a handover timeline of roughly three years from this yr [2025]. We are going to announce the precise date nearer to the development milestone.
Why is Atara targeted on Al Marjan Island for this explicit venture?
We see Al Marjan Island as one of many fastest-rising luxurious locations within the UAE. It’s not solely attracting regional curiosity but in addition appreciable worldwide funding. A key issue is the upcoming Wynn resort, set to change into one of many world’s largest built-in resorts, which is driving infrastructure and hospitality growth. This strategic alternative of location provides us confidence within the venture’s success.
We additionally view the island as a hub for branded residences, that are in rising demand amongst each traders and finish customers.
Ras Al Khaimah noticed a 13.4% enhance in tourism arrivals within the first half of 2025, in line with the emirate’s Tourism Growth Authority, and we imagine initiatives like ours will contribute to that development.
Why select Marriott Worldwide over different world hospitality manufacturers?
Marriott Worldwide (Sheraton) has one of the vital established legacies within the lodge and branded residence sector. We belief their requirements, each when it comes to visitor companies and design high quality.
Their model energy, particularly within the Center East and Asia, provides us confidence that the residences will entice world consideration. This collaboration aligns with our technique to ship merchandise with timeless design, robust branding, and environment friendly operations.
What different plans does Atara have within the UAE or overseas?
This Sheraton venture marks our first branded residential enterprise. It’s essential for our visibility within the UAE, so we’re placing in vital effort to make sure it’s delivered on time and at a excessive normal. Now we have our personal in-house development firm, Rakat Properties, which provides us tighter management over timelines and high quality.
Trying past Ras Al Khaimah, we’ve already delivered luxurious villas on Pearl Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, and La Mer in Dubai. Our subsequent step is to launch two new residential initiatives on the Dubai Islands, marking our dedication to development and growth within the area.
Our technique is to stay targeted on premium coastal places and preserve a powerful emphasis on luxurious, because the demand on this phase continues to rise.
In response to Knight Frank’s newest report, Dubai ranked third globally in prime residential capital worth development in 2024, and we anticipate this pattern to increase into Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is more and more seen as a complementary vacation spot to Dubai, particularly for traders in search of waterfront property with decrease entry factors.
Your closing ideas on the partnership with Marriott Worldwide?
We imagine this collaboration with Sheraton will set a brand new benchmark in Ras Al Khaimah’s residential market. With our consideration to element and Marriott’s hospitality experience, we’re assured in bringing a high-standard product to market.
Picture: Umid Bazarov, Chief Working Officer of Dubai-based Atara Growth.