Dubai Investments has signed a deal with Millennium Hotels and Resorts to open Grand Millennium Resort, Danah Bay, on the Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
The freehold project in the UAE will be operated under the Grand Millennium brand and include 300 rooms. It is being positioned as an upper upscale resort with specialty dining options and several beach recreational facilities to deliver a resort-style experience in the emirate.
The hotel is expected to open in Q4 2025. Millennium Hotels and Resorts manages and operates a range of over 145 hotels in 80 locations across its portfolio. Its presence extends the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America and New Zealand.
“This signing comes as part of our ambitious development plans in the region, with a focus on expanding in key locations and growing our resort portfolio. We are also thrilled to bring our upper upscale Grand Millennium brand to this prestigious location in Marjan Island. Danah Bay provides the perfect platform to deliver an exciting lifestyle resort experience to both regional and international guests,” said Fahad Abdulrahim Kazim, CEO of Millennium Hotels and Resorts for Middle East and Africa.
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The news of the the latest hotel opening in Ras Al Khaimah follows the emirate recently reporting that it received its highest-ever number of annual visitors last year. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) said that over 1.13 million overnight arrivals were recorded in 2022, a 15.6 per cent increase over 2021.
“The tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah has been enjoying a period of growth and profitability. Over the years, Dubai Investments has maintained a healthy portfolio of hotel projects through its mixed-use developments and the inclusion of Grand Millennium Resort – Danah Bay is another perfect addition. The upcoming hotel will optimally leverage the growth phase of Ras Al Khaimah especially in meeting accommodation needs, with a particular focus on the luxury travel and the MICE segments,” said Khalid Bin Kalban, vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments.
Last year, new hotels and resorts opening in the emirate raised its inventory by 17 per cent to reach over 8,000 keys. With 19 upcoming properties, from brands including Marriott, Millennium, Anantara and Sofitel, and 5,867 keys in the pipeline over the next few years, there is expected to be a 70 per cent increase in inventory versus current levels over the next few years.