Dubai-based Almal Real Estate Development has broken ground on its $280 million flagship luxury project - The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and Residences - located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, featuring a total of 422 hotel and residential units.

Set to open its doors in 2026, the project comprises two properties - The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and The Unexpected Al Marjan Residencies, stated the developer. 
 
The property will boast 422 hotel and residential units, all offering comfort and privacy with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Situated less than a minute from the Wynn resort, guests will enjoy extraordinary vistas of both the Wynn resort and the serene sea, it added.
 
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, Mohammad Khader, the Head of Project Development at Almal Real Estate Development, said: "We are thrilled to see our vision of creating extraordinary living and hospitality experiences finally come to completion. The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and Residences will set new benchmarks for luxury and innovative design, contributing significantly to the region’s tourism and economic growth."
 
"We are excited to embark on this journey and look forward to delivering an iconic destination that perfectly blends sophistication and elegance," he stated.
 
Guests will get to enjoy an infinity rooftop pool, a vibrant beach club, a spa and wellness centre, pocket gardens, five intimate dining areas offering authentic and international cuisine, and so much more, he added.
 
Led by Almal Real Estate Development, the flagship project will be completed in collaboration with Palladium Hotel Group. 
 
The group will oversee The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel and The Unexpected Al Marjan Residences under the prestigious Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotels and Residences brand, stated Khader. 
 
Almal had appointed Design & ARchitecture bureau (DAR) as the lead design consultant for its revolutionary development on Al Marjan Island. Since its inception in 1985, DAR has been at the forefront of the UAE’s architectural landscape.
 
"At The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences, architectural beauty is reimagined through the concept of cymatics, drawing inspiration from the patterns created by sound wave vibrations. The design reflects these formations, creating a harmonious blend with nature," said a spokesman for DAR. 
 
"The property uses light-colored materials to evoke a clean, relaxed ambiance, inspired by the serene coastline by day and vibrant atmosphere by night," he added.
 
According to him, Almal's new venture is poised to make a profound impact on the hospitality sector, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and excellence. 
 
The project is set to transform Al Marjan Island into a premier destination, attracting discerning travellers and investors from around the globe. The development is expected to create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the overall prosperity of the region, he added.-TradeArabia News Service