The state of the art mixed-use resort destination in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, signed a hotel operation agreement with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, by virtue of which the latter will operate a Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Saraya Islands project. The agreement was signed by Mr. Mahdhar Al Tamimi, General Manager of Saraya Islands, and Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, which owns and operates 78 Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces across the world.

The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will be one of six world class 5-Stars hotels in the Saraya Islands destination in Ras Al Khaimah. The hotel will include 180 guest rooms including suites, 30 bungalows, 2 restaurants, conference facilities, spa and health club, as well as other amenities and facilities that serve all the luxurious comforts that people aspire when staying in a hotel. The first phase of the Saraya Islands project is expected to open in 2011.

“In our partnership with one of the most renowned hospitality providers in the world, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, we will leverage their long standing global expertise. They will bring the Taj Exotica brand experience to Ras Al Khaimeh in general, and to our customers in particular. Saraya Islands’ destination will provide all its investors and customers with a state of the art offerings and differentiation.” said Mr. Mahdhar Al Tamimi, General Manager of Saraya Islands.

Announcing the project, Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, said: "We are delighted to partner withSaraya Islands for the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The Taj Exotica Resort & Spa hotels today are recognized for their luxurious offerings including an elevated degree of service, outstanding food, unique spa concept and chic design. Leisure and hospitality in this region is growing exponentially and in line with our strategic intent, it is important for Taj Hotels to be present in this region, which is rapidly developing into a tourism hub of the future.”

Inspired by the seafaring tradition of Ras Al Khaimah, Saraya Islands has a unique location between the desert and the mountains, located in a strategic position between the majestic range of Hajjar Mountains and the azure sea of the Arabian Gulf. The project is composed of four islands and a main village, occupying 5.5 Km of long natural island, together forming a lagoon framed by the islands and its corresponding mainland site of approximately sixteen hectares, creating two different waterfront situations on the Ras Al Khaimah coast.

Saraya Islands partners with Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces to leverage on its internationally recognized expertise in hotel and resort operations and planning. The Taj Exotica brand evolved as part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and it’s differentiated by its product philosophy and service design. The Taj Exotica Hotels are centered around high-end accommodations, intimacy and an environment that allows its guests unrivalled comfort and privacy. Over the years, Taj has won international acclaim for its quality hotels and its excellence in dining, business facilities, interiors, and world-class, personalized service.

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Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, Saraya Islands will occupy over two thirds of a pristine 7 kilometer long natural island running parallel to the RAK coastline thereby creating a natural lagoon between the project and the mainland. The founding partners behind Saraya Islands are the Investment and Development Office of the government of Ras Al Khaimah, Saraya Holdings and a subsidiary of Arab Bank Plc, in addition to Saraya Real Estate MENA Fund. The partners together bring a wealth of global experience and expertise to the project.

Saraya Islands consists of four islands inter-connected through a series of appropriately scaled resort-style roads and bridges. These islands are called: al-Boum, al-Marsa, al-Sahab, and al-Wahat. Saraya Islands will offer “state-of-the-art” resort and hotel destinations, an array of palatial villas, high-end villas, lagoon view townhouse, terraced apartments, world class themed hotels, exotic bungalows, luxury spas and retreats, serviced residential units all including private and semi-private gardens and swimming pools, high quality retail, restaurants and entertainment outlets, amusement water park, pedestrian bridges and roads, as well as bicycle and walking trails, a marina and an amphitheatre.

Saraya Islands comprises approximately of 1.4 million square meters, of which approximately 65% are developable, and 35% are dedicated to beaches, landscaped areas, open-air activity areas and circulation space.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 60 hotels in 42 locations across India with an additional 18 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.