Mina Al Arab

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and blessed with white-sand beaches and an ecological reserve, Mina Al Arab is an idyllic twin-island destination with a prime location, just off the coast of central Ras Al Khaimah.

Appealing to aspirational travellers and residents alike, the two manmade islands, which are beautifully landscaped, feature a marina, waterfront cafés and boutiques, and even a running track, as well as high-end resorts and residences with a range of world-class facilities, from spas to restaurants.

Just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, yet a million miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this up-and-coming destination, accessible via two dedicated bridges or by boat, offers beachside escapism at its most indulgent.

A luxury getaway experience

With Mina Al Arab designed as an island sanctuary showcasing nature and Arabian hospitality, Mina Al Arab’s first luxury resort, InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, immerses its guests in Ras Al Khaimah’s all-round beauty.

Located between Al Hamra and the city centre on Hayat Island and straddling two peninsulas, it is surrounded by the calm Arabian Gulf waters and boasts its own private beach. Just as spectacular are the impressive views of the Hajar mountain range and its highest peak, Jebel Jais.

Guests are spoiled with sea-facing rooms, suites and outstanding beachside villas with pools, which are ideal for families, as well as club rooms with extra privileges, including a private pool and exclusive dining experience.

With a sumptuous spa and modern restaurants like New York-inspired NoHo with fun sharing platters and mixologist-made drinks, Shasha Pool Bar with alfresco bites and cool DJ beats, and Levant & Nar, a contemporary restaurant serving Levant cuisine, this resort has put Mina Al Arab on the lifestyle destination map.

Popular with visitors and residents who appreciate island living at its finest, facilities also include Planet Trekkers and a Teens Club, a health club, fitness studio and floodlit tennis court, plus inspirational event spaces for intimate meetings, gala dinners and epic celebrations, not to mention weddings.

Coming soon – Ras Al Khaimah’s overwater first

With Mina Al Arab piquing the interest of some of the world’s leading hospitality groups, the destination will soon play host to Ras Al Khaimah’s first overwater resort experience.

Opening this year (2023), Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort will offer 174 guest rooms, suites and overwater villas, giving guests the opportunity to wake up to the call of the waves and dive directly into the warm Arabian Sea below.

Enhancing Mina Al Arab’s reputation as a foodie haven, the Maldivian-style resort will include an overwater Thai restaurant for which the Anantara brand is renowned, as well as a seafood grill beach and pool restaurant.

As a destination fashioned to meet the lifestyle needs of visitors and residents of this waterfront community, the resort will boost its credentials with an Anantara Spa, a health club, yoga studios, tennis courts and water activities. And with Mina Al Arab home to a unique natural eco-system, encompassing protected coastal wetlands, a discovery and eco-learning centre will be located onsite.

A gateway to Ras Al Khaimah

Thanks to its convenient and central location, Mina Al Arab is a great base from which to explore all that Ras Al Khaimah has to offer, from culture and heritage to a host of adventure pursuits, in the mountains and desert or on the sea.

On Hayat Island, charter a yacht and sail off into the sunset or hire a kayak and stay closer to shore, exploring the destination’s ecosystem. For a journey back in time, head up the coast to Al Rams, the northernmost neighbourhood of Ras Al Khaimah, to learn about the UAE’s centuries-old pearl-fishing history at Suwaidi Pearls Farm. Tour the original fishing village and jump on board a traditional pearl-fishing boat to discover why the shallow bay and its mangroves were so important.

Nearby, located at the foot of the mountains in the centre of a lush oasis is Dhayah Fort, a castle-like structure on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Climb to the top just before sunset for breathtaking views across palm trees and verdant lands to neighbouring Oman and down to the sea.

Travel deeper into the mountains for a raft of adventure experiences, from the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp,offering abseiling, rock climbing, hiking, archery and survival courses, and Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline, to 1484 by Puro – the UAE’s highest restaurant situated 1,484 metres above sea level.