The UAE is teeming with new projects and two of the most interesting additions to the landscape are being developed by Almal Capital Investments, a Dubai-based investment and development company.
The first flagship project stands on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island and the second is in Dubai’s La Mer.
The company has already invested $150 million on the 400-key hotel that will be built on Al Marjan Island.
Mohammad Khader, Head of Developments at Almal Capital Investments, tells TTN Middle East in an interview: “This year, Almal’s main focus is on developing Al Marjan Island as this is a flagship project in UAE for the company.”
The property being developed is near the Las Vegas-famed Wynn Resort, which is expected to have UAE’s first casino. And the location – close to both the casino and the sea – is just one of the things that makes this property so premium.
“The distinctiveness of our property lies in its prime location, positioned as the first line to the casino right at the entrance to the island.
“Guests can relish unparalleled views of both the sea and the neighbouring Wynn casino, setting it apart from other establishments in the area,” says Khader.
While the company is keeping mum on details, Khader assures us that this will not be a property like any other. “The property will encompass an elevated experience beyond just the standard five-star hotel facilities. Anticipate a diverse range of amenities including multiple restaurants/outlets, entertainment, all in line with the high standards of a five-star property. Additionally, expect distinctive features reflective of the unique hospitality brand,” he says.
As yet unnamed, the Al Marjan Island project is being built over 12,600 sq m, he adds. The concept of the upcoming hotel was created by the international architecture firm SSH Design, which was ranked among the top 10 Middle Eastern architectural firms by World Architecture magazine.
The entertainment at the facility is expected to be world-class. “Almal is in the process of appointing a renowned global entertainment hospitality brand to manage the property. The formal disclosure of this esteemed management group is scheduled to occur by the end of January at a hospitality tradeshow in Europe,” he explains.
“The brand is expected to start a new era in the sophisticated entertainment industry in the region, attracting world-famous celebrities and new travel markets,” he adds.
Almal’s other project encompasses two plots on Dubai’s La Mer island. On these plots, which are under development, will stand two furnished Harrisoni-branded luxury villas, which have been designed by architecture and interior design firm XBD Collective.
In the Almal development, XBD Collective is taking great pains to ensure high living, integrating components such as a double-height entrance door, motorised shading screens and canopies. And marrying Miami-style architecture with Arabic cultural elements.
Conveniently located, once complete, these villas will be 10 minutes away from the city centre and 100 m away from the picturesque shoreline.
While it awaits the completion of these lux projects, Almal is in scouting mode. It is looking for other opportunities to build in the UAE. “Almal has a goal to establish more projects in UAE and actively looking for the potential opportunities. Outside UAE, Almal is already established as a developer in east Europe with a robust project portfolio. It is also exploring opportunities in Asia including in Bali,” explains Khader.
For now, though, it’s contributing to the glittery landscape of the UAE, creating one lux development at a time.