At Al Marjan Island
Marriott International and Atara Development signed a new partnership agreement on August 21, 2025, that will see the launch Sheraton The Residences at Al Marjan Island Resort in Ras Al Khaimah emirate in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first Sheraton-branded residential property in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
In an exclusive interview, Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai-based Atara Development, explores the significance of the deal, the strategic choice of Ras Al Khaimah, and Atara’s regional plans.
Excerpts from the interview, which have been edited for clarity:
What is the significance of Atara Development’s new collaboration with Marriott International?
First, this will be the first Sheraton-branded residences not just in Ras Al Khaimah or the UAE, but in the entire GCC. That alone is a notable milestone. Second, we are combining Sheraton’s long-standing global hospitality expertise with our design and development capabilities.
We aim to provide high-quality residences that meet international service standards. The development will boast private beach access, uninterrupted sea views, and over 50 luxurious amenities for residents and guests, promising an unparalleled living experience.
When is the project handover expected?
We are targeting a handover timeline of approximately three years from this year [2025]. We will announce the exact date closer to the construction milestone.
Why is Atara focused on Al Marjan Island for this particular project?
We see Al Marjan Island as one of the fastest-rising luxury destinations in the UAE. It is not only attracting regional interest but also considerable international investment. A key factor is the upcoming Wynn resort, set to become one of the world’s largest integrated resorts, which is driving infrastructure and hospitality development. This strategic choice of location gives us confidence in the project’s success.
We also view the island as a hub for branded residences, which are in growing demand among both investors and end users.
Ras Al Khaimah saw a 13.4% increase in tourism arrivals in the first half of 2025, according to the emirate’s Tourism Development Authority, and we believe projects like ours will contribute to that growth.
Why choose Marriott International over other global hospitality brands?
Marriott International (Sheraton) has one of the most established legacies in the hotel and branded residence sector. We trust their standards, both in terms of guest services and design quality.
Their brand strength, especially in the Middle East and Asia, gives us confidence that the residences will attract global attention. This collaboration aligns with our strategy to deliver products with timeless design, strong branding, and efficient operations.
What other plans does Atara have in the UAE or abroad?
This Sheraton project marks our first branded residential venture. It is critical for our visibility in the UAE, so we are putting in significant effort to ensure it is delivered on time and at a high standard. We have our own in-house construction company, Rakat Properties, which gives us tighter control over timelines and quality.
Looking beyond Ras Al Khaimah, we have already delivered luxury villas on Pearl Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, and La Mer in Dubai. Our next step is to launch two new residential projects on the Dubai Islands, marking our commitment to growth and expansion in the region.
Our strategy is to remain focused on premium coastal locations and maintain a strong emphasis on luxury, as the demand in this segment continues to rise.
According to Knight Frank’s latest report, Dubai ranked third globally in prime residential capital value growth in 2024, and we expect this trend to extend into Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is increasingly seen as a complementary destination to Dubai, especially for investors seeking waterfront assets with lower entry points.
Your final thoughts on the partnership with Marriott International?
We believe this collaboration with Sheraton will set a new benchmark in Ras Al Khaimah’s residential market. With our attention to detail and Marriott’s hospitality expertise, we are confident in bringing a high-standard product to market.
Image: Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai-based Atara Development.
