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Move signals strategic hospitality play in UAE’s booming northern emirate
Dubai-based SKH Family Office has acquired The Cove Rotana Resort from Orascom Development Holding, marking a significant vote of confidence in Ras Al Khaimah’s rapidly expanding luxury hospitality sector. The investment aligns with SKH Family Office’s broader strategy to develop a portfolio of premium tourism assets and capitalise on growth opportunities across one of the UAE’s fastest‑rising emirates.
Opened in 2009, The Cove Rotana is among RAK’s most distinctive beachfront resorts, characterised by hillside, village-style architecture cascading down to a private sandy beach, blending Mediterranean charm with Arabian coastal ambience. The 389-key property, comprising 349 rooms and 40 private villas, occupies a sweeping shoreline location that offers strong potential for the owner’s planned enhancements.
Under its new ownership, a targeted development programme will modernise facilities, elevate guest experiences and integrate sustainability principles throughout operations. The aim is to position the resort as “a leading destination for leisure and family tourism experiences,” according to SKH Family Office.
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Operational continuity will be maintained through a renewed management agreement with Rotana, which will continue to oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service consistency and reinforcing the resort’s competitive edge in the regional and international markets.
Saqr Kamal Hassan, founder and Chairman of SKH Family Office, said the acquisition represents an important strategic milestone in their journey to “build and develop high-value hospitality assets” in the UAE. “The Cove Rotana Resort is a distinguished asset, offering a unique location, exceptional character, and promising growth potential,” he added.
Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism momentum continues to build. The emirate welcomed more than 654,000 visitor arrivals in the first half of 2025, a 6% year‑on‑year increase and its highest half‑year tally on record, keeping it on course to attract more than 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030.
Supporting this visitor growth is a robust hotel development pipeline. According to Stirling Hospitality Advisors, hotel supply in RAK is set to double by 2027, with an additional 1,000 keys expected by 2030.
New entrants include international brands such as JW Marriott, W Hotels, Fairmont, Taj, NH Collection, Nikki Beach, Nobu, and Four Seasons, alongside the much‑anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first casino resort, scheduled to open in early 2027.
For more information, visit rasalkhaimah/thecoverotanaresort and skhfamilyoffice.com