Ramhan Island, a new luxury development off the Abu Dhabi coast, is to welcome a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the first in the UAE and only the eighth in the world.
Set to open in 2029, the villa-only venue will feature 50 properties of between one and four bedrooms, as well as a range of leisure amenities and several culinary outlets. The development is the result of a partnership between Marriott International and Ramhan developer Eagle Hills.
The property will offer an “intimate and transformative experience in an ultra-luxury setting”, says Sandeep Walia, the Middle East chief operating officer of Marriott International, adding that the demand for exclusive experiences remains strong.
The announcement comes as Ramhan Island takes shape.
Only a small section of the vast 400-hectare island is currently open for visitors looking to purchase property, which will comprise 1,800 stand-alone villas, 900 marina residences and prime retail spots by developer Eagle Hills. The first wave of handovers is expected in 2026.
Among the biggest sales pitch for Ramhan Island is its connection to nature, which includes potentially seeing dolphins, sea turtles and birds in the surrounding water. This also fits well with the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand – which promises “a complete escape to the unexpected, centred around human connection and that brings together elements of the local culture, heritage and environment”.
Only seven such properties are currently operational in the world. These include one in Krabi, the resort town in southern Thailand known for its distinct limestone karsts and mangrove forest; and an alpine resort in Hokkaido, Japan.
While the planned Ramhan property is the first in the UAE, it is not the first in the Middle East. In May, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea.
Room rates start at 9,913 riyals ($2,640), making it the most expensive hotel in the region. Marriott International also announced a second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Saudi Arabia that will be built in Trojena, the mountain destination of Neom.
“Created for the most discerning travellers seeking a distinct and luxurious escape, reserve properties are tucked away in hand-picked corners of the world,” says the hotel. Service is described as “highly responsive and individualised” in these ultra-luxurious properties.
“As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the UAE, it will set new standards of excellence,” says Eagle Hills chairman Mohamed Alabbar.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
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Brief scoreline:
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Mane 51', Salah 53'
Chelsea 0
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
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The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
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