ATARA Breaks Ground on GCC’s First Sheraton-Branded Residences

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: ATARA Development has officially broken ground on The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort, marking a major milestone with the launch of the GCC’s first Sheraton-branded residences. The landmark beachfront project on Al Marjan Island has reached 5 percent completion, with enabling works underway and construction progressing under ATARA’s in-house arm, Rakhat Construction.

Construction advances on Al Marjan Island

Early site activity has gathered pace, with soil improvement and shoring works completed and excavation progressing in parallel. The steady momentum reflects ATARA Development’s execution-led approach and its focus on precision, build quality and delivery certainty for one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most prominent upcoming waterfront addresses.

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, said: “The addition of the Sheraton Residences further strengthens Al Marjan Island’s position as a premier lifestyle destination. This project contributes to our vision of bringing exceptional, world-class developments to the island, enriching its residential offering and international appeal.”

Building before sales to reinforce buyer confidence

In a move that sets it apart within the UAE real estate landscape, ATARA commenced construction prior to launching sales. The strategy highlights the developer’s financial strength and construction readiness, while offering buyers visible progress from the outset and reducing exposure to sales-cycle volatility.

Umid Bazarov, Chief Operating Officer of ATARA Development, said: “Breaking ground before launching sales reflects ATARA’s philosophy of leading with action, not promises. By showcasing tangible construction progress from day one, we reinforce a sales strategy built on trust and visibility giving future buyers the assurance that their ownership is supported by a developer fully committed to transparency, quality, and timely delivery. With the project scheduled for completion by Q3 2028, buyers can purchase with confidence knowing the timeline is clearly defined and closely adhered to. The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort sets a new benchmark for luxury developments entering the market.”

A rare addition to Sheraton’s global residential portfolio

The project comprises 159 premium beachfront residences co-located with the Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort. Residents will benefit from contemporary architecture, refined interiors and access to more than 50 world-class amenities, positioning the development among a limited number of Sheraton-branded residential offerings globally.

Jaidev Menezes, RVP – Mixed-use Development, EMEA at Marriott International, added: “As construction begins, we are delighted to see the Sheraton brand emerge in a new and iconic environment. This development will reflect Sheraton’s design excellence and community-driven ethos, offering residents a uniquely elevated living experience on Al Marjan Island.”

Portfolio expansion and delivery outlook

The Residences at Sheraton Al Marjan Island Resort anchors ATARA Development’s expanding pipeline, which includes more than 1 million square feet of new developments planned over the next two years. With handover targeted for the third quarter of 2028, the project further reinforces ATARA’s positioning as a developer focused on premium, delivery-led residential and mixed-use assets across the UAE.