Leading luxury project developer Sobha Realty has announced the groundbreaking of Anantara Siniya Island Resort and Anantara Residences Sobha Siniya Island in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain, thus forming one of the leading hospitality destinations within the island's masterplan.

The milestone reflects Umm Al Quwain's continued tourism and real estate development, and strengthens the emirate's position as a distinctive coastal and tourism destination in the UAE.

The groundbreaking followed the announcement of a strategic partnership between Minor Hotels and Sobha Siniya Island - a joint venture between Sobha Realty and Umm Al Quwain Properties - to introduce the Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand to Umm Al Quwain for the first time.

Set for 2030 launch, Anantara Siniya Island Resort and Anantara Residences Sobha Siniya Island will boast 125 hotel keys and 125 Anantara-branded residences, forming one of the leading hospitality destinations within the island's masterplan.

The resort will bring Anantara's distinctive approach to experiential luxury hospitality, with a design inspired by the island's unique natural features, from its mangroves and beaches to its diverse wildlife and marine life, it stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, along with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Mualla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and senior Sobha executives including Ravi Menon, Chairman of Sobha Group; Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Siniya Island as well as William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International; and a number of officials and representatives of relevant entities.

The milestone reflects Umm Al Quwain's continued tourism and real estate development, and strengthens the emirate's position as a distinctive coastal and tourism destination in the UAE.

The partnership agreement was signed by Sheikh Mansour Al Mualla, Board Member, Umm Al Quwain Properties, and Alfred, while Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa, signed on behalf of Minor Hotels.

The project marks a significant milestone in the development of Sobha Siniya Island, bringing together the island's integrated masterplan vision and Minor Hotels' global hospitality expertise. It is in line with Umm Al Quwain's direction to support growth across the tourism, residential and economic sectors, and to develop high-quality, sustainable destinations.

Speaking on the occasion, Alfred said the island was designed to celebrate its natural beauty. "Anantara's approach to hospitality complements the island's natural character, and that the partnership with Minor Hotels brings together a commitment to thoughtful design, distinctive experiences and the highest quality standards," he stated.

The groundbreaking marks a new step towards turning the island's ambitious vision into reality, and reflects the shared confidence of the project partners and the Government of Umm Al Quwain in the future of Siniya Island as an integrated destination for residents and visitors.

Heinecke said the UAE is an important part of the group's growth journey. He noted that Siniya Island's distinctive location and unique natural assets make it a valuable addition to the destinations where the group operates.

He expressed his pleasure at partnering with Sobha Al Siniya FZC to bring the Anantara brand to Umm Al Quwain, and at contributing to a new chapter in the emirate's tourism development.

Sobha Siniya Island spans approximately 23 million sq ft and is being developed as a low-density waterfront community comprising apartments, villas, resorts, leisure facilities and open green spaces, with more than 60% of the masterplan dedicated to water features, open spaces and greenery.

The destination is approximately 50 minutes from Dubai and is connected to the mainland by a bridge 1.7 km long.-TradeArabia News Service