Thomas Cook, one of the world’s leading leisure travel companies, has unveiled plans to open its newest own-brand hotel in the UAE.

The smartline Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, which is scheduled to open in the UAE emirate on November 1, is the group's second long-haul smartline hotel, following the smartline Eriyadu resort in the Maldives which opened in summer 2017.

The new hotel will be its first own-brand hotel in the growing tourist destination of the UAE.

The opening of smartline Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort marks further progress in Thomas Cook’s strategy to grow its portfolio of own-brand hotels, as part of an increased focus on higher quality holidays.

This hotel is in addition to the 22 new own-brand hotels Thomas Cook has already announced will be opening across the summer ‘17 and ‘18 seasons.

The Ras Al Khaimah Beach resort is close to the beach and is just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. It will feature 253 chalets spread out in a lush garden, a 700-metre private beach, three pools, four bars, a coffee shop, a buffet restaurant and free wi-fi. It also boasts a spa with sauna and Jacuzzi, a fitness centre and offers tennis and water sports. Shoppers can take advantage of the complimentary hotel shuttle to the nearby Ras Al Khaimah Mall.

Alongside the opening of the new hotel, Thomas Cook and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority have extended their major co-operative marketing agreement which aims to raise the profile of the Emirate as a premier leisure destination for European tourists.

The partnership, which started in 2016, enters its second phase in August 2017 and seeks to further develop Ras Al Khaimah as a year-round destination for holidaymakers through inspiring marketing content delivered via Thomas Cook’s multi-channel media offering. Thomas Cook’s award-winning creative agency, 1841, will lead the development of the campaign’s brand and content strategy.

To celebrate its opening, the resort will offer an all-inclusive stay for seven nights priced at £799 ($1,032.4) per person (based on two adults sharing) for visitors flying in from London Gatwick on December 5. Prices includes return private car transfers in resort. - TradeArabia News Service