Hamra Hotels and Resorts will launch its new four-star business hotel Acacia in August this year and Al Hamra Palace Hotel, a palatial beach resort and apartment complex shortly thereafter, said a top official.

The launch of the 373-unit Acacia, situated adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority Free Zone, and Al Hamra Palace Hotel is expected to address the growing demand for hotels and serviced apartments in Ras Al Khaimah, which, official estimates said will attract up to 2.5 million tourists by 2012.

The company reaffirmed its strong commitment to focus efforts on promoting Ras Al Khaimah as a prime business and tourism destination in the region.

With an array of modern business and leisure facilities such as meeting and business centres, high-speed broadband internet connection, the Hamra conference centre, gym, swimming pool, restaurants and airport transfer services, Acacia Hotel will appeal both to families and business guests.

Al Hamra Palace Hotel, on the other hand, offers an extensive range of business and leisure amenities including a private marina and fresh water lagoons, destination shopping mall, unlimited private beaches, swimming pool, spa and tennis courts.

Michael El Nayal, member of the board, Hamra Hotels and Resorts, said: "Hamra Hotels and Resorts is aggressively investing in various hospitality and tourism projects in Ras Al Khaimah as we are fully committed to the growth and development of the emirate."

"More than anything else, we are fully focused on our growth initiatives within the emirate as we intend to capitalise on the enormous business opportunities in the tourism sector, particularly in view of the surge in demand for high-quality hotel accommodations," he commented.

In addition to the 270 king and twin bedded guest rooms and suites, Acacia Hotel has 103 one-bedroom apartments, each with fully equipped kitchenettes and living-dining rooms.

Al Hamra Palace Hotel, which is the only facility in the Middle East that has a beach-fronted 18-hole championship golf course, combines a deluxe hotel and premium apartments comprising studios, one, two and three-bedroom units and villas.

"The steady pace of growth witnessed by Ras Al Khaimah in recent years underlines the emirate’s potential to emerge as the first-choice destination for business and leisure," he pointed out.

"Accordingly, we believe that the opening of Acacia Hotel and Al Hamra Palace Hotel will greatly complement the emirate's comprehensive development strategy."

As with other hotels that are part of our group, the overriding goal at Acacia and Al Hamra Palace Hotel will be to provide services and facilities of the finest quality and ensure that the guests have a memorable stay,” El Nayal added.

Hamra Hotels and Resorts was established in 1996 with a mission to develop and operate unique hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and the UAE.

It has today grown to become one of the leading hotel developers and operators in the region, with new hotel projects soon to be launched in Africa, Asia and Europe.-TradeArabia News Service