7 August 2025
RAK Properties, Ras Al Khaimah’s leading publicly listed property developer, has announced the official appointment of renowned hotel and hospitality architecture firm Denniston as the lead design partner for the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Mina.
To be constructed on a prime waterfront setting on Mina’s Raha Island, the flagship resort will feature 150 rooms and suites alongside 130 private residences with Denniston overseeing the integration of all architecture and interior design works across the property.
A landmark real estate and hospitality development for Ras Al Khaimah, and the wider UAE, the 400-hectare Four Seasons Resort and Residences strengthens Mina’s growing position as a dynamic real estate destination that offers a unique combination of authentic island living alongside exciting opportunities for luxury tourism, long-term investment, and portfolio growth.
For over 30 years, Denniston has been a leading firm in hotel design and architecture, responsible for many of the world’s most luxurious hospitality and branded residential projects. Led by Jean-Michel Gathy, Denniston’s principal designer since its inception, who personally conceptualizes all design work, the firm’s clientele includes top developers and operators in high-end hospitality such as Aman Resorts, Cheval Blanc, Park Hyatt, St. Regis, Armani, Mandarin Oriental, Capella, GHM, Banyan Tree, and One&Only. Denniston also maintains a long-standing relationship with the Four Seasons brand; its hotels in Bangkok and Tokyo stand out among the company’s most notable projects, with another Four Seasons hotel currently under design in Shanghai.
Sameh Muhtadi, CEO, RAK Properties, said: “Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Mina is a landmark development that is not only attracting great interest but strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s standing as an exciting destination for ultra-lux travellers, home buyers, and real estate investors. The appointment of Denniston, a globally celebrated architecture firm with a clearly defined style and aesthetic, reflects the premium status of this project, its wide appeal, and the key role it will play in cementing Mina’s position on the global hospitality and real estate map. We look forward to working closely with our partners at Denniston, on this and future projects, to raise the bar for luxury living – and vacationing – in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and beyond.”
Jean-Michel Gathy, Denniston’s Founder and Principal, said: “Denniston is honoured, proud, and excited to be collaborating with RAK Properties and Four Seasons on this outstanding waterfront community project in Ras Al Khaimah. We will be inspired by the natural beauty of country, its heritage and its arts and crafts. It is always a pleasure to work with Four Seasons as their professionalism and acute knowledge of the luxury hospitality industry adds credibility to our design.”
The decision by Four Seasons to partner with RAK Properties not only aligns with the developer’s long-term strategy of destination building but also meets a growing demand for exceptional properties within vibrant, fully serviced, and master planned communities. Raha Island, a meticulously planned haven of luxury living within RAK Properties flagship Mina development, seamlessly combines elements of the natural world with a contemporary urban setting.
Centered around a picturesque and purpose-built marina, Raha Island will feature a blend of high-end hotels and residences alongside elegantly designed apartments. This strategic location, combined with the island’s comprehensive amenities, is designed to create a truly full-service luxury ‘sea-to-land’ offering, catering to every aspect of a discerning lifestyle. With carefully developed retail, leisure, and wellness hubs all within walking distance of each other, the island builds upon RAK Properties’ vision to meet, and expand, Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan for the emirate’s economic development and diversification.
A recent report from global property agency Savills highlighted branded residential properties as one of the fastest growing real estate segments, with the Middle East exhibiting the strongest activity. Leading the way regionally, the UAE’s diverse pipeline of branded residences continues to attract buyers to key markets, including Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah is poised to see a boom in the launch and sale of branded residences, with more than 5,600 units expected to be developed before 2029 – accounting for 40 per cent of the total number of projects under development in the emirate. Last year, 13,000 branded residences were sold in Dubai. Marking an increase of 43 per cent year-on-year, the AED60 billion generated in sales accounted for 8.5 per cent of total real estate transactions – a clear reflection of the segment’s popularity and its growing share of the UAE’s real estate market.
RAK Properties’ comprehensive Mina master plan is delivering an integrated community with luxury villas, apartments, and branded residences built to the highest standards of contemporary living. The expansive coastal destination, featuring pristine waterfronts, tranquil inlets, exclusive sandy beaches and modern urban spaces connected to everyday amenities, continues to attract international attention as a dynamic proposition within the UAE’s fast-moving real estate market.
