Ras Al Khaimah Hotels and Tourism Development Authority has completed the acquisition of one of the United Arab Emirates' first desert resorts, Banyan Tree Al Wadi.
The purchase follows an agreement with Rakeen Development to take over the resort, which is now owned by the emirate state's government and forms part of a wider 10-year strategy.
Facilities at Banyan Tree Al Wadi incorporate a 3,960sq m (42,625sq ft) Asian-inspired spa with 10 treatment pavilions and hydrotherapy facilities such as a vitality pool and hammam.
An activity centre; a kids' club; Al Hamra Golf Club; a falconry mews; and horse and camel stables are also on offer at the resort, along with a private beach club and meeting space.
The purchase forms part of Ras Al Khaimah's action plan to invest millions of dollars into hotels and tourism schemes in a bid to quadruple visitor numbers to the state.
Banyan Tree Holdings executive chair and founder Ho Kwon Ping said: "We chose Ras Al Khaimah for our Banyan Tree Middle East flagship property as this will drive our operation standards from a strong operations base."
