01 November 2023

A four-tower residential complex is now rising rapidly within Ras Al Khaimah’s Mina Al Arab waterfront community, promising unobstructed views over the surrounding picturesque and serene landscape that harmoniously combines the beach, the sea and low- and mid-rise homes and hotels.

Bay Residences is strategically located on the prestigious Hayat Island of Mina Al Arab, adjacent to the 350-room InterContinental Mina Al Arab Resort which includes an array of facilities such as a health club, spa, two swimming pools, fitness centre and a selection of restaurants.

“Bay Residences is where residents live, work and play in a true ‘affordable luxury’, at the most extraordinary location, on an island surrounded by pristine beaches and amongst natural reserves, all at an affordable price,” Sameh Muhtadi, CEO, RAK Properties, tells Gulf Construction in an exclusive interview.

“Bay Residences is the first truly mixed-use project in Ras Al Khaimah, combining residential, retail, commercial, leisure and entertainment facilities, providing a comprehensive experience for the residents and visitors,” he adds.

Elaborating on the design of the project, Muhtadi says: “With its streamlined design, Bay Residences appeals to unit owners as well as the developer with its energy-efficiency and socially responsible site planning, allowing residents to interact with nature within the podium gardens, or swim in the sea within a minute’s walk down the beach. Thanks to its affordable pricing and high-quality finishes, it will surely be a sought-after project in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Inspired by the sea, sand, and beach life, the design embraces the varying topography and the site’s unique identity with its unobstructed views of the sea, creating a fully integrated beach lifestyle. Mimicking the waves or the Arabian Sea, full of light and fluid shapes, the architecture of the project takes advantage of the location and maximises the waterfront views, according to RAK Properties.

The design consultant on the project is Naga Architects, while the supervision consultant is National Engineering Bureau.

Occupying a 38,938-sq-m plot of land, the beachfront apartment complex will offer a total of 648 residences in four towers that sit on two separate podiums being built in two phases. 

Each phase comprises two towers, 11 storeys and 14 storeys high respectively, rising above a podium level to offer a total of 324 units. Amenities are provided at the podium level to provide privacy to residents. The development also includes retail spaces.

Construction work is under way on both the phases, with around 660 workers currently on site and this number is expected to increase to around 800 when Phase Two progresses further, Muhtadi points out.

Work on the first phase, being carried out by Al Oroba Contracting, is well advanced with structural work having been completed. Blockwork is progressing on the eighth floor, while MEP and finishing works are progressing on the lower levels. This phase is due for handover in the third quarter of 2024.

Meanwhile, Gulf Asia Contracting is working on Phase Two of the project with structural work having reached the third-floor level. The second phase is scheduled for completion in Q4 2024.

The towers sit on piles while the podium area rests on isolated footings. The buildings comprise a reinforced concrete structure dressed in a façade that maximises views with large glass windows and a balcony design in a wavy pattern that resonates with the nearby sea.

“The wavy pattern of the façade requires careful planning and construction,” Muhtadi points out.

To ensure the safety and security as well as the convenience of residents, the complex provides separate entrances for residents and guests so retail traffic does not impact the residences. At the same time, a hotel-like drop-off has been strategically located on the top of the podium to offer breathtaking views of the sea and Angel Bay, Hayat Island’s one-of-its-kind public realm destination.

“Market demand and an absolutely fantastic site drove the development strategy for Bay Residences, positioning it as a unique offering that combines high-quality design, practical spaces, proximity to the beach, meaningful retail and restaurant offerings, and a highly accessible public open space along the waterfront,” Muhtadi concludes. 

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