Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has signed a hotel operation agreement for 15 years with Saraya Islands. The agreement is regarding operating Taj Exotica Hotel & Spa in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, which will become operational by end of year 2011.

The resort will include around 150 guest rooms including suites, 30 bunglows, two restaurants, conference facilities spa and other top-end amenities, an official release said.

Saraya Islands is investing $2 billion for the whole project. The Island has a unique location between desert and mountains and the project is composed of four islands and a main village, occupying 5.5 km of long Natural Island.

Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and CEO of IHC said, “This alliance will open the door for many opportunities and is part of our strategy to build a global brand. We are delighted to partner them. The strategic position of the Saraya Islands between Hajjar range and the Azure Sea of the Arabian Gulf will allow us scope for our luxurious offering."

The Indian Hotels Company and its subsidiaries are collectively known as Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.

Mahdhar Al Tamini, General Manager, Saraya Islands said, “It’s going to be a state of the art mixed-use resort destination in the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah. It’ll have world class 5 star hotels, spread over the island; it’ll also have a residential area as well as a retail segment and water amusement park. Moreover, the island is well connected with Sharjah and Dubai International airports.”

The first phase of the Saraya Islands project is expected to open in 2011.