Leading international hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels is expanding its portfolio in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the development of a new resort and residences in Sharjah under its Anantara brand.

Situated on the coastline of the Arabian Gulf, a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, the Anantara Sharjah Resort and Residences will open in late 2027. The project is owned and developed by Arada, a prominent UAE developer.

The new-build resort will be located on the northeastern edge of Sharjah's Al Heerah beach, offering guests access to a 3.5-kilometre beachfront.

Featuring striking architecture, the property will offer 110 guest rooms and suites, ranging from 45m² to 120m², and luxurious penthouse suites on higher floors.

Responding to the growing demand for branded residences, the development will also include 128 residential units for sale.

Guests can unwind on the expansive infinity pool, rejuvenate at the spa or stay active at the state-of-the-art gym.

The property will also cater to diverse culinary preferences with five restaurants: a café lounge, a poolside eatery, an al fresco beachfront dining venue, Anantara's signature Mekong restaurant offering pan-Asian cuisine and a speciality restaurant focusing on local flavours.

For business travellers, the Anantara Sharjah Resort will provide a flexible 400m² meeting space, along with outdoor venues for social events.

“The expansion of the luxury Anantara brand into Sharjah is an opportunity to deliver our unmatched lifestyle offerings to a new audience,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, in a statement.

“Anantara is one of the most distinguished luxury hotel brands in the world and it is a privilege to bring this brand to Sharjah for the first time,” said HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, vice chairman of Arada.

“Our partnership with Minor Hotels will provide buyers with the quality and delivery associated with Arada, combined with the harmony, culture, heritage and services they have come to expect from the Anantara brand.”

The upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort marks the latest addition to Minor Hotels' growing portfolio in the Middle East. With two new resorts launched in the UAE this year, the company strengthens its presence in the country, reaching a total of ten properties.