Ras Al Khaimah’s master developer Marjan Group has announced the appointment of four senior executives to lead its three core business verticals as the emirate enters what the company describes as a new phase of growth.
Sheikh Saqr bin Omar Al Qasimi as Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Development, Alison Grinnell as Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Hospitality, Donald Bremner as Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Lifestyle and Omar Mohammed Al Muzakki as Head of Government Communications and Public Relations
“These appointments reflect our commitment to building a world-class leadership team capable of driving Ras Al Khaimah’s ambitious development agenda. The combination of national talent and global expertise strengthens Marjan Group’s ability to deliver projects that enhance the Emirate’s competitiveness, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth. We are confident that this leadership team will guide the Group into its next phase with clarity, capability and purpose,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan Group said in a statement.
Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Group names new CEOs across all three business verticals
Sheikh Saqr bin Omar Al Qasimi, who takes the helm of Marjan Development, previously served as Managing Director at RAK Real Estate and as a Board Member of RAK Ceramics.
He holds a master’s degree in Urban Planning and an MBA, both from the American University of Sharjah, a master’s degree in International Law, Public Relations and Diplomacy from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and a bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Sharjah.
Alison Grinnell, appointed to lead Marjan Hospitality, previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer at RAK Hospitality Holding, and has held positions at PwC Middle East and Andersen.
She was ranked among Forbes Middle East’s 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2023 and recognised among the region’s most influential travel and tourism leaders in 2022.
Donald Bremner, who will head Marjan Lifestyle, brings experience from his previous role as Chief Operating Officer at RAK Hospitality Holding, where he oversaw operations management and service development across multiple assets.
Omar Mohammed Al Muzakki, appointed Head of Government Communications and Public Relations, previously served as Executive Vice President of Service Marketing at e& and as a Board Member of Emirates Club in Ras Al Khaimah.
He also served as Executive Director of Member Affairs at the UAE International Investors Council and graduated from Etisalat College, now Khalifa University.
“We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of leaders whose diverse expertise will play a vital role in advancing our strategic priorities. Their appointments mark a significant step in strengthening our organisational structure and accelerating the development of key projects across the Emirate. As Ras Al Khaimah continues its evolution into a leading destination for tourism, real estate and investment, Marjan Group remains committed to delivering high-quality projects that contribute to the Emirate’s long-term vision,” Arch. Abdulla Rashid Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan Group added.
Marjan Group operates across three verticals – Development, Hospitality and Lifestyle – each playing a role in Ras Al Khaimah’s positioning as a tourism and investment destination.
Marjan Development functions as Ras Al Khaimah’s master developer, overseeing the planning, infrastructure delivery and commercial strategy of projects including Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beach, RAK Central and Jebel Jais. The division’s mandate covers urban planning, infrastructure, sustainability and long-term commercial strategy.
Marjan Hospitality manages a portfolio of hotels, resorts and branded residences, including The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Wynn Al Marjan Island and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. The division works in partnership with global hospitality brands across desert retreats, beachfront resorts and integrated developments.
Marjan Lifestyle oversees retail, dining, entertainment and outdoor attractions. Its assets include Jebel Jais – the UAE’s highest point – promoted through the Visit Jebel Jais channels, 1484 by Puro, described as the UAE’s highest restaurant, and Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.
Marjan Group’s development pipeline includes three projects of note. Al Marjan Island is the company’s flagship master development and home to Wynn Al Marjan Island, described as the region’s first fully integrated resort.
RAK Central is designed to serve as the commercial and cultural centre of the emirate, with plans for what the company says will be the largest Grade A office spaces in the Northern Emirates. Marjan Beach is a waterfront destination aimed at expanding the emirate’s residential and hospitality offering.
