There’s a reason travellers heading to Ras Al Khaimah keep coming back to one name: Rixos Bab Al Bahr — the kind of resort that promises an all-inclusive escape without the usual compromises and delivers enough to have earned a reputation far beyond the UAE. Whether you’re wondering about the owner, the general manager, or simply whether they pour a decent drink, this guide unpacks everything you actually need to know.
Location: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah ·
Hotel Class: 5-star ultra all-inclusive ·
Owner: Aldar Hospitality ·
General Manager: Ozgur Cireli ·
Number of Restaurants: Multiple, including Fishbone and Aja
Quick snapshot
- Aldar Hospitality (Official Rixos site)
- Part of Accor loyalty program (Breaking Travel News)
- Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (Rixos.com)
- Beachfront (Breaking Travel News)
- General Manager: Ozgur Cireli (Connecting Travel)
- 5-star (World Travel Awards)
- Ultra all-inclusive (World Travel Awards) (World Travel Awards)
- Turkish brand (Rixos.com) (World Travel Awards)
Six specs that define the Rixos Bab Al Bahr experience, from its official rating to what you’ll actually pay.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Official Website | rixos.com/hotel-resort/rixos-bab-al-bahr |
| Tripadvisor Rating | 4.5 stars (as of 2025) (TripAdvisor) |
| Price Per Night | From £133 (Kayak) |
| Alcohol | Served (Rixos.com) |
| Owner | Aldar Hospitality (Rixos official site) |
| General Manager | Ozgur Cireli (World Travel Awards) |
| Brand | Rixos (Turkish) (Breaking Travel News) |
| Location | Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (Connecting Travel) |
Who owns Rixos Bab Al Bahr?
Aldar Hospitality as owner
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr is owned by Aldar Hospitality (Rixos official site), the hospitality arm of Aldar Properties, one of the UAE’s largest real estate developers.
Connection to Rixos brand and Accor
- Rixos is a Turkish hotel chain founded in Turkey (Rixos.com). The property is integrated into the ALL – Accor loyalty programme, meaning guests can earn and redeem points across Accor’s global portfolio (Breaking Travel News).
What this means: Aldar brings deep regional real estate firepower; Accor provides a global booking engine and loyalty base. That combination gives Rixos Bab Al Bahr a financial and marketing backbone that few standalone resorts in Ras Al Khaimah can match.
Where is Rixos Bab Al Bahr located?
Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
- The resort sits on Al Marjan Island, a man-made archipelago in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (Breaking Travel News). It is a beachfront property (Rixos.com).
Proximity to Dubai
- Ras Al Khaimah is approximately 90 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport (DXB) (Rixos.com). Al Marjan Island is a 10-minute drive from the emirate’s main strip.
Nearby attractions
- Guests can access Jebel Jais mountain (the UAE’s highest peak) for hiking and the world’s longest zipline, plus the Al Hamra Mall and traditional souks (TripAdvisor user reviews).
The trade-off: You swap Dubai’s 24‑hour buzz for quieter beaches and significantly lower resort density. For families and couples seeking a dedicated beach holiday, that trade‑off typically works in RAK’s favour.
Who is the general manager of Rixos Bab Al Bahr?
Ozgur Cireli appointment
- Ozgur Cireli was appointed General Manager of Rixos Bab Al Bahr with over 30 years of hospitality experience (Connecting Travel). He previously held senior roles at other Rixos properties and luxury hotels in Turkey and the Middle East.
General manager role and responsibilities
- The GM oversees all hotel operations including guest experience, food & beverage, housekeeping, and revenue management. Industry benchmarks suggest hotel GMs in Dubai earn between AED 40,000 and AED 80,000 per month plus benefits, though exact figures for Rixos Bab Al Bahr are not publicly disclosed (TripAdvisor).
The pattern: Cireli’s appointment signals that Aldar values deep Turkish hospitality know‑how — a deliberate cultural fit for a brand built in Turkey.
Is Rixos a Turkish hotel? And is it luxury?
Rixos brand origins in Turkey
- Rixos was founded in Turkey and its corporate identity is firmly Turkish (Rixos.com). The brand is known for blending Turkish hospitality traditions — warm welcome, generous meals, entertainment — with modern resort infrastructure.
5‑star ultra all‑inclusive classification
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr is classified as a 5‑star ultra all‑inclusive resort (World Travel Awards). That means everything from meals and drinks to nightly shows and water sports is bundled into the rate.
Luxury amenities at Rixos Bab Al Bahr
- The resort features an outdoor pool, private beach, spa, multiple restaurants (including Fishbone and Aja), and entertainment venues (Rixos.com). It won the Middle East’s Leading All‑Inclusive Resort award in 2014 (World Travel Awards).
Why this matters: The “Turkish” heritage isn’t just branding — it shapes the all‑inclusive ethos. Guests get food that leans heavily Turkish‑Mediterranean, a lively social calendar, and a service style that prioritises warmth over formality. For luxury‑seeking travellers who want a holiday that feels curated rather than corporate, that distinction is real.
Does Rixos Bab Al Bahr serve alcohol?
Alcohol policy at Rixos Bab Al Bahr
- Yes, the resort serves alcohol to guests aged 21 and over (Rixos.com). Drinks are included in the ultra all‑inclusive package at several bars and restaurants on the property.
Ras Al Khaimah liquor laws
- Ras Al Khaimah has liberal alcohol laws compared to some neighbouring emirates; hotels with a liquor licence can serve freely. Visitors do not need a personal alcohol licence to drink in licensed venues (Rixos.com).
The upshot: For travellers who want the all‑inclusive full‑drinks package without the restrictions found in Sharjah or parts of Dubai, Rixos Bab Al Bahr delivers an open‑bar experience that’s rare for a resort in the Arabian Peninsula.
Ozgur Cireli’s 30‑year track record means guests get a GM who understands both Turkish service culture and Middle Eastern luxury expectations. For a property that competes on hospitality, that’s the single most important hire Aldar could make.
The ultra all‑inclusive model works brilliantly for families and groups, but solo travellers or couples seeking quiet seclusion may find the social programming — nightly shows, group activities — overwhelming rather than relaxing.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr is located on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (Breaking Travel News)
- General Manager is Ozgur Cireli (Connecting Travel)
- Serves alcohol (Rixos official site)
- Rixos is a Turkish brand (Rixos official site)
- 5-star ultra all-inclusive (World Travel Awards)
- Owned by Aldar Hospitality (Rixos official site)
What’s unclear
- Exact opening date of the hotel
- Number of rooms (not publicly confirmed)
- Renovation history and future refurbishment plans
- Previous general manager history
- Total number of rooms and suites
- Year of last major renovation
What guests are saying
“The staff went above and beyond. We’ve stayed at many all-inclusives and this one sets a new standard for service.”
— Guest review on TripAdvisor
“Rixos is a brand of natural entertainers — that’s the DNA we bring to every property.”
— Accor Group statement (Breaking Travel News)
“The food is incredible — especially the Turkish corner. It feels like a genuine cultural experience, not a hotel buffet.”
— Guest review on TripAdvisor
What this means: For the traveller weighing a luxury holiday in Ras Al Khaimah, Rixos Bab Al Bahr offers a clear trade-off: you trade the flash of Dubai for a genuine all-inclusive experience rooted in Turkish hospitality and backed by one of the UAE’s largest developers. For families and couples who value service, food, and a reliable open bar, the choice is simple — book the Rixos, or risk a holiday that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rixos Bab Al Bahr family-friendly?
Yes. The resort offers kids’ clubs, family pools, and babysitting services. The all-inclusive format is particularly popular with families because meals and activities are pre-paid (Rixos.com).
Does Rixos Bab Al Bahr have a private beach?
Yes. The resort sits on a private beachfront on Al Marjan Island with sun loungers, water sports, and a dedicated beach bar (Rixos.com).
How far is Rixos Bab Al Bahr from Dubai airport?
Approximately 90 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport (DXB) (Rixos.com).
Can I book Rixos Bab Al Bahr through Accor?
Yes. The property is part of the ALL – Accor loyalty programme and can be booked via the Accor website or app (Breaking Travel News).
What is the cancellation policy at Rixos Bab Al Bahr?
Cancellation policies vary by rate type. Most flexible rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in. Check your booking confirmation for specific terms (Rixos.com).
Are there fitness facilities at Rixos Bab Al Bahr?
Yes. The resort features a modern fitness centre, yoga classes, and a spa with a hammam and treatment rooms (Rixos.com).
Related reading
- Maris Grand Waterpark Resort: Protaras Location, Reviews & Prices — Another all-inclusive resort profile for comparison
- Things to Do in Budapest – Essential Guide for Every Traveler — Consider a city break alternative for your next holiday
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.