Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing emirates, has become home to one of the most ambitious coastal developments in the region — Al Marjan Island. This man-made island, stretching out into the Arabian Gulf, has become a hotspot for luxury living, tourism, and investment. Designed to offer a unique mix of high-end hotels, waterfront residences, and leisure attractions, Al Marjan Island is changing the game for real estate and travel in the northern emirates.
Just an hour’s drive from Dubai, the island has quickly grown into a major attraction. Its stunning views, clean beaches, and five-star resorts are drawing both international tourists and investors looking for the next big opportunity in the UAE. Al Marjan Island isn’t just another luxury destination — it’s part of a much bigger vision to turn Ras Al Khaimah into a global name in tourism and real estate.
What Is Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island is made up of four connected coral-shaped islands: Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island, and View Island. Together, they stretch over 4.5 kilometers into the sea and cover an area of around 2.7 million square meters. The entire project has been carefully planned to create a peaceful yet luxurious environment that blends nature with modern living.
The project was launched in 2013 by the government of Ras Al Khaimah as a major part of its long-term tourism and development strategy. Since then, it has attracted billions of dirhams in investments and continues to grow with new hotel openings, real estate developments, and entertainment projects.
A Hub for Luxury Tourism
One of the biggest attractions of Al Marjan Island is its impressive list of resorts and hotels. The island is already home to international names like Rixos, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Mövenpick, and Radisson. These properties offer everything from private beaches and fine dining to wellness spas and water sports, attracting tourists from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
More luxury resorts are expected to open in the coming years, with major players like Wynn Resorts planning to launch one of the first integrated resort projects in the region. The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island — which is expected to open in 2027 — will include a hotel, entertainment complex, and what’s rumored to be the UAE’s first casino, a move that has sparked global interest.
Real Estate Opportunities Booming
Alongside tourism, Al Marjan Island is also quickly becoming one of the most sought-after spots for real estate investment in the UAE. Waterfront apartments, villas, and branded residences are being developed with strong demand from both local and international buyers. With no income tax and full ownership rights for foreigners, the island is seen as a golden opportunity for those looking to invest in a growing market.
Property prices on the island have been rising steadily, fueled by increasing demand and limited supply. Investors are particularly interested in off-plan properties, hoping to benefit from capital appreciation as more infrastructure and lifestyle amenities are added.
A Vision for the Future
Al Marjan Island is not just about building hotels and homes. The larger plan includes creating a fully functional lifestyle destination with shopping malls, parks, marinas, wellness centers, and entertainment hubs. The goal is to offer residents and visitors everything they need — all in one place.
Ras Al Khaimah’s government is also heavily investing in infrastructure, including better roads, public transport systems, and sustainable energy solutions to support the island’s development. Environmental care is another key focus, with several initiatives to protect marine life and reduce the ecological footprint of the project.
Why People Are Flocking to Al Marjan Island
There are a few clear reasons why Al Marjan Island is seeing such fast growth:
- Strategic Location: Just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 25 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah Airport, the island is easily accessible for international travelers.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by clear blue water and long stretches of white sand, the island offers a peaceful escape from city life.
- Safe and Stable: Ras Al Khaimah is known for being safe, politically stable, and business-friendly — key factors for investors and tourists.
- Growing Tourism Sector: With visitor numbers rising year after year, the tourism economy is expected to play a key role in the emirate’s future.
Events, Activities, and Lifestyle
Life on Al Marjan Island isn’t just luxurious — it’s full of things to do. Visitors can enjoy water sports like jet skiing, paddle boarding, and scuba diving. Sunset cruises, yacht rentals, and guided nature tours are also popular activities.
For families, there are child-friendly resorts, outdoor playgrounds, and beach clubs. Wellness lovers will appreciate the island’s growing number of spas, gyms, and yoga retreats. There’s also a regular lineup of events, from music festivals and food markets to art exhibitions and sports competitions.
Impact on Ras Al Khaimah’s Economy
The success of Al Marjan Island is expected to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s economy by creating thousands of jobs and increasing tourism revenue. The government has set clear targets to attract more than 3 million tourists per year by 2030, and projects like Al Marjan Island will be central to reaching those goals.
In addition, foreign investments in hospitality and real estate are helping to diversify the emirate’s economy beyond traditional industries like manufacturing and construction.
Final Thoughts
Al Marjan Island is a shining example of what vision, planning, and investment can achieve. From its luxury resorts to its residential towers, the island is setting new standards for waterfront living in the UAE. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi have long been the go-to names in tourism and real estate, Ras Al Khaimah is now proving that it can play on the same level — and perhaps even offer something different.
Also read: Al Yasat Islands: A UAE Wildlife Sanctuary Few Have Explored
