Estattor.com

Tag: Al Marjan Island

  • RAK Prime Apartment Prices Hit Record High as RAK Central Emerges

    RAK Prime Apartment Prices Hit Record High as RAK Central Emerges

    Prime apartment prices in Ras Al Khaimah have reached the highest level in the current cycle, driven by strong capital appreciation across coastal destinations including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab, according to CBRE.

    Global real estate consultancy CBRE reported that prime apartment sales prices hit Dh2,428 per square foot in 2025, marking the peak of the current market cycle. Villa prices also strengthened, rising to an average of Dh1,211 per square foot, with robust growth recorded within Al Hamra.

    Overall market values climbed sharply, with average apartment prices increasing 32 percent year-on-year and villa prices rising 11 percent.

    RAK Central Defines New Business Hub

    While Al Marjan Island anchors Ras Al Khaimah’s leisure-led identity, RAK Central is emerging as the emirate’s work-and-play district—a future business hub integrating offices, residences, hospitality, and lifestyle in one connected urban core.

    The development will require billions of dirhams in investment to accommodate over 6,000 professionals and 4,000-plus residential units, attracting numerous UAE developers who have launched multiple projects in the area.

    BNW Developments recently announced the first Radisson Blu Hotel and Radisson Blu Residences in RAK Central.

    “RAK Central is a clear statement of where Ras Al Khaimah is headed, and we help drive that momentum alongside partners of global calibre,”

    said Dr Vivek Anand Oberoi, managing director and co-founder of BNW Developments.

    The Radisson Blu Hotel, RAK Central, will comprise 361 keys within a newly built property positioned above curated retail and cinema offerings, while Radisson Blu Residences will include 222 branded units.

    Elie Milky, chief development officer for the Middle East at Radisson Hotel Group, described entering RAK Central as “an exciting step” bringing a premium hotel and residential offering rooted in strong operations and consistent service.

    Tourism Growth Drives Development

    The much-awaited opening of the $5.1-billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, an integrated gaming resort, remains on schedule for early 2027 after topping out in the fourth quarter of 2025. This landmark project strengthens the profile of both Al Marjan Island and RAK Central as a world-class tourist destination.

    Ras Al Khaimah is targeting 3.5 million tourists by 2030, requiring substantial hospitality infrastructure across the emirate. RAK Central will play a key role in meeting this target and accommodating future tourist growth.

    According to CBRE, the emirate’s plan to reach 3.5 million visitors by 2030 and double its hotel keys is anchored by the strategic attraction of global brands and the addition of new master plans such as RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the upcoming Jebel Jais master plan, alongside further expansion of Mina and Al Hamra Village.

    Despite a year-on-year reduction in overall sales volume and total transaction value—primarily due to mid-market launches in emerging districts like RAK Central—the market witnessed a strong rebound in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring ongoing depth of demand.

    For context, RAK’s 32% apartment price appreciation in 2025 positioned it among the UAE’s fastest-growing investment destinations, while neighboring markets continue their own expansion trajectories.

  • Ras Al Khaimah Reports 25% Rent Surge, 32% Apartment Price Growth

    Ras Al Khaimah Reports 25% Rent Surge, 32% Apartment Price Growth

    The emirate’s residential market experienced unprecedented momentum throughout 2025, with prime apartment sales reaching AED 2,428 per square foot—the highest level in the current cycle. Growth was concentrated across coastal developments including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab, while villa prices averaged AED 1,211 per square foot, marking an 11% annual increase.

    The performance comes amid broader economic resilience across the UAE, where non-oil sector growth and strong foreign direct investment have offset softer oil projections. RAK has capitalized on this environment through major industrial and tourism infrastructure, most notably the $5.2 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island development.

    “The residential and hospitality sectors have entered a new phase of growth driven by global brand partnerships and a deepening pool of international buyers,” said Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA.

    The emirate’s business environment remained robust, with more than 19,000 new companies registered through RAKEZ alone, supporting steady employment growth and reinforcing sustained real estate demand.

    Rental Market Dynamics

    Apartment rents surged nearly 25% year-on-year, supported by new supply deliveries in key communities. Villa rents remained broadly stable, though prime locations like Mina Al Arab recorded notable increases. CBRE noted that rapid escalation in prime pricing has created a growing divergence between sales and rental values, a trend expected to moderate as new inventory reaches completion in coming years.

    Luxury Segment Expansion

    High-profile project launches including Mondrian Beach Residences and Jacob & Co Residences continue to elevate the emirate’s luxury positioning. Despite a year-on-year reduction in overall sales volume due to mid-market launches in districts like RAK Central, the market witnessed a strong rebound in the fourth quarter, underscoring ongoing demand depth.

    Record Hospitality Performance

    The hospitality sector delivered standout results, with visitor arrivals reaching an all-time high of 1.36 million during 2025. Key metrics showed broad-based improvement: occupancy rose 4.6 percentage points, Average Daily Rate increased 6.6%, and RevPAR surged 11.5% year-on-year.

    RAK’s hotel inventory now exceeds 9,000 keys, with a development pipeline for 2026–2030 planning more than 9,500 additional keys. Notably, 92% of planned inventory falls within the five-star category, as international operators deepen their presence and new entrants diversify the luxury landscape.

    Market Outlook

    As the delivery cycle accelerates from 2027 onwards, RAK is positioned to solidify its standing as one of the UAE’s most dynamic real estate markets. The emirate’s low inflation environment, combined with its strong sovereign rating and record greenfield investment levels, provides a solid foundation for continued growth.

    The performance aligns with broader trends across the region, where GCC real estate markets maintain upward momentum through the first half of 2026, driven by easing monetary conditions and infrastructure investment. The UAE is also set to add 390,000 residential units by 2030, reflecting one of the region’s largest residential expansion cycles.