Al Marjan Island — The Gulf's Hottest Investment Address

What Is Al Marjan Island?

Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islands extending approximately four kilometres into the Arabian Gulf from the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. Developed by Marjan — the island's master developer and a government entity — the total area spans around 2.7 million square metres of reclaimed land, with more than 23 kilometres of beachfront.

Until 2022, Al Marjan was a pleasant but quiet resort destination — known locally, barely known internationally. Then Wynn Resorts announced their first property outside the United States would be built here. Everything changed. The island is now one of the most actively traded property markets in the entire UAE, attracting buyers from Europe, Asia, and the wider GCC at a pace that was unimaginable three years ago.

Why Investors Are Buying Here

The investment case rests on a single catalytic event: Wynn Al Marjan Island, a USD 5.2 billion integrated resort opening in 2027. This will be the UAE's first casino-licensed property — a landmark that is expected to drive a step-change in tourist arrivals, hotel occupancy rates, and short-term rental demand across the entire island. Investors are buying ahead of that opening, and prices are already reflecting the anticipated demand.

The broader context reinforces the thesis. Ras Al Khaimah has set a target of 3.5 million tourists by 2030, up from around 1.2 million today. The emirate is investing heavily in hotel infrastructure — over 9,500 new hotel keys are in the pipeline — and Al Marjan Island is where the majority of that supply is being concentrated. More tourists, more hotel rooms, more short-term rental demand all flow directly into investor returns.

Who Is Buying on Al Marjan Island?

The buyer profile has shifted dramatically in the past three years. Before 2022, Al Marjan was predominantly a GCC market — buyers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE itself. Today, European buyers represent over 50% of transactions on the island's premium developments. British, German, French, Italian and Eastern European investors are all active, attracted by the combination of tax-free ownership, strong yields, and the Wynn catalyst.

Asian buyers — particularly from India, China, and South Korea — are also increasingly present. The island has genuinely become an international market, which brings both liquidity benefits (more buyers when you want to exit) and competitive pricing pressure (more demand pushing prices up).

Key Developments on the Island

Wynn Al Marjan Island is the anchor — 1,500+ hotel keys, gaming, retail, dining and entertainment across a massive beachfront footprint. Oystra by Zaha Hadid Architects (Richmind) is the architectural landmark — two sinuous towers designed by the world's most famous architecture practice. Tonino Lamborghini Residences (BNW) brings Italian supercar luxury to the island's residential market. TAJ Wellington Mews (BNW) and Bab Al Bahr (Al Hamra) complete a branded residential offering that covers every price point from accessible to ultra-luxury.

The developer ecosystem on Al Marjan is the most competitive in RAK — which means buyers have genuine choice and developers are working hard on design quality, amenities and payment plans to win business.