What Is RAK Central?
RAK Central is a master-planned commercial and mixed-use development being created by Marjan — the government entity that also developed Al Marjan Island. Spanning more than 3.1 million square feet, the district is designed to become Ras Al Khaimah's first dedicated business hub — bringing together offices, hotels, branded residences, retail, and public spaces in a single planned environment.
Located adjacent to Al Hamra Village and opposite the new Al Hamra Greens residential development, RAK Central is positioned at the intersection of the emirate's two most established neighbourhoods. The target completion date is 2030, aligning with RAK's 3.5 million tourist target and the full maturation of the Wynn resort ecosystem.
Why RAK Needs a Business District
As Ras Al Khaimah's economy grows — driven by tourism, manufacturing, and an increasing number of regional businesses choosing the emirate for its lower costs and strategic location — demand for Grade A commercial space, hotel meeting facilities, and executive residential product will grow alongside it. RAK Central is the infrastructure being built to capture that demand.
Currently, businesses relocating to RAK lack the concentrated commercial infrastructure that DIFC provides in Dubai or Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. RAK Central is designed to fill that gap — and early anchor tenants and hotel brands are already confirmed, with Radisson Blu Hotel and Residences (by BNW Developments) already signed and announced for the district.
Investment Opportunity
RAK Central offers a different investment thesis to Al Marjan Island. Rather than tourism and short-term rental demand, buyers here are betting on business-driven long-term rental demand — corporate tenants, business travellers, and professionals relocating to the emirate. The risk profile is different — this is earlier-stage development — but so is the reward potential if RAK Central succeeds in becoming a genuine business hub. BNW's early commitment to the district is a strong signal from a developer with significant skin in the game.
At a Glance
Why Buy Here
- First-mover advantage in RAK's business district
- Government-backed master developer (Marjan)
- Different demand profile to tourism-led areas
- Radisson Blu already confirmed as anchor
- Adjacent to Al Hamra Village infrastructure
- Positioned for 2030 economic growth
Watch Out For
- Early-stage development — higher execution risk
- Business district demand not yet proven in RAK
- 10-year horizon to full maturity
- Limited comparable sales data
- Depends heavily on RAK's economic growth trajectory
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The Verdict
RAK Central is a longer-term, higher-risk bet than Al Marjan Island or Al Hamra Village — but it is not a speculative one. Government-backed master planning, confirmed hotel anchors, and the broader growth trajectory of the emirate all support the thesis. For investors with a 5–10 year horizon who want exposure to RAK's economic diversification story rather than its tourism boom, RAK Central deserves a place on the shortlist. Buy early, buy the best-located product, and be patient.