Dubai Abu Dhabi Ras Al Khaimah Sharjah Ajman Umm Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah Ajman
Ras Al Khaimah has firmly established itself as one of the most active property markets in the UAE. During 2024-2025, the emirate recorded a significant increase in demand for apartments under construction and branded residential projects, with the trend particularly pronounced on Al Marjan Island.
This surge in interest has led to a marked increase in residential prices and rental rates. In the first quarter of 2025, the average property value in Ras Al Khaimah increased by 39% year-on-year, and the volume of transactions with off-plan properties exceeded AED 2.4 billion (about $652 million). Experts also predict that in the near future the share of branded apartments in the total volume of supply in the emirate market may reach 25%.
The key reasons for such high popularity of Ras Al Khaimah among investors are related to several factors at once. First of all, the emirate demonstrates record indicators of tourist flow, which in 2024 reached 1.28 million overnight stays. At the same time, the resort and entertainment infrastructure is being actively developed, increasing the attractiveness of the region for both holidaymakers and tenants.
An important role is also played by the state programme of investment in improving the transport system and social environment. Together, these factors ensure a steady demand for rental property in Ras Al Khaimah and contribute to the growing liquidity of properties, which makes the market particularly interesting for both private investors and large institutional players.
Al Hamra Village continues to be one of the most desirable locations for property investment in Ras Al Khaimah. This well-established resort community is home to a golf course, a vibrant yacht marina and the prestigious Falcon Island project, which have all contributed to its enduring appeal. Investors here can expect a gross return on investment (ROI) of around 6.9% for apartments, while villas generate a yield of approximately 5.34%.
Another major focal point for investors is Al Marjan Island, which is rapidly evolving into one of the emirate’s most high-profile destinations. The island is currently witnessing the implementation of a number of world-class developments, including the flagship Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, scheduled to open in early 2027.
Alongside this landmark project, branded residential communities by leading developers such as Ellington and Aldar are taking shape, including Cala Del Mar and Nikki Beach Residences. The ROI for apartments on Al Marjan Island stood at 6.13% in 2024, reflecting the strong demand for both investment and end-use properties.
Mina Al Arab, including Hayat Island, remains a reliable choice for investors seeking stable demand in the long-term rental market. Here, RAK Properties is actively progressing with new phases of several projects, including Bay Views, Cape Hayat and Mirasol. In 2024, the gross yield for apartments at Mina Al Arab was 5.57%, while villas delivered a return of approximately 4.53%. This balance of dependable rental demand and consistent yields makes the area attractive for those seeking steady income.
For investors focused on building a rental portfolio, Yasmin Village offers an especially compelling proposition. Yields in this community are among the highest in the emirate, with ROI figures reaching 11.7% in 2024. This makes Yasmin Village particularly suitable for investors prioritising cash flow.
Meanwhile, the urban districts of Dafan Al Nakheel and Al Seer offer solid opportunities for those interested in smaller units. These areas enjoy stable rental demand and an average ROI of 6.93%, making them ideal for purchasing studios and one-bedroom apartments targeted at long-term tenants.
Among the leading developers shaping the real estate landscape of Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan holds a particularly prominent position. As the master developer of the emirate’s coastal freehold land, the company is the driving force behind the transformation of Al Marjan Island. In addition to developing this flagship destination, Marjan is overseeing an ambitious plan to integrate Al Marjan Island with Al Hamra Village, creating a seamless coastal axis enhanced by thoughtfully designed public spaces and supporting infrastructure.
Another key player is RAK Properties, a publicly listed developer with a portfolio valued at AED 5 billion (approximately $1.36 billion). The company is currently engaged in the construction of more than 3,000 residential units and is playing a central role in the growth of the Mina and Hayat Island clusters. These projects are designed to meet the needs of a broad range of investors and end users, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a sought-after real estate market.
Al Hamra is also a major force in the sector. Best known for the development of Al Hamra Village, the company is expanding its portfolio with the prestigious Falcon Island project, adding to the area’s appeal as a desirable lifestyle destination.
In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has also attracted a growing number of developers from other emirates, a clear indicator of its rising investment potential. Dubai-based Ellington Properties, renowned for its high-end design-led projects, has already launched Cala Del Mar on Al Marjan Island. Similarly, Aldar Properties, the largest developer in Abu Dhabi, has expanded its footprint in Ras Al Khaimah with the launch of Nikki Beach Residences, further elevating the emirate’s residential offerings.
Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal continues to grow, and much of this success is tied to the emirate’s clear focus on developing resort and entertainment infrastructure. At the heart of this strategy is the ambitious Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, a landmark project scheduled to open in 2027. The development has already made history by receiving the country’s first commercial gaming licence, and it is widely expected to become a major catalyst for increased tourist traffic as well as a boost for short-term property rentals throughout Ras Al Khaimah.
The tourism sector has already delivered record-breaking results. In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah recorded 1.28 million overnight stays, alongside a 12% increase in revenue and a 15% rise in the number of business events hosted. This growth has been further supported by the rising popularity of active tourism, highlighted by the success of the Jais Flight attraction — currently the world’s longest zip line at 2.83 kilometres — located on the majestic Jebel Jais mountain.
Transport infrastructure has also been a key contributor to this momentum. The Etihad Rail national railway network now links the emirate to Sharjah and other regions across the UAE, dramatically reducing travel times and simplifying logistics. In the freight sector, agreements are already in place with key terminals in Ras Al Khaimah, and future passenger integration is expected to further enhance connectivity and efficiency.
The emirate’s airport is undergoing a significant modernisation programme as well. Plans are in place for a brand-new terminal covering 30,000 m², which will raise the airport’s capacity to 3 million passengers per year by 2028. This expansion will further strengthen the tourism sector and support increasing demand for both short- and long-term rentals.
In addition, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) plays an integral role in the emirate’s broader economy. Home to more than 14,500 companies, RAKEZ not only attracts businesses from a wide range of industries but also drives consistent demand for long-term residential rentals, creating a stable foundation for the local real estate market.
In 2026-2029, more than 14,000 properties are planned to be built in the emirate, with the share of branded projects growing most rapidly in coastal areas. On Al Marjan Island, the launch of private projects is accelerating, synchronised with preparations for the opening of the Wynn resort, which is increasing the investment attractiveness of the area. Master developer Marjan is providing all the necessary engineering and transport infrastructure on the sites, reducing the risk of construction delays.
RAK Properties is scaling up projects in Mina and Hayat Island, actively building residential developments and expanding the social infrastructure of the areas, including schools, retail stores and large malls, parks and landscaped waterfronts. These measures are improving the quality of life in the emirate and strengthening interest from end users.
Ras Al Khaimah successfully combines the development of resort and entertainment infrastructure with the strengthening of its industrial and logistics base and large-scale government investment in transport and social services. This creates two sustainable strategies for investors: buying properties in stable areas with yields of 6-7% and in premium coastal clusters with the aim of capital growth.
The right choice of area and type of property, as well as consideration of factors such as service charges, depth of rental demand and the timing of major infrastructure projects, will maximise the effectiveness of real estate investments in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate is no longer an ‘alternative to Dubai’ and is becoming an independent centre of attraction for capital in the long term.
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