Everything you need to know about buying, investing and owning property in Ras Al Khaimah.
About
Where is Al Marjan Island located?
Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah in the northern UAE, extending 4.5 km into the Arabian Gulf. It sits roughly 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 25 minutes from RAK city center, with direct access via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road (E11).
What is Al Marjan Island and who developed it?
Al Marjan Island is a coral-shaped chain of four interconnected man-made islands developed by Marjan, the master developer of freehold real estate in Ras Al Khaimah. Originally a land reclamation initiative, it has grown into one of the UAE's most ambitious waterfront destinations, with hotels, branded residences and the upcoming Wynn integrated resort.
How far is Al Marjan Island from Dubai?
Al Marjan Island is approximately 50 minutes by car from Dubai International Airport and around 70 minutes from Downtown Dubai via the E311 highway. The new Wynn Bridge, due for completion in late 2026, will further improve connectivity to mainland Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE road network. This duration will be longer during traffic hours.
How many islands make up Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island consists of four interconnected coral-shaped islands, designed to maximize beachfront real estate. They are named as follows:
Island 1 - Breeze Island,
Island 2 - Treasure Island,
Island 3- Dream Island
Island 4 - View Island.
The islands feature over 7.8 km of beaches, a marina with 400 berths for super-yachts, and dedicated zones for luxury hotels, branded residences and resort lifestyle communities.
Is Al Marjan Island a freehold zone?
Yes. Al Marjan Island is a designated freehold zone, allowing 100% foreign ownership of property. International buyers can purchase, lease, resell or hold property indefinitely without requiring a local partner or sponsor which is one of the strongest regulatory frameworks for foreign property investment in the UAE.
Buying Property
What documents do I need to buy property on Al Marjan Island - Offplan from the Developer?
You will typically be required to provide the following documentation:
A valid passport copy with address from your home country, email and phone number for each buyer in case of joint ownership. UAE Emirates ID (for residents).
In addition, all buyers must complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which involves submitting personal details and declaring the source of funds.
What documents do I need to buy property on Al Marjan Island from the Secondary Market?
Purchasing a property on the secondary market (resale) can be completed remotely. However, you will be required to issue a Power of Attorney (POA) to a representative based in the UAE to act on your behalf throughout the transaction. You may opt for a Buying and Managing Power of Attorney, which authorizes the appointed individual to complete the purchase and handle post-transfer administrative matters. Please note that this type of POA does not grant the authority to sell the property. Under this arrangement, your representative will be able to liaise with relevant government authorities and service providers on your behalf, including tasks such as transferring and activating utilities (e.g., electricity, water, and internet services).
How long does it take to buy property on Al Marjan Island - Offplan from Developer?
A cash purchase directly from the developer is typically a straightforward and efficient process. Initially, a reservation deposit is paid, following which the buyer receives a reservation form and KYC documentation to complete and return.
In most cases, a formal sales offer will be issued and must be signed by the buyer (or all parties in the case of joint ownership). Upon receipt of approximately 20% of the purchase price, the developer will issue the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA), which outlines the full terms of the transaction.
The initial stages of the process are generally completed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the required payments and documentation are submitted.
Please note that RAKcompare and its parent company, One Broker Group, do not receive or hold client funds. All payments are made directly to the developer’s escrow account, while any applicable registration fees are paid to a separate account specified by the developer.
How long does it take to buy property on Al Marjan Island – Secondary?
For secondary market transactions, the process is typically completed within approximately two weeks from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the final title transfer.
Once the MOU is signed between the buyer and seller, an application is made to the developer for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which generally takes a few days to process. Upon issuance of the NOC, the transfer is completed at the Ras Al Khaimah Land Department, and ownership is officially transferred to the buyer.
Can I buy property on Al Marjan Island with a Power of Attorney from another country?
A UAE-recognized Power of Attorney (POA) enables your appointed representative to complete the entire property transaction on your behalf, without the need for you to be physically present in the UAE. The POA must be notarized in your home country, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy, and upon arrival in the UAE, translated into Arabic and stamped by the Ministry of Justice. As the wording of the POA must be precise and compliant with local regulations, we recommend consulting RAKcompare to obtain an approved draft.
Can foreigners buy property on Al Marjan Island?
Yes. Al Marjan Island is a freehold zone permitting 100% foreign ownership. International buyers can purchase apartments, townhouses, villas and branded residences without restrictions on nationality. Ownership is full and permanent, with rights to lease or resell.
What is the minimum investment to buy property on Al Marjan Island?
Entry-level studio and one-bedroom apartments on Al Marjan Island are currently priced from approximately AED 1,200,000 (around USD 330,000) for a studio, and from approximately AED 1,800,000 (around USD 495,000) for a one-bedroom unit. More affordable options can be found on RAKcompare for projects on the Beachfront and Hamra locations just outside Marjan Island. A range of flexible payment plans are available to suit different investment profiles. RAKcompare provides detailed, side-by-side comparisons across multiple projects, helping you evaluate key factors such as price, size, layout, and value, so you can make a more informed decision. Investments of AED 2 million or above may qualify the buyer for the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa, subject to prevailing regulations.
Wynn Casino
When does Wynn Al Marjan Island open?
Wynn Al Marjan Island is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. The $5.1 billion integrated resort is being developed by Wynn Resorts in partnership with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding. As of 2026, the 305-meter tower has reached its 70th floor, with topping-out and façade work progressing on schedule for the opening window.
Will Wynn Al Marjan Island have the UAE's first casino?
Yes. Wynn Al Marjan Island will operate the UAE's first legal commercial casino. Wynn Resorts received the country's first commercial gaming license from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in October 2024. The 225,000 sq ft gaming floor will be larger than the gaming floor at Wynn Las Vegas.
How will Wynn Resort affect Al Marjan Island property prices?
Industry analysts forecast 15–30% capital appreciation on Al Marjan Island properties as Wynn approaches its 2027 opening, with similar resorts globally producing comparable uplifts. Beachfront and branded residences within walking distance of Wynn are expected to benefit most, both from short-term rental demand and long-term capital growth.
How close are branded residences to the Wynn casino with the best views?
Most branded residences on Al Marjan Island are within a 3-5 minute drive of Wynn, with several waterfront projects offering direct views of the Wynn tower. JW Marriott Residences, Nikki Beach Residences, Oceano, Dannah Bay and Karl Lagerfeld Residences are among the closest, all positioned to capture spillover demand from Wynn's 1,542-room resort.
How big is the Wynn Al Marjan Island gaming floor?
The Wynn Al Marjan Island gaming floor will cover approximately 225,000 square feet (around 20,900 sq m), making it larger than the gaming floor at Wynn Las Vegas. CEO Craig Billings has publicly stated the sizing is intentional, given Wynn will be the sole operator in the UAE market initially.
What is the Wynn Bridge and when will it open?
The Wynn Bridge is a 548-metre bridge connecting Al Marjan Island to the E311 and E611 highways via Wynn Boulevard. It is targeted for completion in late 2026, ahead of the resort's 2027 opening. The bridge will significantly improve access for residents, guests and short-stay holiday-home tenants.
How many rooms and restaurants will Wynn Al Marjan Island have?
Wynn Al Marjan Island will feature 1,542 rooms, suites and villas, alongside 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a theatre, nightclub, beach club and luxury retail village. The 60-hectare resort will also include 12 swimming pools, a 420-metre private beach and a deep-water marina, all helping drive demand for surrounding properties.
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