Why Al Marjan Island is the UAE’s Next Real Estate Hotspot (And Why You Should Care)
What’s the one project turning heads in the UAE right now? It’s Wynn Al Marjan Island—a $5.1 billion resort that’s bringing the country’s first integrated gaming resort to life. Announced in 2022, this place is already changing the game for property values on Al Marjan Island.
Construction’s flying—over half the concrete’s done as of late 2024 already and 64% construction completed as of April 2025. And get this: by December 2025, they’ll hit the "topping off" point (aka when the building reaches its full height—pretty cool, right?). Investors are buzzing, and it’s easy to see why. This isn’t just a resort; it’s a goldmine in the making. What do you think—time to jump in?
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has rapidly evolved from a quiet emirate into one of the UAE’s most dynamic luxury property markets. With record-breaking transaction growth, infrastructure expansion, and the arrival of global hospitality brands, RAK—especially Al Marjan Island—is capturing the attention of investors, end-users, and international buyers alike.
Transaction values in RAK’s real estate market more than doubled in 2024, marking the emirate as the UAE’s fastest-growing property hotspot.
RAK's Explosive Real Estate Growth: The Numbers Don't Lie
Ras Al Khaimah's real estate market has witnessed extraordinary expansion that few could have predicted. Transaction volumes have skyrocketed by nearly 25,000% over the past seven years, with the total value of real estate transactions reaching AED 2.53 billion ($2.535bn) in June 2024, compared to just AED 10.1 million ($2.8m) in June 2017. (https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/ras-al-khaimah-real-estate-no-longer-an-emerging-player-as-transactions-up-25000-since-2017)
The most compelling evidence of this growth appeared in early 2025, with RAK Municipality reporting that total transactions soared to AED 15.08 billion in 2024—a remarkable 118% increase from AED 6.94 billion in 2023. These figures aren't just impressive; they represent a fundamental shift in the emirate's property market positioning within the UAE. (https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/real-estate/ras-al-khaimah-real-estate-booming-after-massive-118-surge-in-transactions)
Al Marjan Island: The Crown Jewel of RAK Real Estate
At the center of this boom sits Al Marjan Island, a man-made marvel comprising four coral-shaped islets spanning 115 acres. As the premier luxury destination in RAK, Al Marjan Island has seen property values appreciate dramatically over the past two years:
2023 Price Growth: Per-square-foot prices surged by 7.49% to average AED 745 in H1 2023
2024 Price Explosion: The price-per-square-foot rose by a staggering 33.3% to AED 1,067 in 2024
Current Price Range: Luxury apartments command AED 1,400-2,000 per square foot, with branded residences fetching AED 2,500+ per square foot
Villa Premium: Beachfront villas now trade between AED 1,600-2,500 per square foot, with premium branded villas exceeding AED 2,500 per square foot
The Wynn Effect: A Game-Changer for Al Marjan Island
Let’s be real—when a $5.1 billion resort with the UAE’s first casino comes to town, property values don’t just inch up; they skyrocket. And that’s exactly what’s happening on Al Marjan Island. The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is reshaping market expectations and driving investment at unprecedented levels. With construction already over 55% complete and the tower set to reach its full height by December 2025, the buzz is real. This mega-development is not only a luxury resort but also a catalyst for a real estate boom. Gulf Business predicts that property prices could hit AED 10,000 per square foot by 2030—a massive leap from the current range of AED 1,500–3,000 [https://gulfbusiness.com/al-marjan-real-estate-sector-set-for-a-big-wynn/].
Price Impact of the Wynn ResortThe Wynn effect on property values cannot be overstated:
Proximity Premium: Properties closest to the future Wynn Resort location command the highest price increases, with smaller units (studios and one-bedrooms) seeing particularly strong demand
Value Doubling: Many homeowners report their property values have doubled since the casino announcement
Future Projections: Market analysts predict the Wynn development could help propel prices to an extraordinary AED 10,000 per square foot by 2030—a meteoric rise from current levels
The gaming license secured by Wynn Resorts has only accelerated interest from ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking to establish a presence near what will become the UAE's premier entertainment destination. With construction progressing rapidly toward a 2027 completion date, smart investors are positioning themselves now before the full price impact materializes.
Investment Advantages: Al Marjan Island vs. DubaiFor investors weighing opportunities across the UAE, Al Marjan Island offers compelling advantages over established Dubai hotspots:
Comparative Value
The price differential remains significant, though it has narrowed somewhat:
Al Marjan Island: AED 1,200-1,800 per square foot (2024 data)
Palm Jumeirah (Dubai): AED 3,500-5,500 per square foot
This price gap represents room for continued appreciation as Al Marjan Island's amenities, infrastructure, and international profile continue to develop.
Population Growth and Tourism: Dual Demand DriversTwo fundamental factors continue to support Al Marjan Island's property market: population growth and tourism expansion.
RAK's population is projected to nearly double by 2030, reaching approximately 650,000 residents. This demographic trend alone creates substantial housing demand across all segments.
Simultaneously, tourism is booming, with authorities targeting over 3 million annual visitors by 2030. This tourism growth directly impacts the real estate market by increasing demand for short-term rentals and driving investor interest in hospitality-aligned properties.
Timing ConsiderationsWith prices projected to continue rising through 2025 and beyond, the investment window remains attractive but is narrowing:
Pre-Wynn Completion Opportunity: The period before the Wynn resort's planned Q1 2027 completion represents a crucial buying window before potential step-changes in property values
Off-Plan Advantage: Despite recent price increases, off-plan properties still offer value compared to ready units, with significant upside potential during the construction period.
But it’s not just about the numbers. The Wynn resort is bringing a new level of luxury to the region, with 1,542 rooms, 22 restaurants, a beach club, and a 15,000-square-meter shopping promenade. It’s set to attract millions of visitors, boosting demand for both residential and vacation properties. If you’re looking for a sign that Al Marjan Island is the next big thing, this is it!
Explore Opportunities Today: Partner with trusted agencies like EuroEstates Properties to secure your stake in this transformative market.
We’ve got a few great ways for you to learn more, whether you’re interested in our story, the nitty-gritty of investing, or just want to sit down and chat. Here’s how you can dive in:Curious about our journey? Check out our CEO interview on YouTube. It’s a fantastic way to get the inside scoop on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-D_porHl4g.
Want the details on investing in the UAE? Our VISTA magazine has you covered. It’s packed with insights on golden visas, mortgages, and how your investments are protected here. Flip through it online: https://euroestates-properties.com/vista-magazine-by-euroestates.
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Whether you’re ready to jump into the market or just exploring your options, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let us know what sparks your interest!