Al Marjan Island

A Premier, Man-Made Archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE

Al Marjan Island is one of the best-known waterfront areas in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a man-made island group set along the Arabian Gulf, comprising four coral-shaped islands. The area is known for its beaches, sea views, hotels, resorts, and new homes. It has about 7.8 km of sandy beach and a long waterfront that gives the area a clear resort feel. Its main highlight is the mix of holiday appeal and real estate growth.

On The Map

Closest Bus Stop: Al Hamra Mall, Bus Stop

Closest School: RAK Academy - Al Hamra

Closest Hospital: Sheikh Khalifa Speciality Hospital

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport: 20 minutes by car

Al Marjan Island sits in the south-west part of Ras Al Khaimah, close to Al Hamra Village and Al Jazirah Al Hamra. It has direct road links to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road, which connects it with RAK city, Dubai, and other emirates. There is no metro in Ras Al Khaimah, so most people use private cars, taxis, hotel shuttles, or RAKTA buses. RAKTA runs public bus routes across the emirate, and taxis are easy to book by app or phone. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car. Nearby schools include RAK Academy Al Hamra and New British International School, while RAK Medical Centre Al Hamra, Sheikh Khalifa Speciality Hospital, and RAK Hospital serve the wider area.

The Neighbours

Al Marjan Island attracts a mixed group of residents. Many are expats, hotel staff, holiday home owners, business people, and families who want a quieter coastal address. The area suits people who prefer sea views, open spaces, and resort-style facilities over a dense city feel. Families like the beach, nearby schools, safe roads, and close access to Al Hamra Village. Singles and couples also find it useful because hotels, beach clubs, cafes, gyms, and leisure spots are close by. The area has a calm social style, but it is becoming more active as new homes, branded residences, and hotels enter the market.

What To Expect

Property options on Al Marjan Island include studios, one to four-bedroom apartments, serviced apartments, penthouses, villas, and hotel-style residences. Many homes have balconies, sea views, shared pools, gyms, parking, and direct beach or promenade access. The lifestyle is relaxed and leisure-led, with beach walks, water sports, hotel dining, fitness tracks, spa visits, and family days out. Notable hotels and resorts include Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island, Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. Wynn Al Marjan Island will add more dining, nightlife, retail, and entertainment.

Dining on Al Marjan Island is primarily associated with hotels and resorts. Popular choices include Vespa and Brasserie at DoubleTree by Hilton, Boons and Ula at Mövenpick Resort, Rixos Bab Al Bahr’s restaurants, Pullman Resort’s restaurants, and SALT on Al Marjan Island. The area also has casual cafes and beachside food options. For shopping, residents use Al Hamra Mall, which is the closest main mall, while Manar Mall and Al Naeem Mall are in central Ras Al Khaimah. Supermarkets and daily stores near the area include Spinneys in Al Hamra, Carrefour in Al Hamra Mall, Leptis Fresh Supermarket, and smaller grocery shops in nearby communities.

What Not To Expect

Al Marjan Island is still a fast-developing area, so some parts may feel quiet outside hotels and main resort zones. It does not have a metro station, and daily life is easier with a car. Public transport exists in Ras Al Khaimah, but it is not as wide or frequent as Dubai’s network. Schools, large hospitals, government offices, and major malls are not on the island itself, so residents often drive to Al Hamra or central RAK. Some off-plan zones may also experience construction noise, traffic disruptions, or limited street-level retail until more projects are completed.

Architecture

Al Marjan Island has a modern coastal design with curved shorelines, sea-facing plots, wide roads, beaches, promenades, and resort-style towers. The master plan uses water views as the main design feature, so many buildings face the Arabian Gulf. Notable buildings and residential projects include Pacific by Select Group, Bab Al Bahr Residences, and Marjan Island Resort & Spa. Other major names include Rixos Bab Al Bahr and DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. Off-plan and upcoming projects include Wynn Al Marjan Island, Costa Mare by Ellington, Playa Del Sol by Ellington, Jacob & Co Residences, Oystra, Aqua Maya, and Palazzo Tissoli by Pininfarina. These projects show a clear move toward branded, design-led waterfront living.

Al Marjan Island is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most attractive coastal areas for buyers, tenants, and visitors. It offers beaches, hotels, new homes, sea views, and quick access to Al Hamra Village and RAK International Airport. The area suits people who want a quiet resort lifestyle with growing future value. It is not the best fit for people who need metro access or a busy city setting. Even so, its hotels, new projects, and major leisure plans make it one of RAK’s strongest lifestyle and investment locations.