About Al Marjan Island, Ras al Khaimah
Located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Al Marjan Island comprises four artificial islands designed to resemble the shape of coral found in the Arabian Gulf. It is a popular tourist destination, showcasing exceptional engineering skills and architectural designs. With a picturesque and breathtaking marine environment, Al Marjan Island spans an area of 2,700,000 square metres and boasts a coastline of 4.5 kilometres.
Al Marjan Island is positioned in the Arabian Gulf waters, opposite the coasts of Ras Al Khaimah and close to Umm Al Quwain. It is situated west of Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab, other island developments in Ras Al Khaimah.
The captivating property landscape of Al Marjan Island draws in tourists and visitors from all corners of the world. The Island offers visitors an exceptional living experience that effortlessly combines the sea's crystal clear waters with the tranquil desert landscape, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss.
The Island comprises four interconnected islets: Breeze Island, Dream Island, View Island, and Treasure Island. The Island's residential areas are predominantly upscale, with numerous luxurious resorts, conference halls, theatres, and other entertainment facilities. However, the Island lacks easy access to basic amenities, so the residents might have to travel to the nearby neighbourhood to get the necessities.
Al Marjan Island offers abundant freehold properties, including off-plan and rental apartments. It allows foreign and local investors to invest in Ras Al Khaimah real estate and add beachfront property to their portfolio.
Key Highlights of Al Marjan Island
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Freehold properties
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Top-grade beach resorts
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Fun leisure activities
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Close to Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain
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Far away from the city centre
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Plenty of outdoor activities for all ages
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Perfect for vacation purposes
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Extreme heat during summer
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Limited public transportation
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Limited employment opportunities
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Limited amenities
Real Estate Overview in Al Marjan Island, Ras al Khaimah
Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah offers a variety of residential properties, such as apartments and hotel apartments, that are available for rent and sale. The flats range from approximately 420 sq. ft. to 2,780 sq. ft. It is worth noting that the Island boasts an abundance of properties, which means those interested in relocating to this remarkable location will have no trouble finding a suitable property to rent or purchase.
Al Marjan Island is home to various properties spread across several projects, the most popular being Pacific and Bab Al Bahr.
Pacific is located on View Island, a six-tower apartment complex that draws inspiration from the Oceania sub-region. The 10-floor buildings in the Pacific are named after several islands, such as Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Polynesia, and Bora Bora.
The complex comprises studios, 1-bed units, 2-bed suites, serviced apartments, beach duplexes, and penthouses that offer plot sizes ranging between 3,510 sq. ft. and 3,512 sq. ft. Residents of the Pacific can enjoy various amenities such as a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, health club, play area for kids, and parking facilities.
Bab Al Bahr is another prominent project on Al Marjan Island, located on Breeze Island. The properties in Bab Al Bahr are divided into two complexes. One of them is Rixos Bab Al Bahr which is a 5-star hotel that features luxury suites that offer world-class service. It comprises three pyramid-shaped buildings, and a luxurious pool lies beside them.
The second one is Bab Al Bahr Residences, a residential complex with three buildings resembling pyramids. The complex offers studios, 1-bed, 2-bed, and 3-bed apartments, and beachfront penthouses. The residences have access to a swimming pool and a paddling pool for kids.
Off-Plan Trends in Al Marjan Island
Several off-plan projects are in the pipeline for Al Marjan Island. From luxurious residential properties to top-class resorts and hotels, so much is planned to make Al Marjan Island more popular and boost the real estate market in the neighbourhood.
Apart from residential villas and apartment buildings, commercial buildings are in the off-plan trends too. The projects are in the construction phase, and it is one of the best times to invest in these properties and own real estate in the UAE. Whether as a holiday home or residence, your investment in Al Marjan properties will double the returns.
Rental Trends in Al Marjan Island
The best thing about properties in Al Marjan Island is that, even though it is a beachfront neighbourhood, the apartments are available at affordable rents. From studios to one, two, and three-bedroom apartments are available at reasonable rates. The apartment's coverage area varies from 420 to 2,870 square feet.
The apartments' rents may vary depending on the coverage area and amenities it offers. The three-bedroom and sea-viewing apartments will have a higher rent than others in the locality.
Sale Trends in Al Marjan Island
Regarding the sales trends; it is similar to the rental trends. Given the breathtaking views of the Island, the sale properties are available at reasonable rates. The prices are comparatively lower when compared to apartments and villas in other beachfront locations.
It is primarily because the Island lacks amenities and transportation facilities. However, it is in the construction phase to transform Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, into a residential and fun neighbourhood. So, it might be the best time to invest in the locality. The property's value will increase when the off-plan projects move to the "ready to move" phase.
The studios offer higher returns, and the three-bedroom apartment offers the lowest, as the former offers 7.7%, and the latter offers 3.2%.
Public Transportion
The best way to travel around the Island is through private conveyances, taxis, or cabs. There are no public bus stops available on Al Marjan Island. The nearest bus station is Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station, approximately a 20-minute drive from the Island. The other nearest bus station is in Umm Al Quwain, which is half an hour away.
Marjan Island Boulevard, extending from the Al Ittihad Street (E11) highway, serves as the main transportation route on Al Marjan Island. Here are some bus routes to reach Al Marjan Island through Umm Al Quwain bus station:
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| UAQ1 | Al Musalla Bus Station / Al Hamriya Bus Stop |
| UAQ2 | Al Musalla Bus Station/ Al Hamriya Bus Stop |
Amenities
Nurseries/ Educational Institutes
Due to ongoing development and modernisation, no nurseries or educational institutions are available on Al Marjan Island. However, several viable options are located close to the areas, such as Al Hamra Village and Al Hamra Industrial Area.
Some nurseries near the neighbourhood are:
- Al Hamra Nursery
- Little Treasure Nursery
Some schools nearby Al Marjan Island are:
- Zainab School for Basic and Secondary Education
- Ras Al Khaimah Academy
- New British International School
Supermarkets
Unlike schools and nurseries, there are supermarkets in the residential localities of Al Marjan Island, so the residents do not have to travel to different neighbourhoods to get day-to-day items.
Here are some of the supermarkets:
- Zoom
- Fresh Plus Grocery & Café
- Al Sanad Supermarket
Zoom is in Bab Al Bahr, while Fresh Plus Grocery & Café and Al Sanad Supermarket are in the Pacific complex.
Healthcare Facilities
No healthcare facilities are available on Al Marjan Island, including clinics and hospitals. However, there are several well-known medical centres located about seven kilometres away, such as
- Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital
- Saqr Hospital
- Al Oraibi Hospital
- Amina Al Amiri’s Clinic
- RAK Medical Center
- Al Afia Medical Center
- Nexus Medical Clinic
- Holistic Rehab Center in Al Hamra Village
Places of Worship
Near Al Marjan Island, there are two mosques accessible within a 10-minute drive:
- Masjid Umar bin Al-Khathab
- Al Iman Mosque
For those seeking churches, the Al Hamra Industrial Area is the primary location, with several options available, such as
- RAK Evangelical Church Center
- St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church
- Seventh-day Adventist Church
Hindu and Sikh residents will need to travel to Dubai’s Al Fahidi district to visit temples and gurdwara.
Best Hotels in Al Marjan Island
The nearby Marjan Island Resort & Spa is another waterfront option, just 9 km from Al Hamra Golf Club. Guests can enjoy rooms with sea views and balconies or opt for one to three-bedroom suites with separate living areas. The hotel also boasts three restaurants, two cafes, indoor and outdoor pools, a tennis court, and a spa.
Al Marjan Island boasts several luxurious hotels, including
- DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa
- Mövenpick Resort
- Hampton by Hilton
Lifestyle
Shopping Centres/ Shopping Malls
Al Marjan Island inhabitants rely on Al Hamra Mall as their ultimate shopping destination. With 120 retail stores showcasing both local and international brands, the mall provides a holistic shopping experience. Along with retail shopping, the mall also offers visitors an array of dining, recreational, and entertainment options.
The malls available in the vicinity are:
- Al Hamra Mall
- RAK Mall
- Manar Mall
Restaurants / Dining
Ras Al Khaimah is home to numerous dining establishments, including several options located within the developing waterfront community of Al Marjan Island. These include
- Al-Murjan Restaurant
- Sanchaya Restaurant
- Salt Restaurant
- L’Olivo Restaurant
- MEZE Restaurant
- Seven Heights Restaurant
For those seeking a high-end dining experience, Meat Point is a fine-dining steakhouse that offers full bar service. Vespa, another fine-dining restaurant, serves up Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Beaches Nearby
Al Marjan Island boasts expansive waterfront areas with long sandy stretches. Treasure Island is home to Turtle Beach, privately owned by Marjan Island Resort & Spa. True to its name, this beach is a popular spot for observing turtles swimming in the shallow waters near the shoreline.
The other beaches nearby Al Marjan Island are:
- RAK Beach
- Umm Al Quwain Beach
- Padel Beach
Leisure Activities Nearby
Each resort situated on Al Marjan Island offers a plethora of leisure and recreational activities, like,
- Bab Al Bahr
- Rixos Bab Al Bahr resort
- Aldoor Heritage Temple
- Al Dur Temple
- Byky Sports
- Rixy Kids Club
Luxury swimming pools, football pitches, and basketball and tennis courts are among the various recreational options available on Al Marjan Island. Volleyball is a popular beachside game, and visitors can rent bikes from Byky Sports to explore the Island’s trails. There are numerous sun loungers and private cabanas on the beach for those seeking relaxation.
Adventurous visitors can enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities such as catamaran cruises, fly fishing, banana boating, and water sports. The Rixy Kids Club offers exciting activities for children of all ages, including magic shows, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, talent shows, and beach and pool games. Teenagers can enjoy video games, table football, electronic darts, snooker, and board games like chess, checkers, Jenga, and UNO.
Al Marjan Island - Location Map and Landmarks
Distance and Commute Time
- The distance to Al Hamra Mall is 7.1 km, and it takes 7 minutes to reach there.
- Ras Al Khaimah is 36.2 km, and it takes 28 minutes to reach there.
- The distance to Turtle Beach is 2.1 km, and it takes 3 minutes to reach there.
- The distance to RAK Medical Center Al Hamra is 7 km, and it takes 7 minutes to reach there.
- The distance to Masjid Umar bin Al-Khathab is 6.3 km, and it takes 7 minutes to reach there.
Ratings and Reviews
The amenities in Al Marjan Island are exceptional and exceeded our expectations. The beach and pool areas were pristine. We particularly enjoyed the water sports activities available on site. It is one of the best places to buy a holiday home, away from the city centre, away from people.
Al Marjan Island is a stunning destination for those seeking a luxurious beachfront lifestyle. The rental properties on the island ar e spacious and lavish, with breathtaking views! I bought a two-bedroom apartment with a sea-facing balcony, and it is unimaginable, but I got the deal at the best rates.
There is so much issue with the transport facility here. The nearest bus station is half an hour away! From there, we must take a cab to the Island. Commuting through public transportation here can take lots of time. So, it is better to have a private conversation here.
The best thing about the area is the beaches, resort, calm atmosphere, and recreational activities. Other than that, it is tough to live here as all the amenities are in the neighbouring localities. Several construction projects are underway to make Al Marjan Island a proper residential area. Until then, coming here for a vacation and having a holiday home rather than a residence is better.
I came to visit Al Marjan Island on holiday but ended-up investing in one of the off-plan projects in the area. The property was available at such a reasonable rate that I couldn’t stop investing in a real estate property here. There is a cool and calm beach environment, and it is away from the city centre, which is perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Is Al Marjan Island Freehold?
Al Marjan Island is a freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
What are the top attractions on Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island is known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. Some of the top attractions on the Island include Al Marjan Beach, Turtle Beach, the Rixos Bab Al Bahr resort, and the Al Hamra Golf Club.
How to get to Al Marjan Island in Dubai by Bus and metro? Which is the nearest metro station?
UAQ 1 and UAQ 2 bus routes from Umm Al Quwain can help you reach the nearest bus stop to Al Marjan Island. From the bus stop, a taxi or cab is the best way to reach the destination on Al Marjan Island.
Which are the best communities to live in on Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island has several residential communities that offer modern and luxurious living. Some of the best communities include Bab Al Bahr and Pacific.
What are the best hotels and restaurants on Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island has a wide range of hotels and restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. Some of the best hotels on the Island include the Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, and Marjan Island Resort & Spa. Some of the top restaurants on the Island include Salt, L’Olivo Restaurant, Sanchaya, Meat Point, and Vespa.
Which are the famous malls and supermarkets in Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island is still developing; the nearby Al Hamra Mall and Al Hamra Village offer various shopping and dining options.
Which are the best schools on Al Marjan Island?
Several good schools are located in the nearby areas of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, such as the RAK Academy, GEMS Westminster School, and Ras Al Khaimah American School.
Which are the best hospitals and clinics on Al Marjan Island?
Some high-tech good healthcare facilities nearby Al Marjan Island are the RAK Hospital, Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital, and Saqr Hospital.
Which are the famous places of worship on Al Marjan Island?
Several mosques and churches are located in the nearby areas of Ras Al Khaimah, including Masjid Umar bin Al-Khathab, Al-Iman Mosque, RAK Evangelical Church Center, St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, and Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What are the pros and cons of living on Al Marjan Island?
The advantages of living on Al Marjan Island include access to beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, modern residential communities, quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and affordable living costs. However, the downside is that there are no schools or healthcare facilities on the Island, limited public transportation options, and limited employment opportunities.
