Marjan Island
In recent years, Al Marjan Island has emerged as one of the most compelling residential and leisure hotspots in the UAE’s northern emirates. This man-made archipelago, extending boldly into the Arabian Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah, combines beachfront living, resort-style amenities, and investment potential. From its strategic location just north of Dubai to a wide spectrum of housing options and a growing tourism-driven ecosystem, Al Marjan Island attracts both end-users and investors.
This guide will explore Al Marjan Island’s location and connectivity, community and lifestyle, property market, amenities (education, healthcare, leisure), and its future outlook, providing a comprehensive overview of why the island is a standout destination for buyers, residents, and investors.
Where is Al Marjan Island located?
Al Marjan Island consists of four interconnected islets—Breeze, Treasure, Dream, and View—stretching approximately 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf. The island is linked to the Ras Al Khaimah mainland via several causeways, providing direct access to key highways, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
From Al Marjan Island:
- Ras Al Khaimah city center is approximately 20–30 minutes away, making it convenient for business, shopping, and municipal services.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) can be reached in roughly 45 minutes, offering access to international travel.
- While public transport is limited, the island is fully car-accessible, and ride-hailing services are commonly used by residents.
The location offers a blend of serenity and accessibility. Unlike densely packed city centers, Al Marjan provides a quieter lifestyle, ideal for families, professionals seeking a coastal retreat, and investors looking for emerging residential areas. Its proximity to Dubai also makes it appealing to expatriates seeking a more affordable seaside community within commuting distance of the city.
Community & Lifestyle at Marjan Island
Life on Al Marjan Island revolves around the sea, outdoor living, and community-centric spaces. The island’s four islets each provide a mix of residential, hospitality, and leisure offerings, creating a vibrant yet tranquil living environment.
Key lifestyle features include:
- Beachfront living with panoramic sea views, private beaches, and easy access to the coastline.
- Outdoor recreation, including walking and cycling paths, landscaped parks, and children’s play areas. The island features a 2 km running track along the coast, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Dining and retail: From beachside cafés and casual eateries to fine dining at resort restaurants, residents can enjoy diverse culinary experiences. Emerging retail hubs provide groceries, convenience stores, and boutique shopping within easy reach.
The community exudes a resort-style ambience, blending modern residential towers with villas and townhouses. This setup caters to families, couples, and individuals looking for a more relaxed coastal lifestyle while still maintaining easy access to urban amenities. Green spaces, jogging trails, and cycling lanes enhance outdoor living and promote well-being.
Property Market Snapshot of Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island’s property market is diverse, offering apartments, townhouses, and villas, often with waterfront or partial-sea views. The island’s freehold status allows foreign nationals to own property outright, a feature that has strengthened its appeal to investors.
Sale Prices
Recent market data suggests the following:
- Studios: Starting from approximately AED 895,000, depending on view and developer.
- One-bedroom apartments: Typically listed between AED 850,000 and AED 1.2 million.
- Two-bedroom apartments: Starting at around AED 1,000,000, with premium units exceeding AED 1.5 million.
- Villas: Prices vary widely, generally starting above AED 2.5 million, with luxury units along the beachfront commanding significantly higher rates.
These pricing levels make Al Marjan Island more affordable than Dubai waterfront communities, while still offering a high standard of living and strong investment potential.
Rental Market
The rental market on Al Marjan Island reflects its emerging status:
- Studio apartments can rent from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 per year.
- One-bedroom units typically command AED 60,000–AED 90,000 annually.
- Two-bedroom apartments range from AED 80,000 to AED 150,000, depending on size, view, and amenities.
- Villas and larger family units can exceed AED 250,000 per year, particularly those with private beach access.
Investors are drawn to Al Marjan due to moderate capital entry costs combined with potential rental yields, which are generally competitive compared with other northern UAE freehold communities.
What amenities are available at Al Marjan Island?
Education
While the island itself has limited on-site schools, families can access quality educational institutions nearby. Reputable international schools and nurseries are located in Al Hamra Village and Ras Al Khaimah city, offering British, American, and IB curricula. Local nurseries and early learning centers ensure young children can be catered for without long commutes.
Healthcare
Al Marjan Island has medical clinics and pharmacies on-site. For more comprehensive care, residents rely on hospitals in Ras Al Khaimah city, including Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital. Access to emergency and specialized medical care is a short drive from the island.
Recreation & Leisure
Al Marjan Island is designed to offer residents a modern, comfortable, and resort-style lifestyle. The community emphasizes high-quality amenities that cater to families, professionals, and leisure seekers alike. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy fully equipped gyms and swimming pools in residential towers and resorts, allowing for convenient daily workouts and relaxation.
Outdoor spaces are a key feature, with landscaped gardens, parks, and children’s play areas creating safe and engaging environments for families. Walking and cycling tracks run along the coastline and throughout the community, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle while providing scenic routes for exercise and leisure.
For everyday convenience, the island offers on-site retail outlets, cafés, supermarkets, and essential services, making it easy for residents to access necessities without leaving the community. Safety and accessibility are also prioritized, with dedicated parking, well-maintained roads, and round-the-clock security ensuring a worry-free living experience.
By blending fitness, recreation, family-friendly spaces, and essential services, Al Marjan Island’s infrastructure supports a well-rounded, modern lifestyle. Residents benefit from both resort-style comfort and practical convenience, making the island not just a place to live, but a community designed for thriving and enjoying coastal living to the fullest.
Freehold Ownership & Investment Potential In Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island is a freehold area, allowing foreign nationals to own property with complete ownership rights. This flexibility has attracted both investors seeking rental income and buyers looking for a long-term lifestyle investment. The combination of residential diversity, modern infrastructure, and luxury beachfront apartments ensures that both capital appreciation and rental yields are achievable.
The island is particularly appealing to investors targeting medium- to long-term returns, as continued infrastructure development and the influx of resorts and hotels are likely to strengthen demand and resale value.
Future Outlook
Al Marjan Island is still in a growth and maturation phase, with thousands of planned residential units and hotels yet to be fully completed. Major projects, including branded resorts and waterfront villas, are anticipated to enhance the island’s profile and attract more residents and tourists.
Connectivity upgrades, road improvements, and additional leisure infrastructure are likely to make the island even more desirable. With long-term investment potential, scenic coastal living, and a resort-inspired environment, Al Marjan Island is positioned for growth while maintaining its tranquil charm.
Final Thoughts
Al Marjan Island offers a unique coastal lifestyle combined with investment opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah. The island appeals to residents seeking serene seaside living, investors looking for moderate entry costs with potential returns, and families desiring safe, community-oriented spaces. With ongoing development, modern amenities, and strong accessibility, Al Marjan Island represents one of the most promising residential and leisure communities outside Dubai’s main urban hubs.
