RAK Properties has unveiled The Strand, a new residential destination within the Marjan Beach masterplan on Al Marjan Island, marking the developer’s latest move to expand its footprint in Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing waterfront property market.The project is positioned as a contemporary beachfront community offering a mix of apartments designed to appeal to both end-users and investors drawn to the northern emirate’s accelerating real estate cycle. Company executives said The Strand forms part of a broader strategy to capitalise on rising demand for coastal living, fuelled by tourism growth, infrastructure upgrades and large-scale hospitality investments across Ras Al Khaimah.
RAK Properties, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, is widely regarded as one of the emirate’s leading developers, with a portfolio that includes Mina Al Arab and Julphar Towers. The launch of The Strand adds to a pipeline of residential projects aimed at meeting sustained buyer interest linked to Al Marjan Island, a cluster of man-made islets that has become a focal point for new resorts and branded residences.
The Marjan Beach masterplan, where The Strand will be located, is being positioned as an integrated beachfront destination combining residential, hospitality and leisure components. Industry analysts note that the area has seen a sharp increase in transaction volumes and off-plan launches over the past two years, reflecting investor anticipation of long-term tourism inflows and population growth in Ras Al Khaimah.
RAK Properties said The Strand will feature modern architectural design, direct access to beachfront amenities and a range of lifestyle facilities including swimming pools, landscaped areas and retail offerings. While detailed pricing has not been publicly disclosed, market observers expect the development to compete within the mid-to-upper segment of the emirate’s residential market, which has seen upward pressure on prices amid limited ready inventory in prime coastal locations.
Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the UAE, supported by government-backed initiatives to diversify the economy beyond traditional sectors. Tourism has played a central role in that shift. The emirate recorded record visitor numbers last year, driven by adventure tourism, beach resorts and international events, according to official figures released by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
Al Marjan Island in particular has attracted significant global attention following announcements of major hospitality and entertainment projects, including the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort, which is under development and expected to introduce gaming facilities under a regulated framework. That project alone is projected to generate thousands of jobs and catalyse further residential demand in surrounding areas.
Property consultants say developers are responding swiftly to this anticipated demand. Off-plan sales across Ras Al Khaimah have surged, with Al Marjan Island accounting for a substantial share of new launches. Brokers report that buyers include a mix of domestic investors, residents from other emirates seeking second homes, and overseas purchasers from Europe, Russia and South Asia looking for yield and capital appreciation.
RAK Properties’ management has previously signalled a disciplined expansion approach, focusing on phased development aligned with market absorption rates. Financial disclosures show the company has strengthened its balance sheet in tandem with improved sales performance, reflecting broader recovery trends in the UAE property sector following pandemic-related disruptions.
Industry experts caution, however, that the rapid pace of new launches across Al Marjan Island raises questions about medium-term supply. While demand remains robust, particularly in the waterfront segment, analysts note that delivery timelines and construction capacity will be critical to maintaining price stability. Developers are therefore under pressure to manage execution risks while preserving margins amid fluctuating material and labour costs.
The Strand is expected to contribute to the emirate’s goal of enhancing liveability alongside tourism expansion. Ras Al Khaimah’s authorities have invested in road networks, utilities and public amenities to support new communities, positioning the emirate as an alternative to more saturated markets within the UAE. Education and healthcare infrastructure have also expanded in response to population growth, reinforcing the case for long-term residential settlement rather than purely speculative investment.
Market data indicates that average apartment prices in prime Ras Al Khaimah locations have risen significantly over the past year, with beachfront projects commanding premiums over inland developments. Rental yields remain comparatively attractive when measured against regional benchmarks, strengthening the investment proposition for projects such as The Strand.
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