Al Marjan Island – The Complete Guide to RAK’s Waterfront Destination

Last updated: April 2026

Al Marjan Island has quietly become one of the most ambitious waterfront developments in the UAE. A man-made archipelago stretching 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf from Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline, it already hosts several beachfront resorts and thousands of residents. And with Wynn Al Marjan Island, a W Hotel, JW Marriott, Nobu, and a wave of residential projects all scheduled to open by 2028, the island is about to change dramatically.

Whether you’re planning a visit, considering buying property or just curious about what’s happening out on that cluster of islands you can see from the RAK coast – here’s everything you need to know.

Hub: Wynn Al Marjan Island pillar

What Is Al Marjan Island?

Al Marjan Island is a coral-shaped archipelago of four connected man-made islands, developed by Marjan – the master developer of freehold real estate in Ras Al Khaimah. However, the project began as a land reclamation initiative and has evolved into one of the most significant waterfront developments outside Dubai.

The numbers tell the story:

• Total area: 2.7 square kilometres of reclaimed land
• Coastline: 23 kilometres of waterfront
• Beaches: 7.8 kilometres of white sand
• Planned hotel keys: 8,500+ across multiple international brands
• Planned residential units: 18,000+
• Location: south of RAK city, 45 minutes from Dubai

The Four Islands

The archipelago comprises four distinct islands, each with its own character:

• Breeze Island – closest to the mainland, home to the established resorts (Rixos, DoubleTree, Mövenpick) and the first wave of residential towers
• Treasure Island – a mix of residential and hospitality projects in active development
• Dream Island – an emerging residential community with newer tower developments
• View Island – home to the Pacific apartment complex (six towers) and newer developments including Address Residences by Emaar

Hotels and Resorts – What’s Open and What’s Coming

Al Marjan Island’s hotel landscape is about to expand dramatically. Here’s the current picture and what’s confirmed:

The island is set to more than triple its hospitality capacity within the next two years, transforming from a handful of established resorts into one of the most hotel-dense destinations in the northern Emirates.

Beaches and Water Sports

With 7.8 kilometres of white sand and clear Gulf waters, beaches are Al Marjan Island’s biggest draw. The water is noticeably calmer than on RAK’s open coast, sheltered by the island’s coral-shaped layout.

Key Beaches

• Bab Al Bahr Beach – the most popular stretch, attached to the Rixos resort but with public access points. Clear water, calm waves, good for families with young children.
• Turtle Beach – named for the turtles that occasionally nest here. Quieter than Bab Al Bahr with panoramic views across the Gulf. A favourite for sunset walks.
• Resort beaches – each hotel maintains its own private beach section with loungers, cabanas and food service.

Water Sports

The island’s sheltered waters make it one of the better spots in RAK for water-based activities:

• Jet skiing and banana boats – available at multiple beach points, typically AED 150-300 per session
• Parasailing – up to 150 metres for aerial views of the island chain. Around AED 250-400.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding – the calm waters between the islands are ideal for both. Rentals from AED 80-150 per hour.
• Scuba diving and snorkelling – the reclaimed islands have created artificial reef habitats. Organized dive trips are available through local operators.
• Yacht cruises – several operators run sunset cruises departing from the island’s marina, typically AED 500-1,500 depending on group size and duration.

RAK to Dubai travel

Things to Do Beyond the Beach

Al Marjan Island isn’t just a beach destination. Here’s what else is worth your time:

• The Promenade – a long, palm-lined waterfront walkway running along the island’s coastline. Ideal for morning runs, sunset strolls, and family cycling. Well-maintained with sea views throughout.
• Running and cycling track – a dedicated track with Gulf views, popular with RAK’s fitness community, especially in the cooler morning hours.

Dining – each resort has its own restaurant collection, but the standalone dining scene is growing. Expect this to expand significantly as the JW Marriott (seven venues), Nobu, and Wynn (22 restaurants) open.

• Nearby attractions – Al Marjan Island is a short drive from Jebel Jais (UAE’s highest peak), Al Jazeera Al Hamra ghost village (on UNESCO’s Tentative List), Dhayah Fort, and the Flamingo Beach nature area.

How to Get to Al Marjan Island

By Car from Dubai

Take the E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) or E611 (Emirates Road) north, then exit onto Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road in RAK and follow signs to Al Marjan Island. Journey time is approximately 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic. The upcoming Wynn Bridge and E311 widening to 10 lanes will improve access further.

By Taxi

A taxi from Dubai to Al Marjan Island costs approximately AED 200-250 one way. However, private transfers run AED 250-400. From RAK city centre, it’s a short AED 20-30 ride.

By Bus

Budget option: take a bus from Dubai’s Union Square or Al Hamriya Bus Station to RAK, then a local taxi to the island. However, total journey around 2.5 hours, fare approximately AED 50-60. The RAK Shuttle Bus from Dubai Airport Terminal 3 runs every four hours directly to Al Marjan Island Boulevard for around AED 25-30. See our full guide to travelling between RAK and Dubai for all options.

From Abu Dhabi

Approximately 90 minutes by car via the E311. No direct public transport – a taxi or private transfer is the most practical option.

Real Estate and Property

Al Marjan Island is a freehold zone, meaning foreign nationals can buy property outright. The development has attracted major developers including Emaar, RAK Properties and international brands.

Key Developments

• Address Residences by Emaar – 1,100+ luxury apartments, townhouses and penthouses on View Island. Completion expected March 2028. Starting prices from AED 1.74 million for a one-bedroom. 80/20 payment plan available.
• Pacific (View Island) – six-tower complex with studios, one and two-bed units, serviced apartments and beach duplexes. Already established with an active community.
• JW Marriott Residences – 524 branded residences alongside the JW Marriott hotel, offering hotel-level amenities with residential ownership.
• Nobu Residences – 300 branded residences alongside the Nobu Hotel, combining the Nobu lifestyle brand with waterfront living.

Evermore by Beyond – a massive Dh25 billion masterplanned community on Marjan Beach featuring residential, hospitality and retail across 7 million square feet.

The Wynn effect has driven significant investor interest, with developers expecting 15-20% capital appreciation on properties completing near the casino resort’s 2027 opening.

What’s Changing – The Marjan Beach Masterplan

Beyond the island itself, the adjacent mainland coastline is undergoing a massive transformation. However, the Marjan Beach masterplan is an 85 million square foot mixed-use development spanning a three-kilometre beachfront, designed to support 74,000 residents, 32,000 workers, 12,000 hotel rooms and 22,000 residential units across eight distinct neighbourhoods.

The masterplan includes 6.5 million square feet of open green space, retail promenades, dining districts and community infrastructure. Combined with Al Marjan Island itself, the area is evolving from a cluster of beachfront hotels into a fully self-contained waterfront city within RAK.

Frequently Asked Questions