Ras Al Khaimah's Luxury Real Estate Boom

Ras Al Khaimah Transforms: 5,000 New Luxury Residences by 2030 - Branded Properties Usher in a New Era for UAE's Northern Emirate

The focus of the United Arab Emirates' real estate market is increasingly extending beyond the borders of Dubai, particularly towards Ras Al Khaimah, where explosive growth has been observed recently. Branded residences—those built and operated under the name of a renowned international brand—have gained significant momentum in the emirate. Analysts claim that Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as the UAE's second strongest branded housing market, while Dubai remains the global leader. Over the next few years, more than 5,000 such residential units will be delivered in Ras Al Khaimah, largely in the Al Marjan Island luxury area.

What does "branded residence" mean?

Branded residences are not merely living spaces but lifestyle offerings. These are often operated or branded by globally recognized names such as Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Nobu, Aston Martin, or Lamborghini. Buyers thus receive not just an apartment but an exclusive living environment with premium services and amenities. The motivations behind lifestyle-based purchasing include the reliability of services (63%), the quality of building operation, and high yield potential, the latter two leading purchase decisions at 59%.

Why now, and why Ras Al Khaimah?

Several factors drive the emirate's development. Firstly, tourism is growing dynamically, with leisure, nature-based, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) segments expanding. Secondly, population growth is also significant: by 2030, a more than 50% increase is expected, further boosting demand for real estate.

Among the luxury projects, the Wynn Resort opening in 2027 stands out, encompassing a casino, hotel, and entertainment center, expected to be a major global tourist attraction. Simultaneously, more people are entering the real estate market, with many visitors eventually becoming property buyers.

Al Marjan Island: Symbol of Premium Waterfront Living

More than half of branded projects are being built in Al Marjan Island, where waterfront locations command a premium: these homes are priced 35–50% higher than non-branded units. Over the past two years, both rental and sales prices have risen significantly. For instance, between April 2023 and April 2025, the median annual rent increased from 40,000 dirhams to 64,800 dirhams, marking a 62% increase.

New developments positively impact not only prices but rental yields. The RevPAR (revenue per available room) measured in the first half of 2025 grew by 9% compared to the same period the previous year, further enhancing the investment value proposition.

Strengthening Demand – Who Buys and Why?

A clear shift towards premium is visible among buyers. According to Property Finder data, demand for Ras Al Khaimah's branded units, between May and July 2025, was only 10% behind Abu Dhabi—a notable achievement for a previously background emirate. While Dubai remains in a different category, Ras Al Khaimah is increasingly coming into focus.

Current data show that 75% of purchases are by local residents, seeking secondary or holiday homes. The remaining 25% come from international investors primarily from the United States, India, and Germany. Most focus on long-term value growth and yield.

Price Differential: Branded vs Non-Branded Properties

Square meter prices reveal the dominance of branded projects. Between 2023 and 2025, prices for branded homes increased by 26%, reaching 3,092 dirhams per square meter. Meanwhile, non-branded homes, although increased by 74%, started from a much lower base, still priced at only 1,525 dirhams per square meter. The average home prices also show differences: for branded properties, it's 4.1 million dirhams, while non-branded ones average 1.55 million dirhams.

Investment Trend Shift in Northern Emirates

Although most branded projects in Ras Al Khaimah are still under development, off-plan sales are performing exceptionally well. Buyers commit already at project launch, reflecting strong confidence and a long-term outlook. The presence of global luxury brands and waterfront locations strengthen the premium positioning, while the continuously growing tourism and population provide a stable foundation for demand growth.

With this, Ras Al Khaimah opens a new chapter in the UAE property market. It emerges not just as an alternative to Dubai but becomes a luxury investment destination in its own right. The next five years will be crucial: if projects deliver on their current promises, the emirate could become a regional real estate powerhouse—all while maintaining its serene, nature-close character.

This balance between tranquility, waterfront living, and global investor interest makes Ras Al Khaimah one of the UAE's most exciting real estate locations in the coming decade.

(The article is based on research by Knight Frank.)