UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Growth Accelerates as 85 Million Sq Ft Marjan Beach Waterfront Expansion Advances

The growth of UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah tourism is picking up pace with the Marjan Beach 85 million sq ft expansion project.

There is a major boost in the development of tourism and real estate in Ras Al Khaimah as the Marjan Beach 85 million sq ft project is now entering the construction phase. The major project will be delivered over a 10-year plan that comprises hotels, residences, shopping districts and other leisure and entertainment options. The initial phase of earthwork at the development project is due for completion within the next two months.

The project is designed to support Ras Al Khaimah growing position as an international tourism, investment and lifestyle destination. Spread across a vast waterfront area, Marjan Beach will introduce a new coastal district featuring eight neighbourhoods, three kilometres of beachfront and extensive green spaces.

The development comes as Ras Al Khaimah continues expanding its tourism infrastructure, attracting international visitors, investors and hospitality brands through major destination projects.

Marjan Beach emerges as a new tourism landmark across 85 million sq ft

Marjan Beach was launched in October 2025 as one of Ras Al Khaimah largest mixed-use waterfront developments. The masterplan is designed as a complete beachside community rather than a traditional resort project, bringing together residential, hospitality, commercial and public facilities within one connected destination.

The 85 million sq ft development will feature eight dedicated neighbourhoods designed around different lifestyle and business functions. These areas will include residential communities, beachfront hospitality zones, commercial spaces, civic facilities and employment areas.

The project includes around 6.5 million sq ft of open green areas and a three-kilometre beachfront, creating a balance between urban development and natural landscapes. Public spaces, landscaped areas and pedestrian-friendly routes will form a key part of the destination’s design.

Once completed, Marjan Beach is expected to include approximately 22,000 residential units and 12,000 hotel rooms. The development will support around 74,000 residents and an estimated workforce of 32,000 people. It is also planned to welcome up to 180,000 visitors annually, strengthening Ras Al Khaimah tourism capacity.

First construction phase prepares the foundation for a decade-long transformation

The first phase of earthworks represents the beginning of a wider construction programme that will gradually transform the coastal site into a major tourism and lifestyle destination.

Earthworks involve preparing land, improving site conditions and creating the infrastructure foundation needed for future construction activities. The completion of this stage will allow developers to advance with individual projects within the wider masterplan.

The 10-year development timeline will see different components of Marjan Beach delivered in phases. Residential buildings, hotels, commercial areas and public attractions will gradually become operational as infrastructure progresses.

The phased approach allows multiple development partners to participate while maintaining a coordinated vision for the entire waterfront district.

The project is expected to become one of Ras Al Khaimah most significant urban expansions, supporting tourism growth while creating new residential and business opportunities.

Major developers strengthen Ras Al Khaimah waterfront investment pipeline

Marjan Beach has already attracted several major developers, adding momentum to the emirate’s expanding real estate and hospitality pipeline.

Wail secured a beachfront location within the development for a planned luxury project, contributing to the growing presence of premium residential and hospitality developments along the coastline.

OMNIYAT entered the Ras Al Khaimah market through a waterfront agreement for a 36,600 square metre site within Marjan Beach. The plot includes more than 250 metres of beachfront and is positioned opposite Wynn Al Marjan Island. The project is expected to be completed by 2030.

BEYOND has also secured a position within the Marjan Beach masterplan, further expanding the number of private-sector developments planned across the destination.

Major Developments has also joined the project pipeline with a residential development planned within the coastal district.

The involvement of multiple developers highlights growing investor confidence in Ras Al Khaimah tourism and property sectors.

Residential communities and hotels drive long-term tourism expansion

Residential development represents the largest part of the Marjan Beach masterplan, accounting for around 62 per cent of planned land use.

Hospitality facilities will represent approximately 21 per cent of the development, while commercial and retail areas will support business activity and visitor experiences.

The destination will include beachfront resorts, public beaches, retail areas, leisure spaces and community facilities. The combination of permanent residences and tourism infrastructure is designed to create year-round activity rather than a seasonal destination.

Green corridors, walking routes and cycling connections will link different parts of the district, supporting a modern urban environment focused on accessibility and outdoor experiences.

The development will also include cultural, educational, civic and logistics facilities, creating a self-contained community with multiple functions.

Strategic location boosts Ras Al Khaimah global tourism appeal

Marjan Beach benefits from its location near some of Ras Al Khaimah most important tourism and economic destinations, including Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village, RAKE Central and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.

The waterfront district will have road connectivity linking it with other parts of the UAE, improving access for tourists, residents and businesses.

Its proximity to Al Marjan Island also places the development near major upcoming hospitality projects, including Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is expected to further increase international attention on Ras Al Khaimah.

The combination of coastal attractions, luxury accommodation, residential communities and improved infrastructure supports the emirate’s ambition to become a leading regional tourism destination.

Ras Al Khaimah expands its future tourism and investment pipeline

Marjan Beach forms part of a wider strategy to expand Ras Al Khaimah tourism economy through large-scale destination projects.

The emirate continues investing in hospitality, residential communities and entertainment infrastructure to attract more international visitors and long-term investors.

Marjan wider portfolio includes more than 140 million sq ft of master planned land and a pipeline of more than 25,650 residential units. Its hospitality pipeline includes thousands of planned hotel rooms across upcoming developments.

With the first earthworks phase at Marjan Beach approaching completion, the project is moving closer to becoming one of Ras Al Khaimah most important waterfront destinations.

UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah tourism growth is gaining momentum as the 85 million sq ft Marjan Beach waterfront expansion advances, adding new hotels, residences, public spaces and attractions that will strengthen the emirate’s global visitor appeal.

Over the next decade, the development will gradually transform the coastline with hotels, homes, commercial areas and public attractions, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah position as one of the UAE’s fastest-growing tourism and investment hubs.