The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Ras Al Khaimah’s Crown Jewel
By a Local RAK Resident | Updated November 2025
I’ll never forget my first sunset on Al Marjan Island. It was early 2024, and I’d just moved to Ras Al Khaimah from Dubai, skeptical about leaving the buzz of the city. But as I watched the sun dip into the Arabian Gulf from the corniche, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple I’d never seen before, I knew I’d made the right choice.
Fast forward to today, and I’ve spent nearly two years exploring every corner of this man-made archipelago. I’ve jogged the 7.8km corniche at dawn more times than I can count, tried every waterfront restaurant (some twice), and watched the skyline transform as luxury hotels and residences spring up almost overnight.
This isn’t your typical travel guide cobbled together from Google searches. This is everything I wish someone had told me before I moved here—the insider knowledge, the hidden spots, the practical realities of life on what’s quickly becoming the UAE’s most exciting destination.
What Is Al Marjan Island?
Let’s start with the basics. Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate. Picture four coral-shaped islands connected by bridges, extending 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf. The locals call it ‘Marjan’ for short, and it’s designed to be the antithesis of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah—less crowded, more pristine, with a focus on sustainable luxury rather than over-the-top opulence.
The Four Islands Each Have Their Own Character:
- Breeze Island – The gateway to Marjan. This is where you’ll find the DoubleTree and Rixos resorts, along with most of the established restaurants. When I first arrived, this was the only developed part of the island.
- Treasure Island – Primarily residential, with some stunning beachfront apartments and the Accor-managed Marjan Island Resort & Spa. The 3.5km corniche here is my favorite morning run.
- Dream Island – Still developing, but the sunset views here are unmatched. I’ve seen construction crews working on what will be beach clubs and boutique hotels throughout 2024.
- View Island – The heart of the archipelago, circular in design. This will eventually house some of the most premium developments, with ocean views in every direction.
How to Get to Al Marjan Island
Here’s the honest truth: you need a car. Public transportation exists in RAK, but it’s not practical for Al Marjan. I drive from my place in the city center to the island in about 15 minutes—20 if there’s traffic near Al Hamra Mall.
From Dubai
The drive from Dubai takes 45-50 minutes via the E11 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road). I make this trip several times a month to visit friends in Dubai, and it’s honestly more pleasant than driving from Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai during rush hour. Pro tip: Leave Dubai after 10 AM to avoid the morning commute congestion, and head back after 8 PM to miss the evening rush.
From RAK City
Al Marjan is about 20 kilometers from downtown RAK. Take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road (E11) and follow signs for Al Marjan Island. There’s free parking throughout the island—another massive advantage over Dubai, where I used to pay AED 50 for beach club parking.
Airports
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is just 15 minutes away (practically unheard of anywhere else in the UAE). Dubai International is 50 minutes, Dubai World Central about 75 minutes, and Sharjah Airport roughly 60 minutes. I’ve picked up visiting family from all three Dubai airports, and the RAK drive is exponentially less stressful.
Where to Stay: Hotels & Resorts
I’ve stayed at or visited every resort on Al Marjan at some point—either for staycations with my partner or when hosting friends from abroad. Here’s my brutally honest assessment:
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
Price Range: AED 650-900 per night | Best For: Families
This is where most of my Dubai friends stay when they visit. Five swimming pools mean the kids never get bored, and that pirate-themed water park is genuinely impressive. I’ve attended three birthday parties there. The private beach is pristine—750 meters of white sand that’s cleaned every morning at 6 AM (I’ve seen the crews during my early runs). The breakfast buffet is exceptional, with live cooking stations and a dedicated kids’ section. Rooms are spacious with Gulf views from higher floors. My only critique? It can get loud on weekends during peak season.
Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Price Range: AED 1,200-2,000 per night | Best For: All-Inclusive Luxury
Those distinctive pyramid-shaped buildings you see from the corniche? That’s Rixos. I splurged here for my anniversary last year, and the all-inclusive package was actually worth it—premium drinks, multiple à la carte restaurants, water sports all included. The spa is world-class; I had a 90-minute massage that’s still the best I’ve experienced in the UAE. The beach setup with Balinese beds is Instagram-perfect at sunset. Fair warning: it’s popular with Russian tourists, so expect to hear more Russian than English.
Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island
Price Range: AED 400-600 per night | Best For: Budget-Conscious Travelers
The world’s largest Hampton hotel with 515 rooms. I stayed here when I first moved to RAK while apartment hunting. It’s no-frills but clean and comfortable, with direct beach access and a decent pool. The breakfast is included and surprisingly good. Perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring and just need a clean place to sleep. Room rates can drop to AED 350 midweek in low season.
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
Price Range: AED 700-1,100 per night | Best For: Couples & Wellness
Opened in early 2024, and I’ve been twice already. The adults-only pool is a godsend if you want peace and quiet. Excellent restaurants—the seafood grill is exceptional. I had grilled hammour there that rivals anything in Dubai. The wellness center offers yoga at sunrise on the beach (AED 75 per class). Rooms are modern with a minimalist design. My friend from Amsterdam said it reminded her of a European beach resort more than a typical UAE hotel.
Things to Do on Al Marjan Island
The Corniche: Your Daily Ritual
This 7.8-kilometer palm-lined corniche is the island’s backbone and my favorite feature. I run it 4-5 times a week, usually starting at 6 AM before it gets too hot. The path is perfectly maintained—smooth asphalt, marked distance every kilometer, and LED lighting for evening joggers. Weekends get crowded with families cycling and rollerblading, but weekday mornings it’s blissfully empty except for a handful of serious runners and the occasional fisherman.
Best times:
- Sunrise (5:30-7 AM): Cool temperatures, stunning light, almost no crowds
- Sunset (5-7 PM): Peak beauty, but also peak crowds on weekends
- Late evening (8-10 PM): Cooler weather, romantic atmosphere, well-lit and safe
Beaches: Free Access Paradise
Here’s what shocked me coming from Dubai: the beaches are FREE and PUBLIC. No AED 200 beach club fees, no minimum spend requirements. Just park (free) and walk onto pristine white sand. The water is remarkably clean—I’ve swum here hundreds of times and never encountered the jellyfish problems that plague some Dubai beaches.
My favorite spots:
- Breeze Island North Beach: Sheltered bay, calm waters perfect for kids
- Treasure Island East: Less crowded, better for swimming laps
- Dream Island West: Best sunset views, but can get windy in the afternoon
Water Sports
I’m not a huge water sports person, but I’ve tried most activities here. Jet ski rentals run AED 200-300 for 30 minutes (shop around—prices vary). Kayaking and paddleboarding are cheaper at AED 100-150 per hour. I’ve seen people parasailing (looked terrifying), and there’s a banana boat that’s always full of screaming tourists on weekends. My recommendation? Rent a kayak early morning and paddle along the coast—it’s peaceful and you’ll see the island from a completely different perspective.
RAK Half Marathon
Every February, Al Marjan hosts what’s called the world’s fastest half marathon—the course is dead flat and the weather is perfect. I ran it in 2024 (finished in a mediocre 1:52, but whatever). The atmosphere is incredible, with thousands of runners from around the world. The race starts at 7 AM, and they shut down the entire corniche. Even if you don’t run, come watch—there are food stalls, music, and a genuinely festive vibe.
Where to Eat: My Tested Restaurant Guide
I’ve eaten my way through Al Marjan over two years. Some hits, some misses. Here’s what’s actually worth your money:
Zaitouna House (Lebanese, DoubleTree)
Price: AED 150-250 per person | Must-try: Mixed grill, fattoush
This is my go-to for special occasions. Authentic Lebanese cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the Gulf. The mixed grill platter (AED 180) easily feeds two hungry people. Service is impeccable—they remember regulars’ names and preferences. Live oud music on Thursday and Friday evenings. The fattoush is the best I’ve had outside Beirut. Book ahead for weekend dinners; it fills up fast.
Al Forno (Italian, Mövenpick)
Price: AED 120-200 per person | Must-try: Wood-fired pizzas, seafood risotto
Al fresco dining with Mediterranean views. The pizzas come from a proper wood-fired oven—thin, crispy, authentic. I’m particularly fond of the seafood risotto (AED 95), which has fresh prawns and squid. Wine list is decent if overpriced. Perfect for a romantic dinner—request a table on the terrace for sunset.
The Daily Coffee & Co.
Price: AED 25-50 per person | Must-try: Iced Spanish latte, breakfast wraps
My morning coffee spot, hands down. Independent café near the corniche entrance with excellent espresso and friendly baristas who know my order (iced Spanish latte, no sugar). Outdoor seating perfect for working on laptop mornings. Breakfast wraps (AED 35) are filling and fresh. Gets busy 8-10 AM on weekends.
Food Trucks on Corniche
Several food trucks park along the corniche on weekend evenings. Quality varies wildly. The shawarma truck near Breeze Island is legit (AED 15 for a massive wrap). Avoid the burger truck—I got food poisoning once. The Filipino BBQ truck does excellent grilled chicken skewers for AED 25. Cash only for most trucks.
Living on Al Marjan Island: The Reality
I don’t live directly on the island—I’m in RAK city center—but several expat friends have bought apartments here. Here’s what they tell me about actually living on Al Marjan:
Property Prices (November 2024)
Apartment Sale Prices:
- Studios: AED 341,000-600,000
- 1-bedroom: AED 895,000-1.5M
- 2-bedroom: AED 1.5M-2.5M
- 3-bedroom: AED 2.5M-4M
- Penthouses: AED 2.9M-39M
- Villas: AED 8M-20M+ (average around AED 9M)
The market has absolutely exploded. Properties jumped 33.3% in value during 2024 alone—the kind of appreciation that’s normally spread over five years happened in twelve months. My friend bought a 1-bedroom in Pacific complex for AED 750,000 in early 2023; similar units now list for over AED 1.2M. The average price per square foot hit AED 1,067 in 2024, with luxury branded residences commanding AED 2,500+ per square foot.
Rental Market
Annual Rental Prices:
- Studios: AED 23,000-35,000 per year
- 1-bedroom: AED 38,000-55,000 per year
- 2-bedroom: AED 70,000-90,000 per year
- 3-bedroom: AED 85,000-120,000 per year
Rental demand has gone crazy—rents increased 62% from 2023 to 2025. A 1-bedroom that rented for AED 38,000 in 2023 now goes for AED 55,000. Despite these increases, Al Marjan is still 40-50% cheaper than comparable Dubai Marina apartments, which explains why I’m seeing more remote workers and young families making the move from Dubai. Rental yields are exceptional at 6-8%, with studios and 1-bedrooms delivering 7.5-8.5% returns.
Daily Life Realities
The Good:
- Beach lifestyle without beach club fees
- Safe, family-friendly environment
- Free parking everywhere
- Spectacular sunrise and sunset views
- Lower cost of living than Dubai/Abu Dhabi
The Challenges:
- Limited shopping (nearest mall is Al Hamra Mall, 10 minutes drive)
- No public schools directly on island (nearest are 15-20 minutes)
- Ongoing construction noise in developing areas
- Need a car—taxis are limited and expensive
- 45-minute commute to Dubai (manageable but not ideal for daily)
The Wynn Casino: Game-Changer Arriving 2027
Everyone asks me about Wynn. It’s the elephant in the room—or rather, the 70-story casino resort rising on the northern tip of the island. I’ve watched construction progress from my morning runs; it’s already changing the island’s character.
What We Know
- Opening: Early 2027 (construction on schedule as of November 2024)
- Size: 1,530 rooms across 70+ floors
- Casino: 225,000 square feet—the UAE’s first legal casino
- Dining: 22 restaurants and lounges
- Entertainment: Concert venue, beach club, spa, luxury retail
- Investment: AED 14.3 billion (USD 3.9 billion)
Impact I’m Already Seeing
Property prices jumped 30% since the announcement. Traffic on the island has noticeably increased with curious visitors and prospective investors. More luxury car dealerships opened in RAK (Maserati, Bentley showrooms appeared in 2024). Several high-end restaurants announced plans to open 2025-2026. Job postings for hospitality roles have exploded—Wynn alone will employ 5,000+ people.
Local predictions suggest RAK’s annual visitor numbers could double from current 1.3 million to 2.5-3 million by 2028. Whether Al Marjan becomes ‘the next Macau’ or just a nice casino resort remains to be seen. I’m cautiously optimistic but aware that massive tourist influx will change the quiet, peaceful character I fell in love with.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Perfect: November-March
Temperatures 20-28°C, minimal humidity, perfect beach weather. This is peak season; hotel prices are highest, but it’s genuinely glorious. I swim in the Gulf comfortably through February.
Good: October, April
Shoulder season. Still warm (28-32°C) but not oppressive. Fewer crowds, better hotel deals. October can be humid but tolerable.
Challenging: May-September
Brutally hot (38-45°C), high humidity. I don’t run outdoors June-August; it’s genuinely dangerous. Hotel rates plummet (you can find rooms for AED 300/night), but you’ll spend all day indoors. The Gulf water is bath-warm.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (critical—Gulf sun is intense)
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
- Swimwear (conservative by Western standards—bikinis fine at hotels, cover up on public beaches)
- Running shoes if you plan to use the corniche
- Sunglasses and hat (non-negotiable)
- Light jacket for over-air-conditioned restaurants
Money & Costs
Currency is UAE Dirham (AED). Most places accept cards, but keep AED 200-300 cash for food trucks and tips. ATMs available at all hotels. Tipping culture: 10-15% at restaurants (sometimes included as service charge), AED 5-10 for valet parking, AED 20 for hotel porters.
Daily budget estimates:
- Budget: AED 150-250 (hotel + basic meals + activities)
- Mid-range: AED 500-800 (better hotel + nice dinners + water sports)
- Luxury: AED 1,500+ (five-star resort + fine dining + premium experiences)
Insider Tips From a Local
- Skip Friday beach days if possible—it’s when Dubai families flood in for weekend getaways. Weekday mornings are blissfully quiet.
- The best sunrise photo spot is the northern tip of Breeze Island at 6:15 AM. I’ve taken dozens of photos there; the light is magical.
- For groceries, drive to Lulu Hypermarket in RAK city (15 minutes)—way better selection and prices than hotel convenience stores.
- Book hotel staycations on Sunday-Tuesday for 30-40% cheaper rates than weekends.
- The corniche gets scorching hot 11 AM-4 PM in summer. If you’re stubborn like me and run anyway, bring water and know where the shaded rest areas are.
- For Dubai friends visiting, tell them to use Waze or Google Maps—the E11 route is faster than the coastal road despite what local taxis might claim.
- If you’re considering buying property, work with an agent who actually knows Al Marjan. Not all RAK agents are familiar with the island’s specific developments.
Final Thoughts: Is Al Marjan Island Worth It?
Two years in, I don’t regret moving to RAK for a second. Al Marjan Island is where I’ve found the quality of life I was chasing when I left my stressful Dubai job. Morning runs along the Gulf, affordable beachfront living, a genuine sense of community that’s rare in the UAE—these aren’t marketing slogans; they’re my daily reality.
Will the Wynn casino change everything? Probably. Will property prices continue climbing? Almost certainly. Will the quiet, under-the-radar character I love disappear as tourism explodes? Maybe.
But right now, in November 2024, Al Marjan Island represents something increasingly rare in the UAE: opportunity before the masses arrive. Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape from Dubai, considering a property investment, or contemplating a full relocation like I did, my advice is simple: come see it for yourself. Soon.
Because in two years when Wynn opens and RAK becomes the UAE’s next major destination, you’ll wish you had discovered Marjan when it was still relatively quiet, relatively affordable, and absolutely spectacular.
I’ll see you on the corniche at sunrise. Just look for the crazy guy running in 35°C heat.
Disclaimer: The content provided on DiscoverMarjan.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all information, we make no guarantees or warranties, express or implied. All property listings, investment data, and project mentions are based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Readers are advised to conduct their own due diligence and consult with licensed professionals before making any investment or real estate decisions.
DiscoverMarjan.com does not represent or endorse any third-party developers or agencies mentioned unless explicitly stated. The use of any brand names, logos, or project details is for informational and editorial purposes only.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.