Ras Al Khaimah Residential Stock Set to Double by 2030 as Waterfront Demand Surges

Ras Al Khaimah’s residential sector is entering a major growth phase, with total housing supply projected to double by 2030, according to a recent Savills Middle East Market Report. The emirate’s expansion is being driven by new branded developments, expanding infrastructure, and a strong appetite for waterfront living at more accessible prices than Dubai’s coastline.

Lifestyle Appeal Meets Value Advantage

RAK’s coastal communities are attracting increasing attention from both investors and end-users seeking space, tranquility, and long-term value. While prime Dubai waterfront properties often command between AED 4,000–6,000 per sq. ft.—and ultra-prime units exceed AED 10,000 per sq. ft.—Ras Al Khaimah’s premium projects such as Miraggio and Anantara Residences on Al Marjan Island are launching at roughly half that price, averaging AED 2,000–3,000 per sq. ft.

This pricing advantage, combined with resort-style living and expanding lifestyle infrastructure, is positioning RAK as a competitive coastal market offering both high yields and long-term appreciation.

Strong Demand and Rising Investment

The emirate’s property market continues to mature, with off-plan sales up 10–15% year-on-year and real estate transactions rising over 30% in 2024. Since 2017, total transaction volumes have grown by nearly 850%, underscoring strong investor confidence.

In Q1 2025 alone, RAK recorded 1,300 off-plan deals worth AED 2.4 billion, while mortgage values surged from AED 15.8 million in 2017 to AED 3.47 billion by mid-2024—reflecting increasing participation from first-time buyers and residents financing their homes.

Developers are benefiting from this momentum: RAK Properties reported a 28% increase in revenue and 64% rise in profit before tax in Q1 2025, with 503 units sold for AED 839 million—its best-ever quarterly result.

Rising Prices, Yields, and Branded Developments

Property prices across RAK rose by up to 20% in the past year, supported by investment in tourism and infrastructure. Key waterfront communities such as Al Hamra Village, Al Marjan Island, and Mina Al Arab are seeing apartment rents climb up to 20%, while villas deliver 5–6% yields. Al Marjan Island currently leads with 7–8% average returns, among the highest in the emirate.

Major hospitality brands including Four Seasons, Hard Rock Hotel, and Wynn Al Marjan Island (opening 2027) are set to redefine the coastal skyline and boost international visibility. These luxury projects mark the next phase of RAK’s evolution into a destination for both living and investing.

Outlook: A Mature and Balanced Coastal Market

Savills projects that more than 11,000 new residential units will enter the RAK market by 2030, effectively doubling total inventory. The combination of affordable entry points, growing branded supply, and sustained investor participation is shaping one of the UAE’s most balanced and high-potential coastal real estate markets.

As Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, notes:

“Ras Al Khaimah’s ability to attract both investors and end-users is creating a deeper, more resilient market. The combination of waterfront living, competitive pricing, and lifestyle infrastructure continues to deliver strong results.”

With its strategic mix of value, luxury, and lifestyle, Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly emerging as the UAE’s next coastal powerhouse—offering the serenity of a resort destination with the investment confidence of a maturing market.