RAK Real Estate: 5 Resort-Linked Apartments With Promising Yield Trends in 2025

REAL ESTATE1 month ago

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)’s real estate market, valued at AED 15.08B in 2024 (up 118% from AED 6.94B in 2023), is a rising investment hub, driven by tourism growth (1.3M visitors in 2024, targeting 3M by 2030), 100% foreign ownership, and the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort (Q1 2027).

In 2025, five resort-linked apartment projects on Al Marjan Island MASA Residence, The Astera by Aston Martin, JW Marriott Residences, Shoreline Babolex by DAMAC, and Address Residences offer high-yield opportunities, with apartments (AED 1.2M–5.5M) delivering 7–11% ROI and 10–15% appreciation by 2028.

Supported by RAK Vision 2030, infrastructure like Etihad Rail (Q4 2025), and RAKEZ’s business-friendly policies, these projects attract investors from India, GCC, and Europe. Below is an analysis of each project, its features, and investment potential, backed by 2024–2025 data.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)’s real estate market, valued at AED 15.08B in 2024 (up 118% from AED 6.94B in 2023), is emerging as a global investment hotspot, driven by a 3.5% population growth, 1.3M tourists in 2024 (targeting 3M by 2030), and investor-friendly policies like 100% foreign ownership, 0% property tax, and Golden Visas (AED 2M+).

In 2025, five resort-linked apartment projects on Al Marjan Island MASA Residence, The Astera by Aston Martin, JW Marriott Residences, Shoreline Babolex by DAMAC, and Address Residences offer apartments (AED 1.2M–5.5M) with 7–11% ROI and 10–15% appreciation by 2028.

Aligned with RAK Vision 2030, these projects leverage infrastructure like Etihad Rail (Q4 2025), RAK International Airport expansion, and the $3.9B Wynn Al Marjan Island resort (Q1 2027) to attract investors from India, GCC, and Europe.

With apartment prices up 35% and rental yields averaging 7.8% in 2024, these developments capitalize on a supply-demand gap and tourism growth. This guide details each project’s features, incentives, and investment potential, backed by 2024–2025 data.

1. MASA Residence

Details: A luxury project by Marjan and YOO Inspired by Starck on Al Marjan Island, offering studios, 1–3-bedroom apartments, and penthouses (AED 1.7M–5.5M). Q1 2025 sales: AED 500M. Completion: Q4 2026.
Features: Units (600–3,500 sq.ft.) with Gulf views, Philippe Starck-designed interiors, and amenities like a rooftop infinity pool, spa, and gym. Located near Wynn Al Marjan Island (5-minute walk). Estidama-certified with smart home tech.
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership via RAKEZ, Golden Visa eligibility, 20/80 payment plan (20% during construction, 80% over 5 years), and escrow accounts.
Investment Potential: 7–9% ROI (rentals AED 80K–250K/year), 12–15% appreciation by 2028 due to Wynn’s tourism boost (1.3M visitors). Appeals to HNWIs (20% Indian/UK buyers). Risks: premium pricing, mitigated by 25% sales growth and 85% occupancy. Ideal for luxury and short-term rental investors.

2. The Astera by Aston Martin

Details: A branded residence by Dar Global on Al Marjan Island, offering 1–3-bedroom apartments and penthouses (AED 2M–5M). Q1 2025 sales: AED 300M. Completion: Q4 2027.
Features: Units (800–3,000 sq.ft.) with Aston Martin-designed interiors, private balconies, and amenities like a private beach, cinema, and fitness center. Near Wynn Resort (5-minute drive). Estidama-certified with 50% green spaces.
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, Golden Visa eligibility, 10/50/40 payment plan (10% down, 50% during construction, 40% over 5 years), and escrow accounts.
Investment Potential: 8–10% ROI (rentals AED 100K–300K/year), 10–15% appreciation by 2028 due to luxury branding and tourism growth. Appeals to HNWIs (25% European buyers). Risks: longer completion timeline, mitigated by Dar Global’s reputation and 85% absorption. Ideal for ultra-luxury investors.

3. JW Marriott Residences

Details: A Marjan and JW Marriott project on Al Marjan Island, offering studios, 1–2-bedroom apartments, and duplexes (AED 1.5M–4M). Q1 2025 sales: AED 400M. Completion: Q2 2027.
Features: Units (600–2,500 sq.ft.) with sea views, JW Marriott-managed services, and amenities like a spa, pool, and concierge. Adjacent to Wynn Resort (3-minute walk). Estidama-certified with smart home tech.
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, Golden Visa eligibility, 20/80 payment plan, and escrow accounts.
Investment Potential: 8–11% ROI (rentals AED 80K–200K/year), 12–15% appreciation by 2028 due to branded hospitality and tourism (3M target by 2030). Appeals to investors and tourists (20% GCC buyers). Risks: competitive luxury market, mitigated by 10.5% rental growth and Marriott’s management. Ideal for high-yield rental investors.

4. Shoreline Babolex by DAMAC

Details: A luxury waterfront project by DAMAC on Al Marjan Island, offering studios, 1–3-bedroom apartments, and penthouses (AED 1.2M–4.5M). Q1 2025 sales: AED 350M. Completion: Q3 2027.
Features: Units (500–3,000 sq.ft.) with private beach access, infinity pools, and retail spaces. Near Wynn Resort (5-minute drive). Estidama-certified with eco-friendly designs.
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, Golden Visa eligibility, 60/40 payment plan, and escrow accounts.
Investment Potential: 7–9% ROI (rentals AED 70K–250K/year), 10–12% appreciation by 2028 due to DAMAC’s brand and tourism demand. Appeals to expats and HNWIs (20% Indian buyers). Risks: off-plan delays, mitigated by RERA oversight and 85% absorption. Ideal for affordable luxury investors.

5. Address Residences

Details: An Emaar Hospitality project on Al Marjan Island, offering 1–3-bedroom apartments and penthouses (AED 2M–5M). Q1 2025 sales: AED 450M. Completion: Q4 2027.
Features: Units (700–3,500 sq.ft.) with Gulf views, Address Hotels-managed services, and amenities like a spa, gym, and dining. Near Wynn Resort (5-minute walk). Estidama-certified with smart home tech.
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership, Golden Visa eligibility, 10/50/40 payment plan, and escrow accounts.
Investment Potential: 8–10% ROI (rentals AED 100K–300K/year), up to 58% appreciation over 5 years per AI-based studies due to Emaar’s reputation and Wynn’s impact. Appeals to HNWIs and tourists (20% European/GCC buyers). Risks: premium pricing, mitigated by 18.5% price growth and 85% occupancy. Ideal for luxury rental and capital gain investors.

Market Trends and Outlook for 2025

Yields and Appreciation: Apartments offer 7–11% ROI (highest in Yasmin Village at 11.8%) and 10–15% appreciation by 2028, driven by AED 15.08B in 2024 transactions (up 118% YoY) and 10.5–42.7% rental growth. Short-term rentals yield 10–15% due to 1.3M tourists and Wynn’s upcoming opening.
Infrastructure Impact: Etihad Rail (Q4 2025) reduces Dubai-RAK travel to 45 minutes, boosting values by 10–15%. RAK International Airport expansion and Wynn Resort (1,542 rooms) enhance tourism-driven demand.
Investor Drivers: 100% foreign ownership, 0% tax, and Golden Visas attract 20% more foreign investors (India, GCC, Europe). Affordable pricing (30% cheaper than Dubai) and branded residences (40% of 14,000 units by 2029) drive demand.
Risks: Supply-demand gap (only 1,194 units delivered in 2024–2025) and off-plan delays (6–12 months) pose a 10% correction risk in H2 2025. Mitigated by 85% absorption, RERA oversight, and escrow accounts. AML compliance (KYC) adds scrutiny.
Regulatory Framework: RAKEZ ensures transparency with 2–4% registration fees. Freehold status across RAK allows inheritance rights. Escrow laws protect off-plan investments.

Investment Strategy

Diversification: Combine MASA Residence and Address Residences for luxury rentals, JW Marriott Residences for high-yield short-term rentals, Shoreline Babolex for affordable luxury, and The Astera for ultra-luxury capital gains.
Entry Points: Off-plan studios and 1-bedroom apartments (AED 1.2M–2M in Shoreline, JW Marriott) offer 12–15% gains by 2027–2028. Penthouses (AED 3M–5.5M in MASA, Address) suit HNWIs seeking 58% returns over 5 years.
Process: Verify freehold status via RAK Municipality, pay 2–4% registration fees, and secure No Objection Certificate (NOC). Use RERA-registered agents and platforms like Bayut or Property Finder. Required documents: passport copy, proof of income, no UAE visa needed.
Platforms: Contact developers like Marjan (info@marjan.ae), DAMAC (info@damacproperties.com), Emaar (info@emaar.com), Dar Global (info@darglobal.co.uk), or brokers like Realty Homist (info@homist.ae) for listings.

Conclusion

In 2025, MASA Residence, The Astera, JW Marriott Residences, Shoreline Babolex, and Address Residences on Al Marjan Island drive RAK’s real estate boom, offering AED 1.2M–5.5M apartments with 7–11% ROI and 10–15% appreciation by 2028.

Fueled by AED 15.08B in 2024 transactions, infrastructure like Etihad Rail, and the Wynn Resort’s tourism pull, these resort-linked projects attract diverse investors. Despite a 10% correction risk, 85% absorption and RERA oversight ensure stability. Explore opportunities via Bayut, Property Finder, or developers like Marjan and Emaar to capitalize on RAK’s high-yield real estate market in 2025. Resort-Linked Apartments