Ras Al Khaimah’s luxury property market is rapidly expanding, with more than 5,000 branded residential units scheduled for completion by 2030, reflecting strong investor demand and growing interest in high-end living.
UAE: Luxury housing in Ras Al Khaimah surges, with over 5,000 branded units expected by 2030
Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing unprecedented momentum in its branded residential sector, with more than 5,000 such homes projected for completion by 2030 — a level of growth rarely seen in the northern emirates. Property experts note that the emirate is steadily establishing itself as a serious player in the luxury real estate space, driven by increasing investor trust, solid tourism performance and a rising appetite for lifestyle-focused developments.
Over the past year, branded homes have emerged as one of Ras Al Khaimah’s most attractive property segments, according to Oussama El Kadiri, partner and head of hospitality, tourism and leisure advisory for the MENA region at Knight Frank. He explained that although Dubai continues to dominate the global branded residences market with approximately 39,000 units, Ras Al Khaimah has secured its position as the UAE’s second-most prominent destination in this category. This growth has been underpinned by consistent transaction volumes and a noticeable increase in buyer demand, signalling the emirate’s growing appeal among high-end investors.El Kadiri said Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing a swift transformation, supported by strong underlying drivers. The emirate’s population is forecast to increase by over 50 per cent by 2030, while its tourism sector is gaining strength across leisure travel, adventure experiences, nature-based offerings and the MICE market. Major developments in the pipeline, including the Wynn resort set to open in 2027, are expected to significantly boost the emirate’s international standing and draw repeat tourists, many of whom eventually invest in residential property.He also highlighted that affluent international buyers are increasingly gravitating toward branded residences due to the lifestyle benefits and dependable quality they provide. According to Knight Frank’s recent study, the leading factor influencing buyers, cited by 63% of respondents, is the availability of “services and physical amenities,” followed closely by “building upkeep and management” and “strong investment returns,” each mentioned by 59% of those surveyed.
This rising interest is clearly visible in the property market. El Kadiri noted that both off-plan sales and price premiums in Ras Al Khaimah are increasing, with branded developments outperforming non-branded projects in terms of both speed and value.
The expansion of international luxury and lifestyle brands is further accelerating this trend. The entry of prestigious names such as Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, alongside lifestyle-focused brands like Nobu, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini, is redefining the emirate’s image. Ras Al Khaimah is increasingly being recognized not just as a more affordable alternative to Dubai, but as a standalone destination for luxury living.
With beachfront plots becoming limited in major global cities, developers from Europe, Asia, and other international markets are turning to Ras Al Khaimah for their flagship ventures. El Kadiri emphasized that this growth highlights the critical role of collaborating with well-established hospitality or lifestyle brands to ensure the success of new projects and sustain their premium market positioning.
Premium waterfront location
In the past six months, branded residences in Ras Al Khaimah have consistently outperformed non-branded properties in terms of sales, pricing, and anticipated rental yields. Over 50% of these branded homes are situated on Al Marjan Island, which benefits from a premium of 35 to 50 percent compared with non-branded projects, thanks to its waterfront location and rising reputation as a luxury residential and tourism hotspot.
The emirate’s growing tourism sector continues to underpin these price premiums. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 9 percent in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year, boosting returns from rental pools for investors and reinforcing the appeal of branded developments.
Market trends reflect this positive momentum. Cherif Sleiman, Chief Revenue Officer at Property Finder, noted that buyer interest in branded units in Ras Al Khaimah from May to July 2025 remained robust, trailing Abu Dhabi by only around 10 percent when measured against available supply. While Dubai continues to dominate, generating roughly five times the demand per unit, Ras Al Khaimah is steadily establishing itself as a coastal destination that combines serene living with secure investment potential.
Reshaping the investment landscape
Although none of Ras Al Khaimah’s branded residential projects have been completed so far, Sleiman observed that current off-plan sales indicate strong buyer confidence, with many investors committing early to secure properties offering extensive amenities. Approximately 75 percent of these transactions are from buyers within the UAE, while the remaining 25 percent come from international investors based in countries such as the US, India, and Germany.
Domestic buyers are primarily interested in secondary or holiday residences, whereas overseas investors are positioning themselves ahead of the emirate’s anticipated growth as a luxury destination.
As the northern emirates gain increased recognition, Ras Al Khaimah’s expanding portfolio of branded developments is playing a key role in transforming the region’s investment landscape. With thousands of units currently under construction, ongoing enhancements to tourism infrastructure, and growing international interest, analysts suggest that Ras Al Khaimah is entering its most dynamic phase yet as a high-end residential and leisure destination, with momentum projected to strengthen even further leading up to 2030.
