Ras Al Khaimah has seen huge branded residential growth in recent years, with 16 developments either completed or under construction.
According to Stirling Hospitality Advisors, branded residences are projected to make up 40% of all residential units on the man-made island by 2029, with plans to add 5,600 new units to the development.
63% of these projects are situated on Marjan Island, while the majority of the remaining 37% are in Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab.
On average, branded residences in RAK on sale today achieve approximately 50% higher sales prices compared to non-branded properties.
Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its outstanding nature, leisure, adventure and authentic offerings. With an extraordinary history dating back over seven millennia, the northernmost Emirate in the UAE has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the Middle East.
Travellers to Ras Al Khaimah can choose from serene-spa-luxury to knee-trembling-adrenaline-adventures and anything in between. The year-round destination offers a plethora of activities for everyone, and has a thriving luxury real estate sector. There are many luxury hotels entering the region and this is also fuelling the growth of branded residences.
Tatiana Veller, Managing Director of Stirling Hospitality Advisors, said: “Branded residences are transforming Ras Al Khaimah's real estate landscape. The demand for elevated living experiences is reshaping the market, with our findings highlighting the growing importance of branded residences as a key driver of luxury investment in the emirate. This edition seeks to illuminate this dynamic sector and offer valuable forecasts for all stakeholders involved.”
RAK has experienced substantial development in the real estate sector in the past decade across the clusters of Al Hamra, Mina Al Arab and Marjan Island. The emirate is poised to experience significant growth in its residential sector, with a total of 14,148 new residential units announced to be developed between 2026 and 2029. Branded residences account for 5,604 of these units, reaching a 40% share of the total.
The majority of branded residences entering the market in RAK are affiliated with hotel brands, which is the most prevalent model. Hospitality brands that have announced residences include Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Carlton, Nikki Beach, Nobu, and more. Non-hotel brands such as Tonino Lamborghini, Elie Saab, Yoo and Aston Martin have also shared plans for branded residential projects in RAK. For developers and buyers, these residences provide quality assurance as they are tied to the brand’s reputation, thereby boosting buyer confidence, enhancing property value, and offering a unique "lock-and-leave" lifestyle that appeals to high-net-worth individuals.
