The real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah is set to enter a significant phase, with development projects transitioning from 'off-plan sales' to actual operational readiness between 2028 and 2029. Real estate experts told 'Emirates Today' that 'the market is now under construction,' describing the period between 2026 and 2027 as the 'major construction phase.' During this time, prices for coastal land have increased by approximately 20%. They confirmed that the market is preparing for an 'upward recovery cycle' in 2026, marked by the start of rental activity and population influx, which will peak in early 2027 with the delivery of world-class projects in the residential and hospitality sectors. They also highlighted that 'Coral Island' is no longer a traditional coastal project but a clear international investment destination in tourism, hospitality, and real estate. The entry of international development brands into both 'Coral Island' and 'Rak Central' has enhanced the emirate's competitiveness. They stated that European investment in Ras Al Khaimah is expanding rapidly, driven by business incentives, while tourist infrastructure is set to create a new wave of transactions for residential land and coastal frontages. They noted that rental yields in Ras Al Khaimah currently range between 5% and 10%, depending on the area. An Investment Destination. In detail, the CEO of 'Marsan' Engineering, Abdullah Al Abdouli, told 'Emirates Today' that '(Coral Island) is no longer a traditional coastal project but a clear international investment destination in tourism, hospitality, and real estate.' He added: 'Coral Island is currently cementing Ras Al Khaimah's position on the global tourism map.' He pointed out that the period between 2026 and 2027 will be the 'major construction phase' for projects, with full delivery and operational commencement between 2028 and 2029, shifting the market from 'development' to actual operation. He said: 'The market is now under construction,' advising investors to seize the opportunity before the operational phase and price increases. Al Abdouli also indicated rental yields ranging from 5% to 9%, varying by region and product, noting that 'hospitality' yields the highest returns due to growing tourist demand. He revealed the 'Marsan Beach' plan, targeting 12,000 hotel rooms, 22,000 residential units, and 6.5 million square feet of green spaces. He added that coastal land prices have recently grown by 20% due to domestic and foreign demand, with offers starting from 800,000 dirhams for apartments up to 90 million dirhams for luxury villas. Upward Recovery Cycle. Meanwhile, the General Manager of 'Ijada Real Estate,' Mohammed Al Abri, said: 'The market is preparing for an 'upward recovery cycle,' which will become evident in 2026 with the start of rental activity and population influx, peaking in early 2027 with the delivery of world-class projects in the residential and hospitality sectors.' Al Abri added that the investment return in Ras Al Khaimah currently ranges between 7% and 10%, with expectations to rise to 12% in the next five years, driven by the delivery of iconic projects and increased hotel operation. In response to a question from 'Emirates Today' about sales and rental prices, Al Abri said: 'Studio prices on Coral Island start from 800,000 dirhams, with annual rentals in some areas ranging from 55,000 to 60,000 dirhams, while luxury apartment prices reach 1.5 million dirhams with annual rentals close to 100,000 dirhams.' He confirmed that the entry of international development brands into both 'Coral Island' and 'Rak Central' has enhanced the emirate's competitiveness, noting that European investment in Ras Al Khaimah is expanding rapidly, driven by business incentives. Key Areas. In the same context, consultant engineer Naser Al Malli provided an assessment of development in four key areas: Al Dhait South, describing it as 'the heart of family housing and balanced growth.' Al Malli noted a 'gradual improvement in quality, services, and larger spaces for residential construction' in Al Rifa'a area, while the new Corniche is a coastal facade that rapidly increases value and attracts investment and commercial demand. He confirmed that the Al Maarid-Rims area represents a coming leap forward due to the Al Maarid walk, the yacht club, and the 'Mira Coral Bay' project. Al Malli predicts a rise in real estate value in the Corniche and Al Maarid areas during 2026-2027, with the development of Rims' ports, indicating that tourist infrastructure will create a new wave of transactions for residential land and coastal frontages. He confirmed the presence of opportunities in the market currently for better future investments.
