Marjan CEO Unveils Ambitious Master Development Plans for Ras Al Khaimah by 2025
Ras Al Khaimah eyes integrated growth with new master plans, addressing housing demand and positioning RAK Central as a hub for business, tourism, and investment.
Emirate set to meet demand for 45,000 new residential units as RAK Central anchors growth in business, tourism, and integrated communities
Marjan, the master developer shaping Ras Al Khaimah’s urban and tourism landscape, has revealed plans to launch a new large-scale master development before the end of 2025. The announcement comes as the emirate sets its sights on welcoming 3.5 million tourists and addressing the need for 45,000 new residential units over the next five to seven years.
“To achieve that, we at Marjan need to launch multiple master plans, not just RAK Central,” said CEO Abdulla Al Abdouli. “RAK Central and others and others to cope with what’s happening in Ras Al Khaimah today.”
RAK Central: A Catalyst for Growth
Beyond its role as a residential hub, RAK Central is being positioned as a major business destination. Al Abdouli described it as the “first grade A office space, the biggest in the northern emirate,” already fully sold out and set to accommodate more than 6,000 professionals.
This influx of professionals is expected to generate demand across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, retail, entertainment, and hospitality. “Those 6,000 professionals will need a lot of F&B offerings, entertainment venues, and services in RAK Central,” Al Abdouli noted, highlighting the ecosystem Marjan is building around the development.
Integrated Economy Model
Marjan’s strategy extends far beyond property development, focusing on integrated communities that foster sustainable economic growth. “It will create an impact on all sectors in Ras Al Khaimah, not only tourism or business, but also hospitality, supply chain, construction, healthcare, and education,” Al Abdouli explained.
He cited the rapid expansion of hotel brands in RAK as a prime example. “They will hire a lot of employees. They need staff accommodation, which creates demand for healthcare facilities, education, and supporting infrastructure.”
A Unique Market Proposition
While neighboring Dubai and Abu Dhabi host established financial hubs, RAK Central is being developed with a different focus. “We are not a financial hub. We are Grade A office space targeting local and international businesses,” Al Abdouli said. “We are inviting everyone who has a business in RAK to have an address with us in RAK Central.”
He pointed to the emirate’s transparent legal framework, ease of doing business, and natural surroundings as major draws. “We are creating our own independent market, not competing with other destinations. RAK is the place to start a business in Ras Al Khaimah.”
Call to Investors
Al Abdouli urged both real estate investors and entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity. “There are billions of investments in real estate and tourism, between construction and activities. Be part of that journey,” he said.
“If you are an investor, buy a unit. If you are not in real estate, establish a business, open an office, lease a space, and benefit from all that we are doing as a master developer.”
Despite regional challenges, Al Abdouli remains confident in the emirate’s trajectory. “People will continue to come to the UAE, and we are so proud to be part of that,” he concluded.
