Living on Al Marjan Island fulfils your dreams of waking up to the sound of waves, walking along pristine beaches, and being surrounded by luxury resorts. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, this artificial Island is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after places to live in the UAE.
But should you pack your bags and move here?
Let’s break it down.
What Makes Living on Al Marjan Island Special?
Al Marjan Island isn’t just another beachfront development. With mega projects like the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Resort (the first casino in the UAE) and world-class hotels, this place is set to become a tourism hotspot.
Even Craig S. Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, believes it will be a ‘must-see’ destination (as reported by Khaleej Times). But living on Al Marjan Island isn’t just about having a vacation-like lifestyle—it’s also about the costs, convenience, and long-term benefits.
Al Marjan Island’s Best Residential Areas
If you’re considering moving or investing in Al Marjan Island, it’s important to know which communities suit your lifestyle and budget. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best residential areas on the Island:
1. Pacific by Select Group
Type: Luxury beachfront apartments
Who It’s Best For: Young professionals, couples, and remote workers
Why Live Here? Affordable for beachfront living, modern interiors, and access to private beaches and rooftop pools.
2. Bab Al Bahr Residences
Type: Apartments with direct beach access
Who It’s Best For: Families, long-term residents, and retirees
Why Live Here? Spacious layouts, a family-friendly environment, and a peaceful beachfront lifestyle.
3. Al Marjan Villas
Type: High-end waterfront villas
Who It’s Best For: High-net-worth individuals, investors, and those looking for luxury living
Why Live Here? Exclusive living, private beaches, and breathtaking sea views.
4. Mövenpick Residences Al Marjan
Type: Branded serviced apartments
Who It’s Best For: Investors and those wanting hotel-style living
Why Live Here? Luxury services, rental income potential, and a prime location near the upcoming Wynn Resort.
Each of these communities offers something unique, so your decision will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
The Upside of Living on Al Marjan Island
Living on Al Marjan Island definitely comes with so many benefits but let’s us explain some of the major pros:
1. Luxury Beachfront Living:
If you dream of waking up to sea views, Al Marjan delivers. Most apartments and villas here come with balconies facing the water, and the Island has long, peaceful beaches right at your doorstep. So even if you are considering Al Marjan Island for a short stay, you are in for a treat!
2. Low-Traffic, High-Peace:
Unlike Dubai’s crowded streets, Al Marjan is still relatively quiet. No honking, no packed roads—just pure serenity. So, if commute is not a problem for you, consider living on Al Marjan Island.
3. Upcoming Growth = Higher Property Value:
Right now, Al Marjan’s property prices are cheaper than Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, but that won’t last forever. With the casino, new luxury hotels, and more tourists, prices are expected to rise. Investing now could mean a big return in a few years. We think it’s a great place to invest in the UAE as all eyes are on the Island.
4. Ideal for High-Net-Worth Individuals:
If you have a flexible job or own a business, Al Marjan offers a high-end lifestyle without the extreme costs of Dubai or Abu Dhabi. You get to live a luxuries life, away from the honking and growing traffic issue!
5. Family-Friendly Environment:
Al Marjan Island is not just a tourist hotspot—many families love it here for the clean environment, beachfront play areas, and the relaxed lifestyle. Parents get to enjoy a relaxed time on the serene yet calm beaches with their kids.
The Downside: Why You Might Think Twice
In addition to all the benefits, there are also some downsides that you must consider before moving to Al Marjan Island or investing here. Let’s discuss in detail:
1. Limited Daily Necessities (For Now):
There are a few supermarkets, restaurants, and shops, but it’s nothing like Dubai yet. If you need a variety of schools, hospitals, or shopping malls, you’ll need to drive to Ras Al Khaimah city (15-20 minutes away). As we pointed out earlier, is commute is not an issue for you then Al Marjan Island is good option to live or stay.
2. High Maintenance Costs:
Living in luxury means paying for it. Service charges in beachfront properties are higher than mainland apartments, and villas require constant upkeep. If you can afford this lifestyle only then should you make the call to live or stay on Al Marjan Island.
3. Not Ideal for Middle-Income Earners:
If you earn a moderate salary (let’s say AED 8,000–12,000 per month), the cost of buying or renting on Al Marjan might stretch your budget. Sure, you can afford a smaller apartment, but maintaining a comfortable lifestyle (eating out, entertainment, travel) might be tough. We suggest you to stick to mainland for now.
4. Job Availability is Limited (For Now):
Unless you work remotely, own a business, or have a job in hospitality/tourism, finding employment directly on Al Marjan is difficult. Most jobs are still in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah city.
5. Public Transport is Almost Non-Existent:
Unlike Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t have an extensive metro or bus system. Living here means you must own a car and bear the related cost on a daily basis.
All of the above-mentioned prices also play a role in deciding if investing in Al Marjan Island is really worth it or not! So, make a well-informed decision.
Who Will Love Living on Al Marjan Island?
To make it easier for you to decide let us explain who will love living on Al Marjan Island based on the factors:
High-Income Professionals & Business Owners:
If you can afford it comfortably, living on Al Marjan Island is a dream—relaxing, luxurious, and a great investment.
Investors:
With property values expected to rise, buying now could be a great financial move.
Remote Workers & Retirees:
If you don’t need to commute daily, this Island is a perfect place to enjoy peace, good weather, and a beachfront lifestyle.
Who Might Struggle Here?
If you belong to one of the below-mentioned categories, then it is not really a smart move to invest or live on Al Marjan Island.
Middle-Class Workers with Local Jobs:
If your work is in Dubai or even central Ras Al Khaimah, the commute and cost of living may outweigh the benefits.
People Who Need a Fast-Paced City Life:
If you thrive in a bustling urban environment, Al Marjan’s calm and quiet lifestyle might feel too slow.
Budget-Conscious Individuals:
The cost of living, maintenance, and limited budget-friendly amenities may not suit those looking for affordable housing options.
Frequent Travelers Without a Car:
With limited public transport and no major airport nearby, those who travel frequently may find commuting inconvenient.
Also Read: How Dubai Duty Free Can Make You a Millionaire in an Instant
The Future of Al Marjan: What to Expect?
With mega projects like Wynn Resort coming in, Al Marjan is turning into a hidden gem to a luxury tourism hub. This means:
- We can expect an influx of fine dining, shopping centers, and entertainment venues in the next few years.
- Rise in property prices could also happen. So, buying now could be smart, but renting might become pricier in the future.
- As the Island grows, expect improved roads, transport, and amenities.
- If you love a peaceful environment, keep in mind that the area will likely become busier as more visitors arrive.
How Al Marjan Island Compares to Other UAE Islands
There are so many options, if you’re considering moving to an Island in the UAE. To make a good call, it’s helpful to compare Al Marjan with other famous Island communities:
1. Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)
Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is considered as the most expensive among UAE Islands. Here, villas start at AED 20M+, apartments range from AED 2M+.
Palm Jumeirah offers an ultra-luxurious lifestyle with high-end restaurants, beach clubs, and top-tier entertainment. It also has a huge investment potential because the Island stays in demand always. But it is expensive to enter the market here.
2. Yas Island (Abu Dhabi)
Yas Islands are more affordable than Palm Jumeirah, but high for Abu Dhabi. Apartments from AED 1M+. It surely offers a family-friendly lifestyle with theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros.), malls, and events.
Its investment potential is growing, but mostly suited for families and professionals working in Abu Dhabi.
3. Bluewaters Island (Dubai)
Bluwaters Island in Dubai has premium pricing but slightly less than Palm Jumeirah. Apartments from AED 3M+. Here, lifestyle could be described as “Trendy, vibrant, home to Ain Dubai and high-end dining.”
If you are investing in short-term rentals then it had great investment protentional due to tourism.
4. Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi)
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is more luxury-focused. Apartments start at AED 2M+, villas at AED 8M+. It is a cultural hub with museums (Louvre Abu Dhabi), golf courses, and offers a luxury living.
Saadiyat Island also has good investment potential especially for those in cultural and business sectors.
How Does Al Marjan Compare?
Now let’s analyze how does Al Marjan compare with other islands in the UAE. Here property prices are lower than Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters, and Saadiyat.
Since, Al Marjan is less crowded, quieter than Dubai’s Islands, it is more peaceful. Al Marjan Island has high future growth. With projects like Wynn Resort, property values are expected to rise.
For now, the Island has less infrastructure. Unlike Palm Jumeirah or Yas Island, daily necessities are still developing. If you want luxury at a lower price and don’t mind a quieter lifestyle with future potential, Al Marjan could be a great choice!
Also Read: How Your UAE Work Permit Impacts Your Lifestyle
Final Verdict: Should You Move?
Moving to Al Marjan Island is like deciding to live in a luxury resort town. If you have the budget and don’t need to commute daily, it’s a fantastic choice.
But if you’re on a tight budget or need constant city life, you might want to think twice.
One thing’s for sure—this Island is on its way to becoming a top-tier destination in the UAE. Whether you’re looking to invest, retire, or just enjoy a lavish beachfront life, Al Marjan’s future is looking bright so if we were you, we would definitely keep our eyes on AL Marjan Island.
