Ras Al Khaimah’s property market defied regional economic challenges in the first half of 2026, with demand for residential and tourism-linked assets driving an 18% year-on-year increase in apartment prices.
Trade and domestic demand have propped up the economy, with non-oil trade hitting AED1.93 trillion ($526 billion) in the first half—a 13.1% rise from 2025. The purchasing managers’ index reached 55.3 in August, signaling expansion in non-oil sectors. Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah’s chamber of commerce recorded AED771.5 million in new investment capital across 967 new businesses, creating 2,449 jobs for 1,399 investors from 68 nationalities.
The strongest price growth occurred in established waterfront communities. Apartments on Al Marjan Island rose 23.1% year-on-year, while Al Hamra saw a 14.7% increase. Villa prices climbed 7.3%, though the pace of sales moderated slightly after February. High-value transactions included a $35.4 million sale at Waldorf Astoria Residences, the emirate’s most expensive residential deal, and a $34.7 million penthouse at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences.
Apartment rents increased 14.3%, led by gains in Mina Al Arab and Al Marjan Island. Over the next five years, more than 34,000 residential units are expected to enter the market, including 10,000 branded residences. New developments announced in the first half include The Strand, Lunara by RAK Properties, and the 25 billion dirham Evermore masterplan by Beyond Developments.
Tourism also showed signs of recovery, with 670,400 hotel visitors in the first half, a 2.7% increase from 2025, driven by a 47% rise in domestic and Gulf visitors. However, hotel performance lagged, with average occupancy at 49% and revenue per available room (RevPAR) falling 28.6% to 348 dirhams. Despite lower occupancy, average daily rates rose 5.2% to 705.6 dirhams per night.
Hotels generated 606 million dirhams in revenue, with 385 million dirhams from rooms and 192 million dirhams from food and beverage. The emirate currently has 9,000 operational hotel rooms, with 8,500 more planned by 2030, 80% of which will be five-star properties, mostly on Al Marjan Island.
Infrastructure investments are accelerating, including an expansion of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and upgrades to mobility networks. The $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is set to open in September 2027, adding to the emirate’s growing appeal as a lifestyle destination.
