BY SHABANA RANGREZ, MANAGING PARTNER AND COO AT URBAN
Marjan is transitioning from an opportunity led market into a performance driven one. What once attracted early adopters is now drawing structured capital, institutional interest, and increasingly sophisticated private investors. As Ras Al Khaimah accelerates its tourism and infrastructure agenda, Marjan is emerging as a market where demand is being shaped by yield visibility, supply dynamics, and long-term capital appreciation rather than speculation.
In 2026, investors are no longer asking whether Marjan will grow,they are focusing on which asset classes will outperform.
Waterfront Apartments: Yield, Liquidity, and Scarcity
Waterfront apartments remain the most liquid and defensible investment segment in Marjan. Limited beachfront supply, combined with consistent lifestyle and tourism demand, continues to support both rental performance and resale values.
What sets certain developments apart is exclusive private beachfront access, available only to a select number of units. Properties with private beach rights deliver enhanced lifestyle appeal and scarcity driven pricing power, making them highly attractive for investors seeking both capital preservation and premium growth. From an investment perspective, these assets benefit from three critical factors: strong occupancy potential, pricing resilience, and exit liquidity. As Ras Al Khaimah property values rise, true sea-facing units, especially those with private beach access are expected to maintain a premium over standard waterfront stock.
Branded and Non-Branded Residences: Premium Assets with Pricing Power
Branded and non-branded residences are increasingly being viewed as investment grade assets. Global brand association, design quality, and service standards translate into higher rental rates and stronger resale appeal, particularly among international buyers.
In Marjan, branded residences are commanding price premiums, but non-branded units in well located developments are also attracting strong investor interest due to long-term value positioning. Properties combining brand credentials or strong design differentiation with private beachfront access are particularly rare, adding an additional layer of exclusivity and investment resilience.
Off-Plan Investments: Timing Over Speculation
Off-plan remains a key entry strategy for investors, but the approach has evolved. The strongest returns are being generated not through volume buying, but through disciplined selection favoring projects with reputable developers, clear differentiation, and proximity to future demand drivers.
Studios and one-bedroom units continue to attract the highest investor interest due to lower entry prices, faster absorption, and higher rental efficiency. As projects near handover, appreciation is increasingly driven by end user demand and rental readiness rather than speculative resale
Short-Term Rental–Focused Assets: Yield-Driven Demand
Tourism growth is reshaping the rental market in Marjan, creating strong demand for short term rental friendly properties. Units designed for flexibility, capable of operating in both holiday and long term rental markets, are emerging as high-performing assets.
For investors, this segment offers the advantage of yield optimization, particularly during peak tourism seasons. As hospitality infrastructure expands, properties aligned with short-term rental demand including select units with private beach access are expected to deliver stronger cash flow and sustained valuation growth.
Capital Appreciation Outlook
Marjan’s price growth is entering a more selective phase. Rather than broad based appreciation, capital gains are concentrating in assets with clear investment fundamentals: premium waterfront positioning, private beachfront access, brand association, rental efficiency, and limited future supply.
Well-located premium apartments, branded residences, and properties with exclusive beach rights are expected to outperform the wider market, while mid-market stock will deliver steadier, yield-led returns.
The Investor Takeaway
Marjan’s investment narrative today is defined by structure, not speculation. The market is rewarding disciplined capital, informed decisions, and asset quality. For investors, the opportunity lies not in chasing the market, but in aligning with the segments where demand, yield, and long-term value intersect.
In Marjan’s next phase, smart capital will not just follow growth it will define it, particularly by targeting the rare properties that offer exclusivity, lifestyle, and measurable investment upside.
