RAS AL KHAIMAH

Time Magazine's 50 Greatest Places of 2022

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost and the fourth largest of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Known as the ‘Nature Emirate’, it has been on Time Magazine’s list of one of the 50 greatest places of 2022 because of its stunning geodiversity and unparalleled outdoor adventure offerings. Ras Al Khaimah is known for its high quality of life, offering excellent lifestyle and holiday experiences to its residents and visitors.

Important stats:
• Population 0.4 million in 2024
• GDP USD 11.5B in 2024
• Per capita USD 30,870 in 2024

RAK is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, with one-third of the world’s population within four hours of flying time. In the UAE, the Emirate is located 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 40 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and borders the Sultanate of Oman.

In Q1 2025, Ras Al Khaimah's real estate market experienced a sharp surge, with residential prices increasing by 39% year-over-year, driven by luxury developments and strong investor demand following the announcement of the Wynn Resort and gaming license. The emirate is fast positioning itself as a luxury second-home and investment destination, though further development in social infrastructure is still needed. The rental market also grew significantly, especially in prime areas, supported by population growth, tourism, and new project launches.

• Average apartment price: AED 1,684/sqft

• Rental growth: +21% for apartments YoY

• Off-plan sales in Q1 2025: AED 2.4 billion+ across 1,300+ transactions

• 1300+ off-plan residential units sold in Q1

• AED 2.4 billion off-plan residential sales in Q1

• 4,800 branded units slated for completion

Top 5 Markets:

1. UAE – 28%

2. India – 22%

3. Russia – 16%

4. United Kingdom – 12%

5. Saudi Arabia – 8%

Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy continues to deliver strong results, with a record 1.3 million visitors in 2024 and a 5.6% YoY increase in hotel arrivals in Q1 2025. Key growth drivers include international hotel partnerships, direct airport connectivity, and major events. The emirate is evolving into a premium tourism and second-home destination, balancing domestic staycations with rising global visitor interest. While the focus on high-end tourism is boosting revenues, it may gradually impact occupancy as volume gives way to exclusivity.

Key Stats:

• Total hotel guests (Q1 2025): 308,000

• Total hospitality revenue (Q1 2025): AED 418 million (+6.9% YoY)

• Average length of stay (ALOS): 3.6 days

Top 5 Tourist Nationalities (Q1 2025):

1. Russia – 27%

2. United Kingdom – 7%

3. Kazakhstan – 7%

4. Poland – 5.6%

5. India – 4.8%

Ras Al Khaimah presents an ideal destination for both business and residential investments, boasting top ratings from S&P and Fitch. Investors are further enticed by a range of advantages, such as

• 0% personal tax rate
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• 100% foreign ownership rights
• specialized business zones with corresponding licenses
• the option for long-term residency visas.

RAK is set for substantial economic growth with multi-billion-dollar developments in hospitality and tourism on the horizon. Long term visa is available on residential properties bought directly from Al Hamra, which is an added advantage. It’s a complete package that includes a 12-year residency visa, a partner visa and a free trade license, end-to-end managed and serviced by Al Hamra. Not only this, Ras Al Khaimah also ranks very high on the liveability index and is home to multiple premium beachfront residential neighborhoods.