• His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan: ‘This merger builds upon solid foundations for a new chapter of advancement and success, enabling us to deliver iconic destinations that are deeply rooted in Ras Al Khaimah’s unique identity, creating high-value jobs for Emiratis, developing national capabilities and reinforcing our position as a beacon of opportunity and innovation.’
• Milestone merger strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a premier integrated destination and real estate leader, driving global investments, tourism growth, and long-term stakeholder value.
• The merger will position Marjan as one of the largest real estate developers in UAE.
• RAK Vision 2030 targets: 3.5 million annual visitors, nearly 20,000 hotel keys, and transformative development across Ras Al Khaimah.
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 22 October 2025 – Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), the government-owned investment and development arm in the Emirate, have announced a landmark strategic merger to create a unified entity operating under Marjan.
This strategic merger combines world-class hospitality expertise with visionary land development strategies to form a dynamic, future-ready organisation. Marjan will now fully integrate real estate development, hospitality operations, and lifestyle experiences under one umbrella. Guided by RAK Vision 2030, Marjan, one of the largest real estate developers in the UAE and the leading master developer in the Northern Emirates, will champion Ras Al Khaimah’s growth as the next global lifestyle and investment hub. It will drive substantial investments, boost tourism, and deliver long-term stakeholder value as the region’s premier integrated destination and real estate platform.
Announcing the merger, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Marjan, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is committed to its vision to drive progress and sustainable development, celebrating its rich history, preserving its heritage, and honouring its identity. RAK Vision 2030 has set the Emirate’s ambition to be a pioneer in the region for livability and a place where opportunities thrive. Anchored in Ras Al Khaimah’s vision for sustainable prosperity, the merger will create high-value jobs for Emiratis, develop national capabilities, and reinforce our position as a beacon of opportunity and innovation. This merger builds upon solid foundations for a new chapter of advancement and success, enabling us to deliver iconic destinations that are deeply rooted in Ras Al Khaimah’s unique identity. Together, we are positioned to build thriving communities that bring the Emirate’s bold vision for sustainable prosperity to life.
“Marjan will spearhead Ras Al Khaimah’s transformation through the development of ambitious new master plans, optimising destination development. Leveraging data, design, and technology, Marjan will launch mixed-use developments. These will be seamlessly integrated with essential lifestyle infrastructure, and amenities including healthcare, education, and livability. These meticulously planned developments, including Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and the upcoming Jebel Jais masterplan, are designed to elevate the quality of life for residents, enrich travel and leisure experiences for visitors, and attract diverse investment opportunities.”
Commenting on the merger, Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO, said: “Marjan will champion Ras Al Khaimah’s development and master planning into a smart, authentic, connected city of the future, and a vibrant destination where people, businesses, and communities thrive. Marjan will position Ras Al Khaimah as the global lifestyle and investment hub of the future.”
Following the successful launch of Marjan Beach, the UAE’s most comprehensive mixed-use beach town destination, the Emirate is now advancing infrastructure works on the 85-million-square-foot masterplan. Designed around eight distinct neighbourhoods, Marjan Beach will feature 22,000 residential units and 12,000 luxury hotel keys, a population of 74,000 residents, a workforce of 32,000, and welcoming up to 180,000 visitors annually. Stretching across 3 km of pristine beachfront and with 6.5 million sq. ft of open green spaces aligning infrastructure enhancement with creation over community public realm, Marjan Beach will offer an authentic coastal lifestyle that promotes connectivity and walkability, distinguishing Ras Al Khaimah as a sustainable investment hub and premier tourism gateway.
Committed to supporting RAK Vision 2030’s goal to welcome 3.5 million visitors annually to the destination, with international visitors representing 60% of total arrivals, Marjan will expand the Emirate’s accommodation capacity, bringing major international brands to Ras Al Khaimah, including the world’s most prestigious luxury hospitality brands.
Expanding the development to mountains, Marjan will develop 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails over the next five years, redefining active tourism in the region and showcasing Ras Al Khaimah’s dramatic natural landscapes. Marjan is planning to welcome more than 20,000 festival fans to the Emirate through world-class cultural and entertainment events. Supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s hospitality ecosystem, Marjan will provide world-class accommodation for more than 15,000 hospitality professionals, ensuring exceptional living standards that attract and retain top talent. It will also operate state-of-the-art laundry facilities processing more than 100,000 tonnes annually using the lowest energy consumption possible, underpinning operational excellence and sustainability across the destination.
This merger firmly establishes a powerful, future-ready entity capable of propelling Ras Al Khaimah into its next chapter of growth. It supports expansion into new markets, fosters the creation of distinctive lifestyle offerings, and will attract world-class talent and investments.
About Marjan
Marjan is the investment, hospitality and lifestyle company in Ras Al Khaimah, redefining destination development by combining visionary master planning with world-class hospitality and vibrant community living. As the force behind iconic projects such as Al Marjan Island, Marjan Beach, RAK Central, and the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island, Marjan is driving Ras Al Khaimah’s transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic, sustainable, and liveable destinations for investors, residents, and visitors alike.
About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), the fourth largest Emirate in the UAE, is distinguished by its natural diversity, rich history and forward-thinking vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Guided by a commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, environmental conservation, social development and innovation, RAK has become an ideal place to live, work and invest.
Strategically located between the East and the West – with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time – RAK is a gateway to the UAE, Middle East, Africa, India and beyond. Its economy is among the most diversified in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 27% of GDP. RAK offers a business-friendly environment with simplified, customizable services, low operating costs, 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax and one of the world’s lowest corporate tax rates, supported by a strong, World Bank-recognized judicial system.
With world-class infrastructure, RAK is home to over 50,000 companies, including industry leaders such as RAK Ceramics and Julphar. RAKEZ and Innovation City support dynamic growth across industrial, manufacturing and digital sectors, backed by a strong and future-focused economy that is validated by ‘A’-range credit ratings for 15+ years from Fitch and S&P, both of which upgraded RAK in 2024, to “A+” and “A/A-1” respectively.
RAK has a multicultural society of 0.4 million people from 150 countries, offering a high quality of life, accessible luxury living and a serene coastal lifestyle, with bold hospitality projects led by signature luxury global brands, such as Wynn, Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton making it a vibrant, growing tourism destination. Projects such as RAK Central will redefine the commercial and residential landscape, with innovative Grade A office spaces and modern, sustainable residential areas creating a desirable location for upscale living, while its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage – dating back 7,000 years – further enhance RAK’s universal appeal.
With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up, a competitive cost of living and high quality of life, Ras Al Khaimah offers limitless opportunities, making it a destination that truly embraces potential.
