The Emirate Ras Al Khaimah
Just a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Downtown Dubai lies the beautiful emirate of Ras al-Khaimah. Ras al-Khaimah is known as an oasis of tranquility, where the local population of Dubai goes for vacations or weekend getaways. Ras al-Khaimah is currently mainly visited by tourists, but this is set to change in the near future. Ras al-Khaimah will become home to the first casino resort in the Middle East.
General information
Ras al-Khaimah, often abbreviated as RAK, is one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Located on the northern border of the UAE, Ras al-Khaimah offers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, rich history, and modern developments.
This region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, ranging from beautiful mountains to vast deserts and stunning beaches along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE, attracts adventurers for activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and mountaineering, while the beautiful coastline invites relaxation and water sports.
In terms of development, Ras Al Khaimah has made significant progress in recent years. The emirate has invested in infrastructure projects, tourist attractions, and real estate developments to diversify its economy and become an attractive destination for both tourists and investors. Luxury resorts, modern shopping centers, and recreational facilities are just a few examples of Ras al-Khaimah's growing infrastructure. The aforementioned casino resort is also expected to attract many tourists to the emirate. Real estate prices have risen by approximately 50% since the announcement of the casino resort. The resort is being developed by a major player from Las Vegas, namely Wynn Resort. The casino is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Real estate in Ras al-Khaimah offers a mix of opportunities, from luxury villas and apartments to commercial spaces and vacation rentals. With its natural beauty, historic charm, and growing economic opportunities, Ras al-Khaimah remains an emerging destination in the region, where both residents and visitors can enjoy a unique lifestyle and investment opportunities.
We at T R E were amazed by the beauty of RAK and we see many opportunities in this beautiful emirate.
Returns and value increases
The returns and value increases in Ras al-Khaimah are not yet spectacular. The villas and one-bedroom apartments achieve the best ROIs in this region. It is recommended to rent out the properties for short-term stays. One-bedroom apartments sell for around €350,000 and villas sell for around €1,200,000.
Off-plan (new build)
New builds in this region increase in value by around 20% to 40% during the construction phase, which often takes three years. The net returns on the initial investment for short-term rentals are currently between 4% and 6%, but this is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. After completion, the increase in value in this region is between 5% and 10% per year.
Existing construction
Existing construction in this region is experiencing an increase in value of between 5% and 10% per year. The short-term rental net returns on the initial investment for existing construction are between 2% and 4% per year.
T R E advice
At T R E, we currently consider only Mina Al Arab in Ras al-Khaimah to be a good investment, mainly because the prices per square meter are still relatively low compared to other waterfront areas in Ras al-Khaimah, such as Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island. It is important to note that Ras al-Khaimah has not yet proven itself and that an investment in this emirate therefore involves more risk than in established emirates such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
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