Ras Al Khaimah's property market continued to attract investment during the first half of 2026, supported by demand for residential and tourism-related assets and a growing pipeline of major developments, according to research by global real estate industry expert CBRE.
The emirate has continued to attract capital and new businesses despite a more challenging regional economic backdrop, with developers advancing a number of large-scale residential, hospitality and infrastructure projects, CBRE said in its latest report on the market.
The broader UAE economy has faced increased pressure in 2026 amid disruptions to trade, tourism and economic activity linked to the regional conflict. GDP is forecast to contract by about 1.5% this year, according to the report.
The economy had nevertheless been supported by domestic demand and trade activity. Non-oil trade reached AED1.93 trillion ($526 billion) in the first half of 2026, up 13.1% from a year earlier, while the purchasing managers' index rose to 55.3 in August, indicating continued expansion in the non-oil economy.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the chamber of commerce recorded AED771.5 million in new investment capital across 967 newly registered establishments during the first half of the year. The new businesses attracted 1,399 investors from 68 nationalities and are expected to create 2,449 jobs, the report said.
Apartment sale prices rose about 18% year-on-year in the first half to 2,298 dirhams per square foot, while villa prices increased 7.3%, CBRE said.
Price growth was strongest in established waterfront communities. Apartment values on Al Marjan Island rose 23.1% from a year earlier, while values in Al Hamra increased 14.7%.
In the ready-property market, apartment and villa values increased 11% and 10%, respectively, over the same period.
CBRE said pricing and absorption had moderated since the end of February, although year-on-year growth remained positive.
The market also recorded several high-value residential transactions during the period. A Sky Palace at Waldorf Astoria Residences sold for $35.4 million, making it the highest-value residential transaction recorded in Ras Al Khaimah, according to CBRE. A penthouse in the same development sold for $15 million, while a Sky Mansion at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences changed hands for $34.7 million.
According to CBRE, the apartment rents rose 14.3% year-on-year, led by gains in Mina Al Arab and Al Marjan Island, the report said.
More than 34,000 residential units are expected to be delivered in the emirate between 2026 and 2030, including about 10,000 branded residences, according to CBRE.
Projects announced during the first half included The Strand and Lunara by RAK Properties, the 25 billion dirham Evermore masterplan by Beyond Developments and Karl Lagerfeld Beach Residences on Al Marjan Island.
Ras Al Khaimah recorded a record 670,400 hotel visitors in the first half, up 2.7% from a year earlier, driven in part by higher domestic and Gulf visitor numbers, which both increased 47%, CBRE said.
Hotel operating performance was weaker, however. Average occupancy stood at 49%, while revenue per available room, or RevPAR, fell 28.6% year-on-year to 348 dirhams.
Average daily rates rose 5.2% to 705.6 dirhams per room per night, indicating continued pricing strength despite lower occupancy, the report said.
Hotels generated more than 606 million dirhams in revenue during the first six months, including 385 million dirhams in room revenue and 192 million dirhams from food and beverage operations.
Ras Al Khaimah currently has about 9,000 operational hotel rooms across 60 hotels, with a further 8,500 rooms planned between 2027 and 2030, according to CBRE. More than 80% of the planned supply is in the five-star category, while nearly two-thirds is expected to be located on Al Marjan Island.
The emirate is also investing in transport and tourism infrastructure, including an expansion of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and improvements to its mobility network.
The $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is expected to open in September 2027, the report said.
Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE Mena, said: "The pace of change we are witnessing in Ras Al Khaimah continues to impress. Despite a more challenging regional backdrop, investor interest in the emirate remains evident, supported by a growing pipeline of high-profile development and infrastructure projects."
"While we are beginning to see a moderation in some performance indicators including absorption levels and sales pricing following an exceptional period of growth, overall activity levels remain positive," stated Green.
"With major hospitality, residential and tourism projects continuing to progress, Ras Al Khaimah is well positioned to strengthen its role as one of the UAE's most compelling investment and lifestyle destinations in the coming years," he added.
