Pros and Cons of Living in Marjan Island
When it comes to profitable real estate developments, the UAE has no lack of viable locations, making it one of the most sought-after real estate investment-worthy countries in the world. With constant attention from global investors, the country has been recently highlighting its newer and underrated locations rather than the usual favorites. Al Marjan Island is one of them and we are here to look at the pros and cons of living in Marjan Island.
Al Marjan Island has hit it off the park with its immense potential for real estate investments. Emerging as a bona fide area for high economic growth, this island has lately piqued interest from people across the country and the world. From geographical gorgeousness to a luxurious lifestyle, it has everything you need for the perfect urban life.
In this space, we will take a deep dive into the island and get to know it up and close. Is it worth your investment? We will answer this by looking at some of the most prominent pros as well as cons of living in Al Marjan Island both from a real estate investment point of view as well as from a lifestyle perspective. So, let’s get to know this island better.
Al Marjan Island: Area Overview
A stunning archipelago, Al Marjan Island is made up of four man-made islands in the shape of corals. It is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and in the past few years has been recognized as one of the most sophisticated and exciting lifestyle destinations of the Middle East. Being a man-made archipelago of the emirate, intrigue about it is obvious and the island has surpassed every expectation.
A highly popular tourist destination, the island hosts some of the biggest names in the hotel and resort industry in the world, with global brands establishing their chains on the island. Against the mesmerizing backdrop of the Arabian Peninsula, Al Marjan Island is enclosed by the Yanis and Jais Mountains.
With 7.8 km of pristine beaches, the island has some of the most stunning views in all of the UAE, which explains why so many tourists visit it annually. This also has parlayed into the hunt for living residences as more and more property developers have noticed its potential in being a real estate treasure island.
The island covers an area of 2.7 million square meters and extends 4.5 km into the sea. The rich history of Ras Al Khaimah has integrated itself seamlessly with the island as you will notice numerous sites of ancient cultural remnants and archaeological heritage across the island.
Pros of Living on Marjan Island
The potential of Al Marjan Island hasn’t yet been realized by an extensive margin. It has so much to offer in terms of finding a comfortable lifestyle. Some of the most prominent pros of living in Marjan Island are as follows.
Wide Range of Living Residences by Top Property Developers
The living residences and properties of Al Marjan Island are some of the most intricately designed ones that you can find in the UAE. They can very well give a run for money to the properties of top-notch UAE cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
The Marjan Island developers feature the who’s who of the real estate industry, with high-end property developers making their presence felt on the island. The extensive range of living residences gives a plethora of options for you to pick one as per your budget, needs, requirements, and preferences.
From lavish villas to cozy apartments, from stunning penthouses to mesmerizing townhouses, there is no dearth of varieties when it comes to properties on Marjan Island.
Strategically Sound and Aesthetically Appealing Location
A major reason to invest in Al Marjan Island stems from its location. The island gains significantly from its geographical positioning as it is located in the heart of Ras al Khaimah and has easy and quick accessibility to other pivotal emirates of the UAE including Dubai.
The booming economy of the area facilitates the growth of a wide number of varied industries, including real estate, services, logistics, tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing. Export and import of goods is seamless from the area. As such, employment generation is of par excellence in the city.
Visually speaking, you will be treated to azure water and pristine sandy beaches, giving you an uninterrupted view of the ocean and skyline. The aesthetic appeal of the island is one of its key highlights, which makes living worth it here.
Favorable Business Environment
Thanks to the initiatives of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, the business environment of Al Marjan Island is thriving. The tax-free zones and the ease of streamlining the processes for registering businesses have helped in enhancing the business environment of the area.
Entrepreneurs and investors are therefore recognizing the value of the area. With the relaxation of foreign ownership, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah has paved the path for fostering healthier foreign relationships that have, in turn, attracted foreign investors.
This has massively impacted the development of the real estate market in the area. As more and more prominent properties are being announced, the island is getting its due recognition. Properties such as Aqua Arc feature flexible payment plans, modern amenities, and quick connectivity to educational and healthcare facilities along with eligibility to long-term residences such as UAE Golden Visa, making living on the island worthwhile.
High Appreciation Potential
When it comes to a feasible real estate investment, you need to look into the capital appreciation potentials of the area you are investing in. Al Marjan Island has shown tremendous potential for significant capital appreciation, which means that you can benefit long-term, thanks to the promising and dynamic economy of the area.
The high rental yields generated from the beautiful amalgamation of the tourism, hospitality, and real estate industry makes investing in the island a profitable move. As we discussed above, the island generates huge employment, which, in turn, leads to an influx of settlements on the island that are looking for rental options.
So, whether you are putting your property on rent or re-selling it, you can rest assured that the constant flow of population and interests to the island will keep your real estate investment relevant. You can count on capitalizing on the handsome payout for years to come.
Go Green Initiatives
The island heavily relies on green initiatives to prioritize sustainability and conservation. With the leading efforts of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, you will notice the reliance on eco-friendly practices despite the prominent and emerging industrial developments in the area.
The focus on using energy-efficient technologies has led to cohesive waste management and a low carbon footprint, which makes it a perfect place for your family to thrive. Furthermore, responsible and conscious efforts are also highlighted through the water conservation practices on the island.
As more and more people are opting for green living and the demand for it is steadily increasing, it is believed that there will be a high demand for properties on Al Marjan Island. Investing in Aqua Arc further validates this purpose as this water-inspired architectural marvel is being noted for its eco-friendly practices, making living comfortable as well as conscious.
Lavish Shopping and Dining Destination
Among the many aspects you need to consider while moving to a new location is the ease of shopping and dining options nearby. And this island will not disappoint you in a single bit in this regard. With some of the affluent brands available in high-end shopping malls across the island, the retail industry here is alive and kicking.
Prominent shopping malls such as Al Hamra Mall, Al Naeem Mall, RAK Mall, and Manar Mall, among others, give you a myriad of opportunities to go on a shopping spree. From local handicrafts to high-end fashion, you will get everything you are looking for in these malls.
Not to mention, your weekend dining gateways are taken care of by the island’s highly-rated restaurants, cafes, and food joints. Not only do they serve you a delicious platter from a rich global menu, but the visually appealing ambiance they provide makes for a truly significant dining experience.
Cons of Living on Marjan Island
No location is perfect in the world and the Al Marjan Island is no exception. With the immense pros of living on the island, there are a few challenges that you might face. While these challenges are not a deal-breaker as improvements are on the way, we believe getting a heads-up is important before you make your investment. That being said, here are some of the cons of living in Al Marjan Island.
Infancy Stage of Public Transport
As real estate and other allied industries have recently gained prominence on the island, the public transportation system hasn’t completely developed yet. If you don’t own private vehicles and are dependent on public transportation, you might have to keep a lot of time in hand for commuting from one place to another.
Although initiatives to improve public transit are being made steadily, a more planned approach to mobility can be appreciated. However, it shouldn’t be a complete deterrent. Al Marjan Island is just a 45-minute drive away from Dubai International Airport and it is believed that in the next few couple of years, the public transportation system will improve furthermore.
As such, if you are investing in an off-plan property on the island, by the time you settle down on the island, you can rest assured that the public transportation system will vastly improve.
Tourist Crowd
It is true that you can find a serene gateway of a lifestyle on the island but since it is a prominent tourist destination, you should be prepared with the crowd on the streets, especially during peak tourism seasons. Off-late, this island has been gaining prominence across the world for its stunning vistas and luxury accommodations, which are bringing more and more tourists to its frontiers.
The influx of tourists is a major boon to the economy and has resulted in the flourishment of the real estate market in the first place. However, some opine that sometimes during peak seasons, the crowd of tourists can compromise with the tranquil ambiance of the island.
If you are someone who is looking forward to a more quitter and private way of living, this is something that you should be wary of during peak seasons. However, it is not as major of a hindrance that would affect your lifestyle.
To Conclude
Al Marjan Island is the future of the real estate excellence of the UAE. The pros of living on the island far outweigh the cons and it is clearly reflected in the heightened interests of the investors from around the globe who are enquiring about viable investment options on the island.
The stable economy, ease of access to educational and healthcare facilities, and the thriving diverse industries make this island a profitable investment destination. So, if you are on the lookout for an area that combines sustainability with profitable investments, Al Marjan Island should be pretty high on your list.
FAQs
Commonly Asked Questions about Living on Al Marjan Island
Is it good to invest in Marjan Island?
Yes, investing in Marjan Island is a good and smart decision as the booming economy of the island generates employment, which in turn, has led to the growth of the real estate market in the area. With prominent developers building a wide range of living residences and the ease of luxury amenities, living here is comfortable and convenient.
What are the benefits of living in Marjan Island?
Marjan Island is believed to become the face of the real estate industry of the UAE in the near future, owing to the plethora of benefits of living on the island. The benefits of living in Marjan Island include a highly developed infrastructure, availability of modern amenities, a wide range of luxury properties, and easy accessibility to top-notch educational and healthcare facilities.
Is Marjan Island good for families?
Yes, Marjan Island is a good place for families as it features all the facilities for families to thrive. From a diverse educational system to an eclectic retail industry, from a serene gateway to the availability of luxury residences, it offers everything one needs to provide their family with a modern and comfortably luxurious lifestyle.
What is the nearest airport to Al Marjan Island?
The nearest airport to Al Marjan Island is the Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which is approximately 35 km away.
Can a foreigner buy property in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, foreigners can buy property in designated areas in Ras Al Khaimah for freehold ownership. The high rental returns and capital gains of the properties in the emirate make for profitable investments.