Properties for Rent in Al Marjan Island, RAK
Not many places in the UAE can honestly claim to offer a beachfront lifestyle at a price that does not require you to rethink your entire financial plan.
Al Marjan Island is one of the few that can. It is located off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, extending 4.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, and it has become one of the most talked-about addresses in the northern emirates, not just for investors, but for people who simply want to wake up near the sea without paying Dubai prices for the privilege.
Al Marjan Island is a man-made development, comprising of four coral-shaped islands — Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island, and View Island.
It was developed by Marjan, a government entity set up by the Ras Al Khaimah government, and it spans roughly 23 kilometres of waterfront with about 7.8 kilometres of beach access.
The island is home to several five-star hotels like Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton, Mövenpick Resort, and Marjan Island Resort and Spa are among them, which gives it an energy that feels more like a resort destination than a standard residential community.
Beside all of these hotels, the community is lively, is coastal, and is growing rapidly.
The upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, which will be home to the UAE's first licensed casino when it opens in 2027, has added a significant amount of momentum and interest to the area.
Types of Properties for Rent in Al Marjan Island
The rental market on the island is almost entirely apartment-based, running from compact studios through to spacious three-bedroom units and penthouses.
Here is what each apartment type offers:
Studio Apartments for Rent in Al Marjan Island
A studio flat in Al Marjan Island is the most accessible entry point for renters on the island. These are self-contained units, typically 440 to 550 square feet, with a combined sleeping and living space, a fitted kitchen, and a bathroom.
Many come with a balcony and sea or pool views, which is something you simply do not get with studios at similar price points in Dubai.
Annual rents for a studio apartment in Al Marjan Island start from around AED 28,000 in established communities like Pacific and Bab Al Bahr Residences.
If you are looking to rent a studio apartment in Al Marjan Island without overstretching your budget, these communities offer the most consistent availability.
1-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Marjan Island
The 1 bedroom apartment for rent in Al Marjan Island is the most in-demand unit type on the island.
Sizes typically range from 600 to 900 square feet, and they work well for singles who want proper space, couples, or professionals relocating to RAK who want a coastal base.
Annual rents for a 1 bedroom apartment in Al Marjan Island start from around AED 44,000 in Pacific and Bab Al Bahr Residences, with upper-end units in premium buildings reaching AED 90,000 to AED 96,000 per year depending on the view, floor level, and finish quality.
2-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Marjan Island
A 2 bedroom apartment for rent in Al Marjan Island suits small families or two people sharing — and the additional space here makes a real difference compared to equivalent units in busier urban communities.
Sizes range from roughly 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, and annual rents typically fall between AED 56,000 and AED 90,000.
Units with direct sea views or beach access naturally cost a little higher than those without.
3-Bedroom Apartments for Rent in Al Marjan Island
A 3 bedroom apartment for rent in Al Marjan Island offers spacious living for larger families, and these units often come with multiple bathrooms, separate living and dining areas, and large balconies with water views.
Annual rents for three-bedroom configurations generally start from AED 90,000 and move upward depending on the property.
Furnished and Unfurnished Apartments for Rent in Al Marjan Island
Both furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent in Al Marjan Island are available across most unit types.
The island's strong short-term rental market means a higher proportion of units here come furnished than in most other RAK communities — which is of advantage if you are relocating and do not want the immediate cost and time of furnishing a home.
Unfurnished flats for rent in Al Marjan Island are the better choice for long-term tenants who already have their own belongings and prefer a lower annual rent.
Popular Buildings and Communities in Al Marjan Island
Two communities dominate the rental market on Al Marjan Island, and most of what is available for rent sits within them:
Pacific by Select Group is the larger of the two, spread across six 10-storey towers on View Island — named Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, Polynesia, and Bora Bora.
It offers studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, serviced units, beach duplexes, and penthouses.
The complex has rooftop pools, a sauna and steam room, Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor gyms, tennis and basketball courts, and direct beach access.
It is the most active community for rentals on the island, with the highest volume of listings at any given time.
A studio in Pacific starts from AED 28,000 per year, a one-bedroom from AED 37,000.
Bab Al Bahr Residences sits on Breeze Island and is made up of three pyramid-shaped buildings — Fayroz, Kahraman, and Yakout.
The architecture stands out, and the buildings are directly adjacent to the Rixos Bab Al Bahr hotel, which means residents have the five-star hotel environment on their doorstep.
Studios start from around AED 25,000 per year, one-bedroom apartments from AED 44,000, and two-bedroom units from approximately AED 56,000. It is also a pet-friendly community, which matters to a meaningful number of tenants.
Marjan Island Resort and Spa is a hotel apartment option that works well for tenants who want hotel-standard services built into their lease rather than managing a standard residential tenancy.
Roads and Accessibility in Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island is connected to the mainland via Al Ittihad Street, known as the E11 highway, which is the main arterial road running through the coastal areas of RAK and continuing down toward Dubai. The E311 provides an additional route connecting to broader parts of the emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is approximately 25 to 30 minutes by car. Dubai, via the E11, is around 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic — a realistic daily commute for some, though it is worth being honest with yourself about whether you are prepared for that journey five days a week.
Within the island itself and its immediate surroundings, you have Zoom Supermarket and Fresh Plus Grocery on the island, Al Hamra Mall, roughly 10 minutes away, and Spinneys within Al Hamra Mall for more comprehensive grocery shopping.
RAK Mall and Manar Mall are both around 20 minutes from the island. For dining, the hotel restaurants along the island provide a solid selection, and the island corniche has cafes and casual options as well.
Schools within a reasonable distance include Ras Al Khaimah Academy, New British International School, and several nurseries.
The island is not within walking distance of schools, so families with children will need a car for the school run.
Public transport to and from Al Marjan Island is limited. The nearest RAK bus stop is around 20 minutes away, and the island does not have a regular bus service running through it. A private vehicle is not just convenient here; it is practically essential.
Lifestyle in Al Marjan Island
Al Marjan Island has a dual personality that is worth understanding. During the day, particularly on weekends and in the cooler months from October to April, it draws visitors and day-trippers who come for the beach clubs and hotel facilities. The island gets busier than you might expect from a residential community.
On weekday evenings and during the quieter summer months, it settles into something closer to a residential rhythm.
The corniche promenade, lined with palms, jogging paths, and children's play areas becomes pleasant for evening walks.
For people who want the sense of coastal living without complete isolation, that balance tends to work well.
The overall lifestyle leans more toward resort-style living than a traditional neighbourhood, and that is precisely what draws most of its residents to it in the first place.
What is the average annual rent for an apartment in Al Marjan Island?
The average annual rent for an apartment in Al Marjan Island sits around AED 74,000, though this covers a wide range.
Studios start from AED 25,000, one-bedroom apartments from AED 37,000, two-bedroom units from AED 50,000, and three-bedroom apartments from AED 90,000 and above.
Premium units with direct sea views or in newer buildings will sit at the higher end of these ranges.
Are furnished apartments easy to find on Al Marjan Island?
Yes, more so than in most other RAK communities. The island's active short-term rental market means a good proportion of listings are furnished.
Both furnished and unfurnished options are available in Pacific and Bab Al Bahr Residences across all unit sizes.
Is Al Marjan Island good for families?
It can be, though it depends on what your family needs. The beach access, pools, play areas, and open outdoor spaces are positives.
The lack of schools on the island itself and the need for a car for almost everything are the practical trade-offs.
Families with younger children who do not yet have school commitments tend to find it very comfortable.
How far is Al Marjan Island from Dubai?
Approximately 45 minutes to an hour by car via the E11. Some residents do commute to Dubai, but it is a commitment that suits some lifestyles better than others. It is worth doing the drive at your normal commute time before deciding.
Do I need a car to live on Al Marjan Island?
Yes. Public transport options are very limited — the nearest bus stop is around 20 minutes away and does not serve the island directly. Virtually all residents rely on a private vehicle or ride-hailing apps for day-to-day movement.
Can non-UAE nationals rent on Al Marjan Island?
Yes, Al Marjan Island is a freehold designated area, and renting is open to all nationalities. Non-UAE nationals also have the right to purchase property on the island, which is part of what makes it attractive to international renters and investors alike.
What is the difference between renting in Pacific versus Bab Al Bahr?
Pacific is larger, has more listings available at any given time, and offers a slightly broader range of unit types.
Bab Al Bahr has distinctive architecture, is pet-friendly, and sits adjacent to the Rixos hotel, giving it a more boutique, hotel-adjacent feel.
Both are well maintained. The right choice often comes down to unit availability and personal preference rather than one being definitively better than the other.
See also:
Studio Apartments for Rent in Ajman
Townhouses for Rent in Sharjah
Apartments for Rent in Sharjah
Townhouses for Rent in Abu Dhabi
Apartments for Rent in Abu Dhabi
Commercial Properties for Rent in Ajman
Residential Properties for Rent in Ajman
Labour Camps for Rent in Ajman