Al Marjan Island coastline in Ras Al Khaimah seen from a yacht on the Arabian Gulf at sunset
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Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah — the Complete Visitor Guide

Beach resorts, calm Gulf waters, the future Wynn casino resort, and the marina where every yacht charter begins. Here is everything you need to know about Al Marjan Island — and the most beautiful way to see it.

Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islands that reach about 4.5 km into the Arabian Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah, in the north-west of the UAE. Built on reclaimed land, it is home to a growing collection of beach resorts, calm swimmable beaches, and the landmark Wynn Al Marjan Island resort opening in 2027. It sits just minutes from Al Hamra Marina — the departure point for private yacht charters that cruise the island's coastline.

Where is Al Marjan Island?

Al Marjan Island lies on the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE. It is roughly a 45–60 minute drive from Dubai, about 25 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and a short transfer from the historic Al Hamra district. The four islands — shaped to resemble coral fronds — are connected to the mainland by causeways, so you can drive directly to every resort.

4

Coral-shaped islands

~4.5 km

Reach into the Gulf

45 min

Drive from Dubai

2027

Wynn resort opens

What is Al Marjan Island known for?

Al Marjan Island has become Ras Al Khaimah's flagship leisure destination. Its shallow, protected waters make it one of the safest swimming coastlines in the UAE, and its west-facing beaches deliver some of the emirate's best sunsets. The island is best known for three things: its cluster of beach resorts, its role as the home of Wynn Al Marjan Island, and its position as the launch point for watersports and yacht cruises on the Arabian Gulf.

Hotels & resorts on Al Marjan Island

The island offers everything from value-led stays to five-star beach resorts. The best-known properties include:

Al Marjan Island resorts (overview)
ResortStyleBest for
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island5-star beachfrontFamilies, dining
Rove Al Marjan IslandSmart mid-rangeValue, couples
Pullman Resort Al Marjan IslandUpscale beach resortLeisure, events
Radisson Resort RAK Marjan Island4-star family resortAll-inclusive stays
DoubleTree by Hilton Marjan IslandFamily beach resortLong beach, pools
Hampton by Hilton Marjan IslandValue beachfrontShort breaks
Marjan Island Resort & SpaSpa resortWellness, relaxation

New luxury and branded-residence projects are being announced regularly as the island builds toward the 2027 opening of Wynn — making Al Marjan Island one of the fastest-growing hospitality markets in the UAE.

Beaches & things to do

Beyond the resort beaches, Al Marjan Island is a base for jet skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, parasailing, and boat trips. The calm channels between the islands are ideal for first-time swimmers and families, while the open Gulf just offshore is where fishing boats and yachts head out. For a wider list of activities across the emirate, see our guide to things to do in Ras Al Khaimah.

Wynn Al Marjan Island

The defining project on the island is Wynn Al Marjan Island — a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort and the first of its kind in the UAE, scheduled to open in 2027 with more than 1,500 rooms, 22+ restaurants and lounges, and its own 101-berth superyacht marina. It is already reshaping demand across Ras Al Khaimah. Read the full breakdown in our Wynn Al Marjan Island guide.

How to experience Al Marjan Island by yacht

The most memorable way to see Al Marjan Island is from the water. Private yacht charters depart from Al Hamra Marina, just minutes away, and cruise the full island coastline — passing the resorts, the Wynn development, and Al Hamra's own lagoons. A typical trip includes a captain and crew, refreshments, a Bluetooth sound system, and swimming stops in the clear Gulf water.

  • Sunset cruise — the west-facing coastline makes for spectacular golden-hour photos.
  • Family day out — calm, shallow waters and easy swimming stops.
  • Celebrations — birthdays, proposals and corporate events on board.
  • Fishing — the Gulf off Al Marjan holds kingfish, barracuda and hammour.

Charters start from 850 AED per hour, with all-inclusive 2–4 hour packages available. See full options on our yacht rental prices page or explore the fleet.

More Ras Al Khaimah Guides

Al Marjan Island Questions

Where is Al Marjan Island?

Al Marjan Island is in Ras Al Khaimah on the north-west coast of the UAE, about 45–60 minutes by car from Dubai. It is a man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islands reaching roughly 4.5 km into the Arabian Gulf.

What is Al Marjan Island known for?

It is known for its beach resorts, calm swimmable beaches, and as the site of Wynn Al Marjan Island — the UAE's first integrated casino resort, opening in 2027. It sits minutes from Al Hamra Marina, the departure point for yacht charters.

Which hotels are on Al Marjan Island?

Resorts include Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Rove Al Marjan Island, Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, Radisson Resort RAK Marjan Island, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton and the Marjan Island Resort & Spa.

Can you visit Al Marjan Island by yacht?

Yes. Private yacht charters depart from Al Hamra Marina, minutes from Al Marjan Island. A cruise passes the island's coastline, resorts and the Wynn development, with swimming stops in the Gulf. Charters start from 850 AED per hour.

How do I get to Al Marjan Island from Dubai?

It is about a 45–60 minute drive north from Dubai along the E311 or the coastal route. The islands are connected to the mainland by causeways, so you can drive directly to every resort.

Is Al Marjan Island man-made?

Yes. It is a man-made archipelago built on reclaimed land, shaped as four coral fronds extending into the Arabian Gulf, adding several kilometres of beachfront to the RAK coastline.

How many islands make up Al Marjan Island?

Four coral-shaped islands, connected to the mainland and to each other by causeways, extending roughly 4.5 km into the sea.

Are the beaches on Al Marjan Island free to access?

Most beaches belong to the resorts and are reserved for guests, though many resorts sell beach or pool day passes. The most scenic way to enjoy the coastline is by private yacht, with swimming stops in the open Gulf.

What is there to do on Al Marjan Island?

Beaches, swimming, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, waterfront dining, and yacht cruises from nearby Al Hamra Marina. It is also the site of the future Wynn resort.

Is Al Marjan Island good for families?

Yes. The calm, shallow, protected waters make it one of the safest swimming coastlines in the UAE, and family resorts offer pools, kids' clubs and easy beach access. Family yacht cruises with swimming stops are also popular.

What is the weather like on Al Marjan Island?

Sunshine most of the year. The best months are October to April with warm, pleasant days. Summers are hot and humid, though the sea stays warm and swimmable year-round.

Where is Wynn being built on Al Marjan Island?

Wynn Al Marjan Island is being built on the island itself, directly on the Arabian Gulf, opening in 2027 with a 101-berth superyacht marina. Yacht cruises already pass the construction site.

Can you do water sports at Al Marjan Island?

Yes. Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, banana-boat rides and yacht charters are all available. Water sports can also be added to a private yacht booking from Al Hamra Marina.

How far is Al Marjan Island from Al Hamra Marina?

Only minutes away — a short drive by road and just minutes by boat. This is why yacht charters from the marina are the easiest way to see the island from the water.

Is Al Marjan Island worth visiting?

Yes. It offers calm beaches, a growing choice of resorts and dining, easy access from Dubai, and the excitement of the Wynn resort opening in 2027 — all best experienced with a yacht cruise along the coastline.

See Al Marjan Island from the Water

Book a private yacht from Al Hamra Marina in under 2 minutes. Flexible dates, instant confirmation, zero hidden fees.

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