Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah, and RAK Hospitality Holding (RAKHH), the government-owned investment and development arm of the Emirate, announced on Wednesday a landmark merger to form a unified entity operating under Marjan, in a move aimed at accelerating Ras Al Khaimah’s growth as a global destination for lifestyle, tourism, and investment.
The merger brings together RAKHH’s hospitality expertise with Marjan’s land development capabilities, creating one of the largest real estate developers in the UAE.
The consolidated entity will integrate real estate development, hospitality operations, and lifestyle experiences under a single platform, guided by the emirate’s long-term RAK Vision 2030.
“This merger builds upon solid foundations for a new chapter of advancement and success, enabling us to deliver iconic destinations that are deeply rooted in Ras Al Khaimah’s unique identity, creating high-value jobs for Emiratis, developing national capabilities, and reinforcing our position as a beacon of opportunity and innovation,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, chairman of Marjan.
Marjan-RAK Hospitality merger aligns with larger vision
Sheikh Ahmed said the merger aligns with the emirate’s goals under RAK Vision 2030, which targets 3.5 million annual visitors and nearly 20,000 hotel keys by the end of the decade. “Ras Al Khaimah is committed to its vision to drive progress and sustainable development, celebrating its rich history, preserving its heritage, and honouring its identity,” he added.
Under the merger, Marjan will lead new master developments, including Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and a new Jebel Jais masterplan, integrating mixed-use projects with lifestyle infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and sustainability-focused amenities.
Abdulla Al Abdouli, group CEO of Marjan, said the combined entity will “champion Ras Al Khaimah’s development and master planning into a smart, authentic, connected city of the future, and a vibrant destination where people, businesses, and communities thrive.”
Following the launch of Marjan Beach, a mixed-use coastal project covering 85 million square feet, the emirate is expanding infrastructure works that will include 22,000 residential units, 12,000 hotel keys, and 6.5 million square feet of open green space.
The destination will accommodate 74,000 residents and 32,000 workers, welcoming up to 180,000 visitors annually.
Plans to grow tourism offerings
Marjan also plans to expand Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offerings beyond the coastline, developing 100 kilometres of hiking and biking trails across mountain areas over the next five years. The company aims to attract more than 20,000 festival-goers annually through world-class cultural and entertainment events and will build housing for 15,000 hospitality professionals.
The unified entity will operate state-of-the-art laundry facilities capable of processing over 100,000 tonnes annually using low-energy systems, reflecting Ras Al Khaimah’s push for sustainability and operational efficiency.
The merger, authorities said, marks a pivotal step in creating a “future-ready” organisation capable of driving Ras Al Khaimah’s transition into a diversified economy and attracting international investment.
Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s northernmost emirate, has become one of the country’s most dynamic development hubs, with a diversified economy where no single sector accounts for more than 27 per cent of GDP.
The emirate offers 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and one of the lowest corporate tax rates globally, supported by ‘A’-range credit ratings from Fitch and S&P.
Marjan is behind several flagship projects, including Al Marjan Island, RAK Central, Marjan Beach, and Wynn Al Marjan Island, which together are reshaping Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a luxury tourism and lifestyle hub featuring global brands such as Four Seasons, Nobu, Waldorf Astoria, and Ritz-Carlton.
Read: Wynn Al Marjan Island names first two restaurants ahead of 2027 opening
