Sixty minutes north of Dubai, the traffic thins, the skyline drops away, and four coral-shaped islands push out into a very calm stretch of Arabian Gulf. Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah does not try to compete with Dubai. That is exactly why it works. You pull into the island, park for free, and suddenly there is space. Real space. The Rixos resort anchors the far end, Al Hamra Golf Club runs along the mainland edge, and the entire western horizon belongs to you. Most people discover Marjan Island through a single Google search for quieter UAE beaches. They come once and rebook. Right now it is genuinely uncrowded. That changes in 2027 when Wynn opens and the whole conversation about this island shifts permanently. Visit before that happens.
Al Marjan Island is a group of four man-made coral-shaped islands extending 4.5km into the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. Created in the 2000s, the island has developed into RAK's premier tourist destination, dramatically quieter than Dubai but with a growing selection of world-class resorts and restaurants.
What puts Marjan Island on every future UAE itinerary is the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, currently under construction and expected to open in 2027 as the UAE's first integrated resort with a casino, a landmark development for the region.
Premium all-inclusive resort with private beach, multiple pools, and water park. Best resort on the island currently. AED 800-1,500/night.
Championship 18-hole course with Arabian Gulf views. Peter Harradine designed. AED 350-600 per round including buggy. Book at alhamragolf.ae.
USD 3.9 billion integrated resort. 1,500+ rooms, UAE's first casino, world-class entertainment and restaurants. Opening late 2027.
Public beach accessible along the island promenade. Clear waters, sand, and views of the Hajar Mountains inland.
| From | Transport | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Drive (E11 North) | 60 minutes | AED 30-40 fuel |
| Dubai | Taxi / Careem | 60-75 minutes | AED 150-200 |
| RAK City | Taxi | 20 minutes | AED 25-40 |
| Abu Dhabi | Drive | 2 hours | AED 60 fuel |
Self-driving tip: Take E11 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) north from Dubai. After 45-50 minutes, take the RAK exit. Follow signs for Al Hamra / Al Marjan Island. Free parking throughout the island.
Yes, especially for those seeking a quieter alternative to Dubai beaches. The Al Hamra Golf Club is excellent, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a world-class resort, and the island atmosphere is genuinely relaxed and uncrowded. The Wynn opening in 2027 will transform the island.
Drive north on E11 for about 60 minutes, then follow Al Hamra / Al Marjan Island signs. Taxi from Dubai costs AED 150-200. There is no direct public bus, you would need to take the RAK bus (AED 25-35 from Union station, Dubai) then a local taxi to the island.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is currently under construction and expected to open in late 2027. It will be operated by Wynn Resorts and will feature 1,500+ rooms, the UAE's first casino, multiple restaurants, entertainment venues, and a world-class spa.
Al Hamra Golf Club (18 holes, AED 350-600), public beach, watersports (jet ski, kayaking), Rixos resort day pass (AED 300-500), waterfront dining, RAK mangroves nearby, and Dhayah Fort day trip (30 minutes away, free entry).
Rixos Bab Al Bahr (5-star all-inclusive, AED 800-1,500/night), Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort (4-star, AED 500-900), and DoubleTree by Hilton RAK are the main options. Book early for winter season (Oct-Apr) as they fill up.
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