Marjan Island RAK: Complete Visitor Guide 2026

Q: Is Marjan Island worth visiting?

Yes — Marjan Island offers beautiful beaches, the Al Hamra Golf Club, Rixos resort, and waterfront dining in a much more relaxed setting than Dubai. It's an ideal day trip or overnight from Dubai, especially as Wynn resort development builds excitement.

Q: How to get to Marjan Island from Dubai?

Drive 1 hour from Dubai via E11 north to Ras Al Khaimah, then follow signs for Al Marjan Island. Marjan Island is about 15-20 minutes from RAK city centre. Taxi from Dubai costs AED 150-200.

Q: When does Wynn Al Marjan Island open?

Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to open in 2027. It will be the UAE's first integrated resort with a gaming floor, featuring 1,500+ rooms, multiple restaurants, and world-class entertainment.

Q: What activities are available on Marjan Island?

Activities include Al Hamra Golf Club (AED 350-600 per round), public beach access, watersports at Rixos resort, waterfront dining, the Al Hamra Mall, and RAK Waterfront Marina nearby.

Q: Where to stay on Marjan Island?

Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the top resort (AED 800-1,500/night with all-inclusive option). Al Hamra Palace Beach Resort (AED 500-900) and DoubleTree by Hilton are also popular options.

About Al Marjan Island

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.

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Premium all-inclusive resort with private beach, multiple pools, and water park. Best resort on the island currently. AED 800-1,500/night.

Al Hamra Golf Club

Championship 18-hole course with Arabian Gulf views. Peter Harradine designed. AED 350-600 per round including buggy. Book at alhamragolf.ae.

Wynn Al Marjan (2027)

USD 3.9 billion integrated resort. 1,500+ rooms, UAE's first casino, world-class entertainment and restaurants. Opening late 2027.

Island Beaches

Public beach accessible along the island promenade. Clear waters, sand, and views of the Hajar Mountains inland.

Getting to Al Marjan Island

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marjan Island worth visiting?

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.

How to get to Marjan Island from Dubai?

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.

When does Wynn Al Marjan Island open?

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.

What activities are available on Marjan Island?

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).

Where to stay on Marjan Island?

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.