The tower has topped out, the glass is going up, and the prices are defying gravity. As the UAE’s first gaming resort enters its final construction year, the “RAK Rush” is turning Al Marjan Island into the region’s hottest investment zip code.
For investors who bought property on Al Marjan Island in 2023, the view from their balcony today looks very different, and very profitable.
Dominating the horizon is the now fully “topped out” structure of the Wynn Al Marjan Island. Standing at over 300 meters, the resort is no longer a rendering; it is a physical titan of steel and glass that has fundamentally altered the economics of the Northern Emirates.
As of January 2026, the Wynn Al Marjan Island property prices 2026 index shows a staggering year-on-year surge. While Dubai’s prime market stabilizes at a healthy 5-7% growth, Ras Al Khaimah’s beachfront units have jumped by nearly 30% in the last 12 months alone.
The “Casino Risk” has evaporated. The “Casino Premium” has arrived.
The “Topping Out” Catalyst
The primary driver of this quarter’s price spike is visibility. In late 2025, Wynn Resorts confirmed the structural completion of the hotel tower.
“Real estate psychology is simple,” explains Karim Jabbour, a senior analyst at CBRE Middle East. “Until the building is physically there, it’s a gamble. Now that investors can see the 1,500-room tower casting a shadow over the beach, the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) has kicked in. We are seeing a scramble for any available inventory within a 3-kilometer radius of the resort.”
Current market data indicates that “Casino-View” units, apartments with a direct line of sight to the Wynn’s nightly laser shows and fireworks, are trading at a 40% premium over non-view units on the same island.
The Yield Hunters: Chasing 12%
Smart capital is not just betting on capital appreciation; it is betting on the yield.
With the resort scheduled to open in early 2027, investors buying in 2026 are positioning themselves for the short-term rental market (Airbnb/Holiday Homes). Analysts forecast that daily rates for luxury apartments on Al Marjan Island will rival Downtown Dubai.
“We are projecting net yields of 10-12% for holiday homes once the casino opens,” notes a report by Betterhomes. “You have a massive influx of gaming tourists, high-net-worth individuals from Europe and Asia—who will need accommodation beyond the Wynn hotel itself. The spillover demand for high-end serviced apartments will be immense.”
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The “Branded” Invasion
It is not just individual investors who are bullish; global brands have moved in en masse.
In 2026, Al Marjan Island has become a construction site for the world’s most prestigious hospitality names. Nobu Residences, Le Meridien, and W Residences have all broken ground on projects flanking the Wynn.
These branded residences are setting new price records. In 2022, the average price per square foot (PSF) on the island was AED 1,200. Today, branded launches are selling out at AED 4,500 PSF, a price point previously reserved for Palm Jumeirah.
“The buyer profile has changed,” says the Sales Director of a major RAK developer. “Two years ago, we were selling to budget investors looking for a cheap holiday home. Today, we are selling to Hong Kong billionaires and London hedge fund managers who want a piece of the ‘New Macau’.”
Is It Too Late to Buy?
For the skeptical investor, the question remains: Has the ship sailed?
“The ‘early bird’ phase is definitely over,” admits Jabbour. “You are no longer buying cheap. However, compared to integrated resort destinations in Singapore or Macau, RAK is still undervalued. If the Wynn delivers the tourism numbers projected (5 million visitors by 2030), today’s prices will look like a bargain in five years.”
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The Infrastructure Upgrade
The “Wynn Effect” has also forced a massive upgrade in local infrastructure. The widening of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) is nearing completion, and the new Ras Al Khaimah International Airport expansion, featuring a dedicated VVIP terminal for private jets, is fully funded.
Perhaps most critically, the upcoming Dubai Flying Taxi Launch 2026: Route Maps & Ticket Prices network has confirmed a future vertiport on Al Marjan Island, meaning high-rollers will be able to fly from DXB to the casino door in 15 minutes.
As cranes continue to dance over the skyline, Ras Al Khaimah has firmly shed its reputation as a “quiet weekend getaway.” In 2026, it is the highest-stakes table in the region, and everyone wants a seat.
