Waterfront property remains one of the most talked-about segments in the UAE. Dubai has long been the benchmark for premium coastal living, but Ras Al Khaimah, especially Al Marjan Island, is rapidly gaining traction. Here’s a clear, data-led comparison of the two, focusing on prices, trends, and investment appeal in 2025.

Key Price Levels — Dubai Waterfront vs RAK’s Al Marjan Island

Dubai Waterfront Property Prices (2025)

• Average waterfront apartments in Dubai generally trade between AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 per sq ft (varies by location and finish).
• In prime waterfront sub-markets like Dubai Marina and Bluewaters, prices tend toward the upper end of this range due to demand and lifestyle appeal.
• Ultra-prime Dubai waterfront assets — for example on Palm Jumeirah — can exceed AED 3,500 per sq ft.
• Dubai’s overall average residential price across key areas in 2025 was around AED 1,480 per sq ft, driven by strong demand and continued sales volume growth.

👉 What this means: Dubai remains a high-entry, high-liquidity market, with property pricing anchored by global demand and well-established neighbourhoods.

Ras Al Khaimah — Al Marjan Island Waterfront Prices (2025)

• Al Marjan Island waterfront apartments saw rapid price growth, rising around 16.8% year-on-year by Q3 2025.
• Average prices on the island are approximately AED 1,127 per sq ft in Q3 2025.
• Broader RAK waterfront pricing continues to appreciate, with mid- to high-end segments showing strong upward momentum as lifestyle and resort infrastructure grows.

👉 What this means: RAK waterfront property is significantly more affordable than Dubai, with room for capital value growth as infrastructure and tourism projects expand.

Price Comparison Snapshot (2025)

Dubai Waterfront:

• Dubai’s property market registered strong sales volumes in 2025, with overall residential transactions and sales values climbing significantly.
• Waterfront communities like Dubai Marina, Bluewaters, and Palm Jumeirah continue to attract global investors and expatriate residents looking for lifestyle and liquidity.
• Rental yields in these zones average around 6–8% depending on unit type and location.

Ras Al Khaimah Waterfront:

• The RAK residential market — especially Al Marjan Island — climbed with double-digit price growth in 2025, leading the emirate’s broader trend.
• Investors are increasingly attracted to off-plan sales and lifestyle-oriented communities on the island.
• Rental yields in some RAK communities remain competitive, with waterfront yields often aligned with or slightly below core Dubai yields but balanced by lower entry costs.

Investor Takeaways

Liquidity & Stability — Dubai

• Offers deeper market liquidity and global brand appeal.
• Waterfront prices are higher but backed by sustained demand from both buyers and renters.
• Ideal for investors prioritising asset liquidity and brand exposure.

Growth Potential & Value — RAK

• Lower entry pricing with sharp price appreciation in recent quarters.
• Al Marjan Island, as a lifestyle and resort-linked destination, has recorded strong year-on-year price rises.
• Attractive for investors seeking capital growth potential with lower upfront outlay.

If your investment strategy centres on established global luxury and liquidity, Dubai’s waterfront market still leads, backed by large transaction volumes and strong long-term demand.

If your focus is on emerging waterfront growth and value pricing, Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island represents an opportunity with strong recent price momentum and comparatively lower entry costs.