United Arab Emirates
Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islands extending into the Arabian Gulf off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It covers roughly 7.8 million square metres with about 4.5 kilometres of coastline, and is home to more than ten international beach resorts. From 2027, it will also host Wynn Al Marjan Island — the first licensed casino in the United Arab Emirates and a watershed moment for UAE tourism. This guide covers the island's design, the resort line-up, what to do, and how to get there from Dubai or RAK city.
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Off the southern coast of Ras Al Khaimah emirate |
| Total area | ~7.8 million m² across four islands |
| Coastline | ~4.5 km of constructed beachfront |
| Design | Coral-reef shape when viewed from above |
| Opened | Progressively from 2007 onwards |
| Hotels and resorts | 10+ international beach resort brands |
| Beach length | ~4.5 km, mostly tied to hotel concessions |
| Wynn Al Marjan opening | Expected 2027 — the UAE's first licensed casino |
| Distance from RAK city | ~30 km / 25 minutes |
| Distance from Dubai | ~95 km / 75 minutes via E311 |
| Best for | Beach-resort weekends, family escapes, future casino tourism |
The Island
Al Marjan Island was conceived in the mid-2000s as Ras Al Khaimah's flagship tourism development — a smaller-scale northern answer to Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, using reclaimed land to multiply usable beachfront. The four islands were built progressively from 2007 onwards and now form one of the largest tourism nodes in the Northern Emirates. Where Palm Jumeirah leans into branded fronds and luxury residential, Al Marjan stays focused on hotels, resorts, and beach tourism.
The Coral-Reef Master Plan
Viewed from the air, Al Marjan's outline is shaped like a coral reef — a series of organic, branching forms rather than the geometric palm fronds further south. The four islands are linked to the mainland by a single causeway and to each other by short bridges. The shape was chosen partly for visual identity and partly to maximise sheltered beachfront on the inner curves, which is where most of the resort plots sit. The outer edges, exposed to the open Gulf, host the larger anchor projects including Wynn.
Beaches
The island has roughly 4.5 kilometres of beach. The vast majority of it is tied to specific hotel concessions: each resort manages a private stretch of sand for its own guests, with day passes available to non-guests for a fee that typically includes sunbeds, towels, and food and beverage credit. Limited public-access beach sections exist, but Al Marjan is not a casual public-beach destination — the model here is resort-led. The water along the inner coves is calm and shallow for some distance out, which makes the island a strong family option.
Hotels and Resorts
The current line-up includes more than ten international hotel brands. Among them are Rixos Bab Al Bahr (an all-inclusive flagship), DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, alongside other regional and international operators. Most resorts run on a beach-resort template — private beach, multiple pools, several restaurants, kids' clubs, and watersports concessions — with package pricing that often appeals more to GCC and European weekenders than to walk-up Dubai visitors. All-inclusive plans are common.
Wynn Al Marjan Island Integrated Resort
The most consequential development on Al Marjan — and arguably in UAE tourism this decade — is Wynn Al Marjan Island, a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort under construction on the northernmost island. It is expected to open in 2027 with around 1,500 rooms, multiple restaurants, a theatre, retail, conference space, and, most significantly, a casino floor.
This is a historic shift for the UAE. Gambling has been illegal across the Emirates since federation, and casinos do not exist in any other GCC country. In 2023, the UAE established a federal commercial gaming regulator — the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority — and Ras Al Khaimah moved quickly to back the Wynn project as the country's first licensed venue. The resort has been positioned as an integrated leisure destination first, casino second, in line with how Wynn markets its properties in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston.
Once Wynn opens, Al Marjan will become a regional gaming destination drawing visitors who would previously have flown to Macau, Singapore, or Cyprus. Hotel rates are expected to climb, and a second wave of branded resorts has already been announced around the Wynn site. Until 2027, the casino itself is not operational — current visitors come for the existing beach resorts, and the Wynn site is a construction zone visible from much of the island.
Things to Do
The day-to-day rhythm of Al Marjan is resort-led — most visitors stay at one hotel and spend their time on the beach, in the pools, and at the resort's restaurants. The island also offers:
- Watersports — jet ski hire, banana boat rides, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking through hotel concessionaires. Pricing is per-session, typically starting around AED 150–250 for a short jet-ski slot.
- Fishing trips — half-day deep-sea fishing charters depart from the small marinas at several resorts, with operators handling licences and gear.
- Beach club day passes — non-guests can buy day access to several resort beach clubs, usually with food and beverage credit included.
- Spa and wellness — most of the larger resorts run full spas open to non-guests on a treatment basis.
- Dining — almost entirely inside hotels, spanning Mediterranean, Levantine, Indian, Asian, and international buffet formats.
What Al Marjan does not have, at least for now, is a public promenade in the style of Dubai Marina Walk. Visitors who want a long public walk can drive 50 minutes inland to the Jebel Jais viewpoint and trail network, or south to Saadiyat Beach Running Track for a paved waterfront run.
Getting There
By Car
Most visitors arrive by car. From Dubai, take Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) north and exit for Al Marjan Island shortly before reaching RAK city — around 75 minutes outside rush hour, covering roughly 95 kilometres. From Sharjah, allow 60 minutes; from RAK city centre, 25 minutes. The single causeway connects the islands to the mainland, and free hotel parking is available at every resort.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Careem and Uber both serve Ras Al Khaimah, including the island. A one-way ride from Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai is roughly AED 220–320; from RAK city centre, AED 60–90; from RAK International Airport, AED 70–110. Hotel airport-transfer packages are usually cheaper than two airport taxis.
By Bus
There is no direct public bus to Al Marjan Island. RTA buses E400 and E411 run from Dubai's Ibn Battuta and Union Square stations to RAK bus station, after which a taxi to the island takes around 25 minutes and costs AED 60–90.
By Air
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is the nearest airport, around 35 minutes by car. Most international visitors fly into Dubai (DXB) — 75 minutes by road — or, less commonly, Sharjah (SHJ), around 60 minutes.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April — the only comfortable window for daytime beach use. Air temperatures sit in the low 20s to low 30s °C and the water stays warm enough to swim. Hotel rates peak around December–January school holidays and public-holiday long weekends.
- May to September — daytime beach use is impractical. Air temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C and humidity is high. Resorts stay open and discount aggressively, with most guests using pools during the day and only heading to the beach for sunset.
For visitors travelling specifically to see the Wynn site, ground-up construction has been progressing with completion targeted for 2027.
Practical Notes
- Standard UAE laws apply — no public alcohol consumption, but resort restaurants and bars are licensed in the usual way
- Bikinis and standard beach attire are the norm on resort beaches; modest cover-up is appreciated when moving between zones
- Most resorts accept card payment exclusively; ATMs are inside the larger hotels
- Mobile signal is good across all four islands; resort Wi-Fi is universal and free
- Pets are not permitted on resort beaches; service animals are an exception
- Lifeguards operate on most resort beaches during daylight hours
- All four islands are flat and largely accessible; the Wynn construction site is fenced and not accessible to the public
Nearby
Al Marjan pairs naturally with the rest of Ras Al Khaimah. The closest major attraction is Jebel Jais, the UAE's highest mountain road and home to the world's longest zipline — around 50 minutes inland. RAK city centre and Old Town are 25 minutes north for the National Museum, the dhow harbour, and the historic forts. Suwaidi Pearls and Al Wadi Desert are further inland for a half-day desert add-on. For a wider itinerary, combine Al Marjan with Saadiyat Beach Running Track on the way back from Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Marjan Island?
Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago of four coral-shaped islands off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It covers roughly 7.8 million square metres with around 4.5 kilometres of beach, and hosts more than ten international beach resorts. From 2027 it will also host Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE's first licensed casino.
When does the Wynn casino open on Al Marjan Island?
Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to open in 2027. It will be the first licensed integrated resort with casino gaming in the UAE, developed under a licence from the federal General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority established in 2023.
Is Al Marjan Island free to visit?
There is no entrance fee for the island itself, but most of the beach is tied to hotel concessions. Non-guests can buy beach club day passes from individual resorts; pricing varies by hotel and season.
How do I get to Al Marjan Island from Dubai?
Drive north on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and exit for Al Marjan Island — about 95 kilometres and 75 minutes outside rush hour. Careem and Uber rides from Dubai cost roughly AED 220–320.
What hotels are on Al Marjan Island?
Current resorts include Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, and Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, alongside several other international and regional brands — more than ten beach resorts in total. Wynn Al Marjan Island is under construction.
Can you swim on Al Marjan Island?
Yes. Most of the beach sits inside resort concessions and is open to hotel guests and to day-pass holders. The inner-cove water is calm and shallow, making the island a strong family option. Lifeguards operate on most resort beaches during daylight hours.
What watersports are available on Al Marjan Island?
Jet ski hire, banana boat rides, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and half-day fishing charters are available through hotel concessionaires. Most are sold per-session; jet-ski slots typically start around AED 150–250.
When is the best time to visit Al Marjan Island?
October to April for comfortable beach weather, with daytime air temperatures in the low 20s to low 30s °C. From May to September, daytime beach use is impractical due to extreme heat and humidity.
How far is Al Marjan Island from Ras Al Khaimah airport?
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) is around 35 minutes from the island by car. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is approximately 75 minutes by road.
Can I visit Wynn Al Marjan Island now?
No. The Wynn site is an active construction zone, fenced off from the public, with completion targeted for 2027.
Is Al Marjan Island good for families?
Yes. The resort line-up is heavily family-oriented, with kids' clubs, multiple pools, and shallow inner-cove beaches at most properties. All-inclusive plans are widely available, and the island works well as a two- or three-night escape from Dubai or Sharjah outside the summer months.