The Strand

We think so, yes. The Strand sits within Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah's fastest-growing waterfront district, and we're seeing strong off-plan demand from both end-users and investors. RAK's tourism push — including the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort opening nearby — is driving capital appreciation across the emirate. Our buyers who entered early in comparable RAK waterfront communities have seen 20–30% gains since 2022, and we expect that momentum to continue through 2026 and beyond.

Right now, units at Lunara by RAK Properties — our active listing in The Strand — are priced from approximately AED 1,100–1,400 per sqft, depending on floor level and view orientation. Beachfront-facing units command the upper end of that range. Compared to Dubai Marina or Palm Jumeirah, that's still a significant discount for genuine waterfront living, which is exactly why our buyers are paying close attention to this community.

RAK Properties is the primary developer shaping The Strand, and in our experience they deliver a consistently high build quality. They've been active in Mina Al Arab for over a decade, with completed projects like Marbella and Hayat Island as proof of delivery. We always recommend buyers review a developer's handover track record before committing, and RAK Properties holds up well under that scrutiny.

Gross rental yields in Mina Al Arab waterfront communities currently sit around 6–8% annually, based on comparable delivered projects nearby. Short-term holiday rentals can push that higher given RAK's growing tourism numbers — the emirate welcomed over 1.2 million visitors in 2023. We advise our investors to factor in service charges and potential vacancy periods, but the yield profile here is genuinely attractive compared to equivalent Dubai addresses.

The Strand is roughly 50–60 minutes by car to Dubai Marina via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road under normal traffic conditions, and about 75 minutes to DIFC or DXB airport. It's not a daily commute most people would choose, so the majority of our buyers here are either remote workers, retirees, or investors rather than Dubai office commuters. That said, RAK's own business scene is growing, reducing the need to travel south.

Within Mina Al Arab itself there are retail outlets, cafés, and a beach club. For schooling, RAK Academy (British curriculum, rated 'Outstanding' by KHDA's RAK equivalent) is about 15 minutes away and is the go-to choice for families we work with in the area. A larger Wynn-anchored entertainment and retail hub is under development on Al Marjan Island, roughly 10 minutes by car, which will significantly expand the local amenity offering over the next few years.

Yes — The Strand falls within a freehold zone, so non-UAE nationals can buy with full ownership rights. RAK Properties also offers residency visa eligibility for purchases above AED 750,000, which many of our international buyers find appealing. The purchase process mirrors Dubai in most respects: a standard SPA, 4% transfer fee payable to the RAK Land Department, and no annual property tax. We walk every overseas client through the paperwork step by step.