You want to buy property in the UAE. You’ve heard about waterfront investments in the northern emirates. Two options stand out - Marjan Island and Siniya Island. Both look amazing on paper. But which one will give you better returns? Let’s look at both islands in detail to help you decide.
About Marjan Island
Marjan Island is located in Ras Al Khaimah. This man-made marvel extends 4.5 kilometers into the Arabian Gulf. The island has a unique coral shape when viewed from above. It features white sandy beaches and clear blue waters all around. The island has grown into a top tourist spot over the last decade.
Key Facts of Marjan Island
Marjan Island covers 115 acres of land. It has 7.8 kilometers of beaches that you can enjoy year-round. The development has four connected islands in total. The four connected islets are called Breeze Island, Dream Island, Treasure Island and View Island. These form the famous coral shape that appears on many postcards.
The island hosts many five-star hotels already. These include Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Mövenpick Resort. The much-talked-about Wynn Resort is coming soon too. Property prices here range from AED 1,200 to 1,800 per square foot. This is much cheaper than similar beachfront spots in Dubai.
About Siniya Island
Siniya Island is a natural island in Umm Al Quwain. Sobha Realty is turning it into a luxury destination. They are spending $5 billion on this massive project. The island blends natural beauty with high-end living spaces. It offers a rare chance to invest in a less developed emirate with huge growth ahead.
Key Facts of Siniya Island
Siniya Island has about 16 million square feet of land for development. Beautiful mangroves and forests surround the island. This creates a green, peaceful setting unlike most UAE developments. Sobha Realty has a plan of 315 luxury villas as well as over 6,000 apartments and mansions for its Siniya Island. Its first phase currently comprises 196 villas as well as 550 apartments.
The first phase will house 25,000 people in 8,000 homes. Developers plan to finish this phase by December 2027. Every property will have beach access. An 18-hole golf course will be a major draw. The island keeps most of its natural features intact.
Apartments start at AED 1.1 million. Luxury villas go up to AED 17.34 million. These prices offer good value compared to Dubai’s premium areas.
Marjan Island Vs Siniya Island
We have already covered the basic facts, so let’s compare these two islands directly to see which might be the better investment.
Location & Connectivity
Marjan Island: You can reach Marjan Island in 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. It’s just 75 kilometers away via E311 and E611 highways. The drive from Ras Al Khaimah city center takes only 25 minutes. RAK International Airport is even closer at just 15 minutes away.
The island connects well to all main roads. Regular bus services link to RAK city. Taxis and ride-sharing services operate all over the island. This makes getting around easy even without a car.
Siniya Island: Siniya Island sits in Umm Al Quwain, about 50 minutes from Dubai. Sharjah is closer at 40 minutes away. You can even reach Al Marjan Island in just 15 minutes.
A 1.7 km bridge connects the island to the mainland. This ensures easy access for residents and visitors. The island is about 25 minutes from both Sharjah Airport and RAK Airport. This gives you multiple flight options when traveling.
Current Market Positioning
Marjan Island: Properties here cost around AED 1,200 – 1,800 per square foot. This is much cheaper than similar places in Dubai. For example, Palm Jumeirah costs AED 3,500 – 5,500 per square foot. Bluewaters Island starts at AED 4,000 per square foot.
This price gap means Marjan Island has room to grow in value. Property prices have been rising steadily. Villas went up by 3.55% last year. Apartments rose even more at 18.5%. Many experts see this trend continuing.
Siniya Island: As a newer project, Siniya Island offers even better entry prices. Properties cost about 20-30% less than similar Dubai homes. The $5 billion investment by Sobha Realty shows their confidence in the area.
Apartments start at AED 1.1 million. The most luxurious villas reach AED 17.34 million. These prices make Siniya accessible while still feeling exclusive. The potential for price growth looks strong as development progresses.
Supporting Factors
Marjan Island: The biggest news is the Wynn Casino Resort opening in 2027. This $3.9 billion project will be the UAE’s first casino resort. It will attract many new visitors to the area.
Tourism in Ras Al Khaimah is booming. The emirate expects 3.8 million tourists by 2027. This could reach 5.5 million by 2030. Many luxury hotel brands have already opened on the island. These include Rixos, InterContinental, and Hampton by Hilton.
Short-term rentals are in high demand. Many property owners earn good income from holiday lets. Tourism in RAK is set to double by 2030. This means even more rental opportunities ahead.
Siniya Island: Sobha’s master plan includes a premium shopping district. The retail boulevard will become a destination by itself. Visitors will come just to enjoy the shops and restaurants there.
The 18-hole golf course will attract sports enthusiasts. Green spaces cover much of the island. This appeals to people seeking a healthier lifestyle. Two high-end hotels are in the works. These will bring in tourists and boost the island’s profile.
The plan keeps natural mangroves intact. This creates a unique eco-luxury feel. Few developments in the UAE offer this balance of nature and luxury.
ROI and Rental Yields
Marjan Island: The rental returns here are impressive. Waterfront apartments deliver 9-10% yields. Luxury villas and branded homes offer 10-12%. Serviced apartments can reach yields above 12%.
These numbers beat most other UAE locations. The upcoming casino will likely push returns even higher. Recent data shows apartment rents went up 10.5% last year. Villa rents increased by 9.37% in the same period. Here is the recent ROI of apartments for sale in Marjan Island.
| Apartment Type | ROI |
|---|---|
| Studio | 8.45 % |
| 1-Bed | 5.48 % |
| 2-Bed | 2.84 % |
| 3-Bed | 1.45 % |
Many investors are buying now before the Wynn Resort opens. They expect both rents and property values to jump once the casino is running.
Siniya Island: Early projections show rental yields of 9-10% for Siniya Island properties. The limited supply of beachfront homes helps keep these returns strong. The growing demand for getaway properties adds further support.
Short-term holiday rentals look especially promising. The island’s resort feel and nearness to major cities make it perfect for weekend breaks. As the development fills out, capital growth should be significant.
The lower entry prices mean greater room for appreciation. Some analysts predict 30-40% value growth in the first five years after completion.
Lifestyle and Amenities
Marjan Island: You’ll find plenty to do on Marjan Island. The area has many beach resorts with restaurants and cafes. You can try everything from local Arabic food to international cuisine.
The marina offers various water activities. You can go jet-skiing, boat fishing, or yacht cruising. Walking and biking paths run along the entire coastline. These give you great views while keeping fit. If you are golf lover, then Al Hamra Golf Club are all within a 10-minute driving distance
The island has shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies for daily needs. Schools and clinics sit nearby in mainland Ras Al Khaimah. Everything you need is within easy reach.
Siniya Island: Every home on Siniya Island will have beach access. This is a major selling point for residents and visitors alike. The retail boulevard will feature cafes, shops, and entertainment spots.
For the ultra-wealthy, helipad facilities will provide quick access. Wellness centers will offer spa treatments and fitness programs. The island focuses on healthy, balanced living throughout its design.
The 18-hole golf course will become a social hub. Green spaces and walking trails will connect different parts of the island. The natural setting creates a peaceful escape from city life.
Best Investment Options
Marjan Island
Siniya Island
- Starline Beach Residences
- Aya Beachfront Residence
- Sobha Pierside Marina Residences
- Sobha Bayside Marina Residences
Verdict: Which is Better
Both islands have strong points that appeal to different investors. Your choice depends on what matters most to you.
Marjan Island is more developed right now. You can buy property and start earning rental income immediately. The area has proven its appeal over several years. The upcoming Wynn Casino provides a clear boost to future values.
If you want established infrastructure and quicker returns, Marjan Island wins. It’s ideal if you prefer a shorter investment timeline of 3-5 years.
Siniya Island offers something different. It’s a ground-floor opportunity in a premium natural setting. The development quality from Sobha suggests high standards throughout. The eco-friendly approach creates unique value that may attract premium buyers.
Each island has its unique charm and investment case. Marjan Island offers immediate income and casino-driven growth. Siniya Island provides eco-luxury living with long-term appreciation potential. For potentially larger returns over a longer period, Siniya Island looks promising. It suits investors with a 5-10 year vision who believe in the area’s growth potential.
The choice comes down to your personal preferences and investment goals. Do you want established returns now? Or do you prefer maximum growth potential over time? Either way, these islands offer compelling alternatives to Dubai’s overpriced market.
Your ideal investment awaits on one of these beautiful islands. The only question is which paradise you’ll choose for your next property purchase.
