Future of UAE Real Estate: Sharjah, Ajman & RAK Growth

Historically, the northern emirates have served as "resident cities," providing affordable housing options for Dubai workers. Data confirms this role, with monthly per capita expenses (excluding rent) in Sharjah around AED 3,100 compared to AED 4,000 in Dubai, while cities like Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah are up to 30% cheaper overall.

But this picture is changing rapidly. Today, these emirates are undergoing a radical transformation into integrated "modern lifestyle hubs." This transformation is driven by massive infrastructure projects, new freehold ownership laws for foreigners, and the development of world-class facilities, making them attractive destinations in their own right, not just because of their proximity to Dubai.

Ras Al Khaimah is leading this transformation, emerging as a key driver of growth in the northern region, combining competitive prices with tremendous growth prospects.

The most prominent catalyst: Wynne Coral Island Resort

The $3.9 billion Wynn Marjan Island resort is poised to be a game-changer. Much like Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah, this mega-project is expected to unleash an unprecedented real estate boom. Recent construction updates confirm this significant progress, with the tower reaching the 70th floor and the project on track for its 2027 opening. The resort will boost tourism, enhance infrastructure, and solidify the emirate's global brand, and will feature 22 restaurants and the Coral Court events center.

By the numbers: A market that cannot be ignored

Ras Al Khaimah's financial data provides a clear picture of a market that cannot be ignored:

• Significant growth in deals: Real estate transactions reached AED 11.95 billion in the first nine months of 2024.
• Exceptional rental yields: ranging from 7-9% for long-term leases and up to 15% for short-term leases.
• Competitive prices: Cost of living is 28% lower compared to Dubai.
• Promising tourism prospects: The emirate welcomed 1.22 million tourists in 2023, and aims to reach 3 million by 2030.

More than just a tourist destination: an integrated lifestyle

Ras Al Khaimah's appeal extends beyond investment to encompass an ideal lifestyle for families and residents. The emirate boasts top-tier schools offering diverse international curricula, including British, American, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Ras Al Khaimah Academy (RAKA) stands out as a leading institution, offering both the British and IB curricula. The emirate also features a rich natural and recreational landscape, from the Hajar Mountains and Jebel Jais adventure park to Al Hamra Village for golf enthusiasts and marine life lovers, and the 7.8-kilometer-long beaches of Al Marjan Island.

Sharjah adopts a smart growth strategy that blends its established cultural identity with modern real estate developments, creating a strong and attractive market for investors.

Strongly rising market

The figures reflect the strong market performance in Sharjah:

• A surge in trading volume: The emirate recorded transactions worth AED 65.6 billion in 2025, an increase of 64% over the previous year.
• Rising property prices: Apartment sales prices have seen increases of up to 23% in areas such as Al Mamzar.
• High investment returns: Investment returns on villas in areas such as Aljada have reached 8.30%.

Welcoming global investors

Sharjah has opened its doors to foreign investors like never before. Sharjah Law No. 2 of 2022 allows non-GCC nationals to own property in designated freehold areas. Among the most prominent of these areas are Aljada, Maryam Island, and Al Mamsha in Muwaileh, which have become major attractions for global investment.

As detailed project data emerges, Ajman is an integral part of the northward expansion story. The emirate boasts one of the most cost-competitive environments in the UAE, with living costs approximately 30% lower than in Dubai. This makes it an ideal entry point for investors seeking genuine value and promising early-stage growth opportunities.

What makes this growth possible and sustainable is the advanced infrastructure network that connects the northern emirates to each other and to the rest of the country:

• Etihad Rail: The planned Etihad Rail passenger network will connect all the Emirates, with announced stations in Sharjah and Al Dhaid, which will radically enhance ease of travel.
• Airport expansion: Both Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Sharjah International Airport are undergoing massive expansions to increase their capacity, enhancing global connectivity and attracting more tourists and investors.
• Road network development: Ongoing improvements to the Dubai-Sharjah corridor contribute to facilitating daily traffic flow, enhancing the attractiveness of these emirates as destinations for living and working.

The UAE is a global leader in sustainable tourism, as evidenced by commitments such as the Unified Environmental Charter 2026. This focus on green building standards and sustainability not only benefits the environment but also adds long-term value and security to real estate investments in the region. This approach has become a key factor in attracting environmentally conscious global buyers seeking responsible and sustainable investments.

The Northern Emirates offer a wide range of real estate options that cater to the diverse tastes and budgets of global investors.

• Ras Al Khaimah
• Sharjah
• Luxury beachfront apartments on Coral Island.
• Modern apartments in integrated communities such as "Aljada".
• Hotel accommodations bearing the names of global brands (such as JW Marriott).
• Family villas in quiet areas such as "Sharjah Garden City".
• Projects under construction (off-plan) with direct sea views.

The Northern Emirates have transcended their status as mere secondary options. The strategic shift from employee housing to integrated lifestyle hubs, the immense capital growth potential driven by mega-projects like Wynn Resort, enhanced connectivity thanks to modern infrastructure, and competitive pricing compared to Dubai all contribute to making Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman investment destinations that cannot be ignored. For the savvy investor, the North is no longer just a direction on a map; it is the only destination for the future.