RAK Properties is a public joint-stock company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and backed by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Founded in 2005, it is the emirate's pioneering waterfront developer, known for the Mina Al Arab masterplan and Hayat Island.
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Area Overview
Description
Hayat Island ruthlessly dominates as an ultra-exclusive residential island master-planned within the colossal Mina Al Arab mega-community (executed by RAK Properties). Spanning massive millions of square feet and locking down kilometres of pristine coastline, it acts as an absolute stronghold for luxury waterfront capital. The elite property portfolio delivers hyper-lucrative studios, towering apartments, elite townhouses, massive villas, and ultra-premium penthouses packed into mega-projects like Cape Hayat, Northbay Residences, Bay Residences, and Marbella Villas. The entire island flawlessly weaponizes raw nature, featuring protected massive mangroves, raw public beaches, and colossal five-star resort infrastructure.
Hayat Island is one of the newest waterfront residential areas in Ras Al Khaimah, with development still underway as the coastline around Mina Al Arab continues to expand. The island is attracting new residential and hospitality projects, including branded residences and resort-led developments, adding a new segment to the emirate’s coastal property market.
Demand is being supported by Ras Al Khaimah’s growing tourism sector and increasing international attention towards its coastline. The island benefits from its proximity to established communities such as Al Hamra Village and major upcoming attractions on Al Marjan Island. Its beachfront location and preserved mangrove surroundings have influenced the type of development on the island, with a focus on resort residences and low-density coastal living.
Price Analysis
About Hayat Island
Hayat Island is one of the main districts within Mina Al Arab, a large-scale coastal destination developed by RAK Properties. The island is planned around beaches, lagoons and protected mangrove areas, with residential communities and resort facilities built alongside its natural surroundings.
International hospitality brands such as InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa and Anantara Mina Al Arab are already established on the island, while ongoing developments continue to expand the area. The combination of resort amenities and preserved coastal landscapes gives Hayat Island a distinct position within Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront market.
Location & Connectivity
Hayat Island is located within Mina Al Arab on Ras Al Khaimah’s southern coastline, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The island connects to the mainland by bridge and provides direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road, the main coastal route linking communities across the emirate.
Al Hamra Village is nearby, while Al Marjan Island is around 15 minutes away by car. Dubai is approximately 45 minutes away, and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport can be reached in around 25 minutes. Residents mainly rely on private cars and taxis, with public transport services also available across the emirate.
Amenities & Lifestyle
- Beaches & mangroves
- Lagoons & waterways
- Marina & yacht club
- Five-star resorts
- Waterfront dining & retail
- Beach clubs & pools
Leisure
- InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa – a beachfront five-star resort with private beaches, multiple restaurants, spa facilities and leisure areas.
- Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort – a luxury beachfront resort offering dining, pools, spa treatments and water activities.
- Marina & waterfront promenade – a marina area with boat moorings, cafés, restaurants and a walkable waterfront setting.
- Beaches & mangroves – sandy Gulf beaches alongside protected mangrove areas, where residents can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and other water activities.
Everyday essentials
- Central square – a landscaped community area with gardens, water features and spaces for residents to gather.
- Retail & dining – supermarkets, restaurants and cafés are available within Mina Al Arab, while Al Hamra Mall is a short drive away.
- Nurseries & healthcare – Chubby Cheeks Nursery and The American Medical Centre are located within Mina Al Arab.
- Schools nearby – RAK Academy – British School Al Hamra is around 10 minutes away in neighbouring Al Hamra Village.
Ownership and Market Context
Hayat Island is one of the newest waterfront residential areas in Ras Al Khaimah, with development still underway as the coastline around Mina Al Arab continues to expand. The island is attracting new residential and hospitality projects, including branded residences and resort-led developments, adding a new segment to the emirate’s coastal property market.
Demand is being supported by Ras Al Khaimah’s growing tourism sector and increasing international attention towards its coastline. The island benefits from its proximity to established communities such as Al Hamra Village and major upcoming attractions on Al Marjan Island. Its beachfront location and preserved mangrove surroundings have influenced the type of development on the island, with a focus on resort residences and low-density coastal living.
Infrastructure
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The luxury resort half of the Mina Al Arab master plan, accessed via a bridge from the RAK mainland.
• Mina Al Arab Road (2 min drive) — central spine connecting the island to the mainland
• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Road (E11) (5 min drive) — main coastal highway connecting RAK to Dubai
• RAK International Airport (30 min drive) — Ras Al Khaimah’s primary aviation hub
• Burj Khalifa: 65 min
• Dubai International Airport (DXB): 55 min
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): 80 min
• RAK International Airport: 30 min
• Al Marjan Island: 20 min
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Island families access international schools situated 10 to 15 minutes away on the RAK mainland.
• International School of Choueifat RAK (10 min drive) — SABIS curriculum campus
• RAK Academy Al Hamra (15 min drive) — British curriculum primary and secondary campus
• Chubby Cheeks Nursery Mina Al Arab (5 min drive) — early years education center nearby
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Medical care is provided by outpatient centers in Mina Al Arab and government specialty hospitals.
• RAK Medical Centre Al Jazeera (10 min drive) — outpatient family medicine clinic
• Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (12 min drive) — government tertiary and oncology hospital
• RAK Hospital (20 min drive) — flagship private multi-specialty hospital
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A purpose-built island mosque serves residents and 5-star resort guests.
• Hayat Island Mosque (2 min walk) — central Friday prayer venue on the island
• Mina Al Arab Mosque (5 min drive) — mainland congregational mosque
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The island is anchored by the Angel Bay promenade, offering luxury waterfront dining and boutique shopping.
• Angel Bay Promenade (5 min walk) — waterfront retail and entertainment hub with upscale dining
• Lagoon Walk Mina Al Arab (5 min drive) — waterfront retail promenade with cafes and everyday services
• Al Hamra Mall (15 min drive) — two-story regional mall with Spinneys and VOX Cinemas
• Burj Khalifa: 65 min
• Dubai International Airport (DXB): 55 min
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): 80 min
• RAK International Airport: 30 min
• Al Marjan Island: 20 min
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Features white-sand Gulf beaches, mangrove nature reserves, and water sports marinas.
• Hayat Island Public Beach (5 min walk) — pristine white-sand beach facing the Arabian Gulf
• InterContinental Beach Reserve (2 min walk) — private resort beachfront and watersports
• Mina Al Arab Mangrove Trails (5 min drive) — protected coastal wetland reserve
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The island’s skyline is dominated by spectacular luxury resorts and the vibrant Angel Bay plaza.
• InterContinental RAK Resort Dining (5 min walk) — luxury 5-star resort with fine dining and sea-view lounges
• Angel Bay F&B Strip (5 min walk) — waterfront cafes and beach club lounges
• Nikki Beach Resort (planned) (5 min walk) — upcoming luxury lifestyle beach club
Developers in Hayat Island
Area agents
FAQ
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Is Hayat Island part of Mina Al Arab?
Yes. Hayat Island is one of the main districts within Mina Al Arab , a wider coastal development by RAK Properties. Hayat Island focuses on waterfront residences, resorts and leisure facilities, while Mina Al Arab extends across a larger area with additional residential and mixed-use communities.
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Who is the developer of Hayat Island?
Hayat Island was developed by RAK Properties as part of Mina Al Arab, one of Ras Al Khaimah's major coastal developments. The island also includes projects delivered with international partners, bringing branded residences and resort-style homes to the area.
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What types of property can you buy on Hayat Island?
Hayat Island offers waterfront apartments, townhouses, villas and branded residences. Newer developments focus on beachfront living, with options ranging from smaller apartments to larger waterfront homes and luxury residences connected to hotel brands.
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What are the starting prices on Hayat Island?
Apartments on Hayat Island generally start from around AED 680,000 , while larger apartments and townhouses typically start from around AED 1 million . Premium residences, including waterfront villas and branded homes, are available from several million dirhams depending on size, location and views.
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Can foreigners buy property on Hayat Island?
Yes. Hayat Island is a freehold area where buyers of any nationality can own property. Properties purchased for AED 2 million or more may also qualify owners for a UAE Golden Visa, subject to current eligibility requirements.
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Are short-term holiday rentals allowed on Hayat Island?
Yes. Owners can register properties for short-term holiday rentals through Ras Al Khaimah's tourism authority. The island's leisure facilities make it suitable for buyers targeting holiday accommodation as well as personal use.
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Does Hayat Island have restaurants and supermarkets?
Yes. Mina Al Arab provides restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and everyday services for residents. Additional retail and dining options are available nearby at Al Hamra Mall and across neighbouring coastal communities.
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Does Hayat Island have schools and healthcare facilities?
Hayat Island does not currently have schools within the island itself. Nurseries and healthcare services are available within Mina Al Arab, including Chubby Cheeks Nursery and American Medical Centre . Schools such as RAK Academy – British School Al Hamra and larger medical facilities are available within a short drive.
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What is the mangrove area on Hayat Island?
Hayat Island is surrounded by protected mangrove areas and coastal wetlands that form part of Mina Al Arab's natural landscape. These areas create opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and nature activities while preserving a greener waterfront environment.
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How close is Hayat Island to Wynn Al Marjan Island?
Wynn Al Marjan Island is approximately 15 minutes away by car from Hayat Island. The two destinations are located along the same stretch of Ras Al Khaimah's coastline, with Al Hamra Village and Al Marjan Island among the main waterfront communities in the area.
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