What Ardee’s $545m Waterfront Project Means for Ras Al Khaimah
(Image credit: Image used for editorial purposes, sourced from a published news article.)
A Major Groundbreaking Moment for Al Marjan Island
UAE-based developer Ardee has officially broken ground on the AED 2 billion ($545 million) Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island and Fairmont Al Marjan Island Hotel, marking a key step forward for Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront real estate scene.
The ceremony signals the start of construction on what is set to become one of the emirate’s most talked-about coastal developments. With enabling works completed and piling now underway, the project has moved into its first major construction phase.
This development also carries broader significance. It is the first phase of Ardee’s long-term Al Marjan Island masterplan, positioning it as a reference point for future projects across the destination.
Where the Project Fits Within Ras Al Khaimah’s Growth Story
Ras Al Khaimah has steadily gained attention for its lifestyle-led communities and waterfront destinations. Al Marjan Island, in particular, has emerged as a focal point for branded residences and resort-style living.
The Fairmont Al Marjan Island project supports this trajectory by blending residential, hospitality, leisure, and wellness components into a single integrated destination. According to Marjan, the master developer of Al Marjan Island, such projects align with the emirate’s vision to attract long-term investment and global interest.
Project Scale, Timeline, & Construction Progress
With full site mobilisation now underway, the development will span close to 1.2 million square feet of gross floor area, covering both hotel and residential elements.
Key construction milestones include:
- Piling works currently in progress
- Piling scheduled for completion by April 2026
- Transition to main construction thereafter
- Targeted overall completion in 2028
As the first project within Ardee’s 5.6 million square foot Al Marjan Island masterplan, it sets the tone for the scale and ambition of what is planned for the area.
What’s Included in Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island
The development brings together a mix of branded living options and hospitality offerings:
Residential and Hotel Components
- 519 branded residences and townhouses
- Four signature sea villas
- 250-key Fairmont hotel
This combination reflects growing demand in the UAE for homes that are closely connected to established hospitality brands, particularly in waterfront locations.
Lifestyle Features Residents Can Expect
Residents of Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island will have access to a range of resort-style amenities designed to support everyday living as well as leisure:
- Private beach access
- Separate pools for families and adults
- Modern fitness and wellness facilities
- Curated dining and social areas
- Direct connectivity to the adjacent Fairmont hotel
These features position the project as more than a residential address. It is intended to function as a complete coastal community with shared amenities and services.
Why Branded Waterfront Developments Continue to Gain Attention
Branded residences have become an increasingly visible part of the UAE’s real estate market, especially in coastal destinations. Projects like Fairmont Al Marjan Island reflect several ongoing trends:
- Preference for lifestyle-focused communities
- Interest in well-known hospitality brands
- Demand for waterfront living beyond Dubai
- Long-term confidence in emerging emirates like Ras Al Khaimah
As Ardee’s flagship project on Al Marjan Island, this development plays a role in reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah’s position within the broader UAE property landscape.
Leadership Perspectives on the Project
Ardee’s founder, Romeo Abdo, described the groundbreaking as an important milestone, highlighting the project’s role in shaping future communities on Al Marjan Island. From Marjan’s perspective, the development supports the emirate’s transformation into a global destination for coastal living and investment.
Fairmont Raffles’ leadership also noted the project’s intent to become a social and lifestyle hub along Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline, built around connection, hospitality, and place-driven experiences.
What This Means for the Ras Al Khaimah Property Market
The start of construction on Fairmont Al Marjan Island adds momentum to Ras Al Khaimah’s waterfront pipeline. It signals continued confidence from developers and brands in the emirate’s long-term growth, particularly in mixed-use coastal communities.
For buyers and investors observing the northern emirates, projects like this help illustrate how Ras Al Khaimah is shaping its identity within the UAE real estate market.
Looking Ahead
With construction now underway and completion targeted for 2028, Fairmont Residences Al Marjan Island is expected to remain a closely watched project over the coming years. As the first phase of Ardee’s wider masterplan, its progress will likely influence how future developments on Al Marjan Island take shape.
