Exclusive Interview with Philip Yousef, Chief Sales Officer, Major Developments.

What is driving property buying and selling in the region?

The Ras Al Khaimah market is being driven by a perfect convergence of fundamentals, tourism growth, infrastructure readiness, and yield resilience. In just the first half of 2025, RAK welcomed over 654,000 visitor arrivals, marking a 6% year-on-year surge, with tourism revenues climbing 9%, according to the RAKTDA. 

On the capital markets side, residential values have surged 18% year-on-year as per CBRE, with average apartment prices now reaching AED 1,947 per sq ft. Al Marjan Island has been a standout performer, recording an astonishing 71% annual increase in sales prices. Off-plan activity is also exceptionally strong, with 1,760 units sold in H1 2025 alone and Q2 sales reaching AED 3.6 billion, up from AED 2.5 billion in Q1. These aren’t speculative surges; they reflect the depth and maturity of the market, particularly as RAK Central nears full activation as the emirate’s business and commercial hub.

From my lens, what’s fuelling this activity is not just sentiment, it’s structure. Fitch Ratings continues to affirm RAK at A+ with a Stable outlook, while projecting UAE GDP to grow 5.1% in 2025 and RAK-specific GDP to average 6.1% over 2025-26. For us at Major Developments, this stability is the foundation upon which projects like Manta Bay on Al Marjan and Colibri Views in RAK Central are thriving, they’re built at the intersection of high-velocity tourism and long-term economic activity.

What changes are you seeing in buyer preferences – for example, are people prioritizing location, size, or lifestyle amenities differently than before?

Buyer behaviour in RAK has evolved significantly in the past 18 months. Location remains paramount, but the definition of a “prime” location has bifurcated. On one end are leisure-focused buyers who are driving demand on Al Marjan Island, where the +71% price surge underlines the premium for branded, beachfront, short-let-ready homes. On the other end, we see growing demand for urban convenience in RAK Central, where mixed-use infrastructure, offices, and parks are creating a modern business core. Colibri Views is a direct response to this shift, designed to serve the growing executive and corporate workforce that prefers to live at the centre of activity while staying minutes from the leisure coast.

We’ve also noticed that buyers are increasingly seeking fully furnished, turnkey residences. They want to activate their investment from day one, without the friction of setup and fit-outs. That’s why all our homes at Manta Bay and Colibri Views come fully furnished with integrated European interiors and modular layouts.

Most critically, amenities are no longer seen as decorative, they are decisive. This is where innovation is reshaping buyer expectations. At Manta Bay, we’re delivering the world’s first Sky Beach, a fully functional sandy beach suspended several feet above the shoreline, designed as a year-round leisure space. At Colibri Views, we’ve built the world’s first and only Rooftop Footbot experience in collaboration with international football legend Patrice Evra, combining AI-driven wellness with sport and community engagement. These are not vanity add-ons. They’re lifestyle infrastructure, and increasingly, buyers benchmark projects on the depth and uniqueness of their amenity ecosystem.

We’ve also seen a shift from sheer size to specification quality. Today’s buyers prefer slightly more compact homes if it means better views, better design, and better services. This is exactly why our planning philosophy prioritises layout efficiency and convertible spaces over excess square footage.

To what extent are digital platforms, proptech solutions, and virtual property tours influencing how buyers and sellers engage in the market today?

Digital walkthrough solutions and VR-based tools are redefining how potential buyers experience real estate, taking project understanding to an entirely new level. We see a diverse mix of preferences among our clients, some continue to value traditional purchase journeys, while others find greater clarity and satisfaction when engaging through the latest tech solutions.

We remain committed to exploring emerging proptech trends and integrating the most effective innovations to deliver an informed, seamless, and future-ready experience to our clients.

Are you noticing a shift in the profile of investors entering the market – for example, more overseas buyers, first-time homeowners, or institutional investors?

Absolutely. The profile has diversified significantly. European interest is at an all-time high, with the RAKTDA recording the strongest tourism growth from Central and Eastern Europe, Romania up 65% and Poland up 56% in the first half of this year. That correlates directly with what we’re seeing on the ground: more first-time European buyers entering the market, often purchasing for hybrid use – personal holidays and short-let income.

We’re also seeing more first-time regional buyers, particularly younger GCC and expat professionals, entering through fully furnished, ready-to-rent stock. And notably, institutional investors and regional developers are circling RAK, with CBRE data confirming a surge of interest in acquiring or partnering on new branded residential projects on Al Marjan.

Our two projects reflect these buyer personas clearly: Manta Bay caters to yield-driven investors seeking high-visibility leisure stock near the Wynn Resort, while Colibri Views attracts business-adjacent residents and investors who value RAK Central’s emerging ecosystem of offices, retail, and parks. Together, they capture the two strongest growth corridors in the emirate.

Looking ahead, what trends will drive property transactions over the next 12–18 months?

There are four clear forces set to shape the next cycle of property transactions in Ras Al Khaimah. The most immediate catalyst is the Wynn Resort on Al Marjan Island, which is on track to open in early 2027. Each construction milestone has continued to re-rate the value of surrounding real estate, anchoring Al Marjan as the epicentre of leisure-driven investment.

At the same time, RAK Central is transitioning from concept to reality; its land plots are fully sold out, infrastructure is now complete, and commercial tenants are beginning to activate the district. This momentum positions Colibri Views to serve as the residential benchmark of RAK Central, capturing demand from both regional executives and international investors seeking a foothold in the emirate’s emerging business hub.

The tourism base is also compounding at record levels. In H1 2025, visitor arrivals reached 654,000 (+6% year-on-year) and revenues rose 9%, while ancillary segments like MICE and weddings grew +36%. This sustained inflow will directly fuel demand for short-stay-ready residences, especially those with resort-led appeal like Manta Bay.

And underpinning it all is a highly supportive macroeconomic climate. Ras Al Khaimah continues to hold an A+ (Stable) rating from Fitch, and the UAE is forecast to achieve 5.1% GDP growth this year, creating a favourable environment for capital inflows and real estate liquidity.

Looking ahead, I see the market being shaped by distinctive, experience-led projects in catalytic locations. At Major Developments, we’ve already partnered with global football icons like Francesco Totti and Patrice Evra, whose involvement has reinforced buyer confidence and amplified our international visibility. Building on this success, we intend to forge more such high-profile partnerships while also expanding our portfolio into the Beach District, further strengthening our footprint across Ras Al Khaimah’s most future-ready corridors.

Mantra Properties’ latest ultra-luxury development, Jacob & Co Residences, in collaboration with the iconic watch and jewelry brand Jacob & Co, has achieved a record-breaking milestone, registering over AED 300 million in sales within just 12 hours of its launch. The remarkable response marks a historic moment for Al Marjan Island, setting a new benchmark as the fastest-selling project on the island to date.

The exclusive AED 400 million branded development witnessed an overwhelming demand from investors and high-net-worth individuals, underscoring the UAE’s continued dominance as a hub for branded luxury living. Over 80% of investors’ interest came from expatriate residents and international buyers, highlighting the region’s global appeal for high-end real estate investments.

Speaking at the launch, Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, commented, “I would like to congratulate the teams at Mantra Properties and Jacob & Co for such a successful launch of the Jacob&Co Residences on Al Marjan Island. A project of this stature truly reflects our vision to bring the best of global luxury brands into Ras Al Khaimah’s thriving lifestyle landscape. This project will not only elevate the island’s appeal but also redefine what modern luxury living means in this region and we wish all stakeholders continued success in Al Marjan Island and beyond.”

Commenting on the milestone, Ankit Gupta, Managing Director of Mantra Properties, added, “This milestone represents the culmination of Mantra’s two-decade legacy of design excellence and innovation. Jacob & Co Residences is not merely a development, it’s a statement of craftsmanship, ambition, and vision. The unprecedented response we’ve received reinforces the demand for curated luxury experiences that combine artistry, architecture, and aspiration. We’re proud to deliver a project that redefines luxury living in Ras Al Khaimah.”

Designed as a symbol of elegance and artistry, Jacob & Co Residences will comprise 223 limited-edition residences featuring a curated selection of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from AED 1.01 million. The project is slated for handover in Q4 2027, and promises an exclusive lifestyle that merges high design, wellness, and experiential luxury.

Set against the scenic waterfront of Al Marjan Island, Jacob & Co Residences embodies the spirit of “an address for life’s finest hours” through its meticulously designed spaces and exceptional J&Co  branded amenities that include:

• The Wellness Club @ J&Co – featuring a rooftop fitness club, yoga deck, sauna, and zen garden for holistic well-being.
• The Pool Club @ J&Co – an elegant sanctuary with an infinity pool, pool bar, and in-pool cabanas overlooking the Arabian Gulf.
• The Observatory @ J&Co – a sophisticated rooftop retreat offering a viewing deck, residents’ lounge, golf simulator, and outdoor cucina.
• Family Zone – featuring a kids’ pool, lazy pool, and glass boom pool designed for leisure and connection.
• 24/7 concierge, security, and Wi-Fi-enabled common areas, ensuring comfort, convenience, and privacy for every resident.

Building on that sentiment, Mr. Jacob Arabo, Founder & Chairman of Jacob & Co, said,”Just as each Jacob & Co timepiece tells a unique story of artistry and innovation, Jacob & Co Residences on Al Marjan Island will narrate a new chapter in luxury living. We have infused this project with the same dedication to perfection that defines our watches and jewelry. Each of these 223 residences are a masterpiece in its own right, where every resident will experience the Jacob & Co philosophy of turning beauty and craftsmanship into reality.”

This launch represents a continuation of both brands’ regional vision. For Mantra Properties, it reinforces its strategic expansion across the UAE, with five upcoming projects planned over the next three years expected to bring a portfolio of AED 1.3 billion to market. For Jacob & Co, it marks another milestone in the brand’s growing portfolio of residential developments, following successful ventures in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Nolte Küchen, Germany’s leading premium kitchen brand, is strengthening its presence in the Middle East as part of a renewed global growth strategy rooted in German design excellence and craftsmanship. Having been present in the UAE market since 2007 with Universal Trading Company (UTC), in a mutually agreed step to further ensure market development and expansion. The brand will now transition to a direct-to-consumer model under its new mainland entity, Nolte UAE.

As part of this expansion, Nolte Küchen will invest over AED 25 million in the coming years. This includes the launch of a flagship showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road by early 2026, and the establishment of a dedicated team of engineers, designers, and architects offering end-to-end kitchen solutions defined by German precision and quality standards. The move underscores Nolte Küchen’s confidence in the UAE’s role as a regional hub for design and innovation, as well as a key market in the company’s international expansion. It strengthens its direct relationships with both B2B and B2C customers through greater brand consistency, service excellence, and competitive pricing.

The UAE’s premium kitchen market has nearly doubled since 2020 and is projected to reach US$200 million by 2030, reflecting sustained demand for high-quality European design. The brand’s continued expansion aligns with this growth, positioning Nolte Küchen to meet evolving customer expectations through faster delivery timelines, improved service, and an expanded product range that includes Nolte Küchen, Nolte Neo, Express Kitchen, and Living & Spa. The brand’s mission remains to bring “Made in Germany” quality, design excellence, and innovation to every home, while catering to diverse market segments across both private and professional customers.

Selva Kumar Rajulu, Managing Director of Nolte UAE, said: “Since establishing Nolte FZE in the region in 2011, we have built a strong legacy rooted in innovation and trust. This new phase, as Nolte UAE, enables us to engage more closely with customers and partners, ensuring every project reflects German design excellence. The UAE has always been central to our journey, and this expansion reinforces our commitment to the market and its role in driving our global presence across high-growth international markets.”

In the Middle East, Nolte Küchen’s presence is anchored by its regional competence centre in Dubai, which oversees markets across 30 countries and have managed to deliver more than 80,000 project kitchens and 35,000 retail kitchens in the last years. Supported by over 75 branded showrooms across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, the Dubai hub delivers landmark developments such as Tilal Al Ghaf and Harmony Villas in Dubai, MERED’s Iconic Residences design by Pininfarina in the UAE, Rafal Residence in Riyadh, and Al Mouj in Muscat, along with large-scale residential and hospitality projects in Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait. This regional infrastructure enables the brand to serve both developers and homeowners with scale, precision, and local expertise.

Beyond aesthetics, Nolte Küchen has earned the title of Germany’s most popular kitchen brand, recognised for its superior product quality, design innovation, and customer satisfaction by the German Institute for Service Quality over several years. The company offers one of the world’s widest range of finishes, materials, and configurations, with customisation options that set a global benchmark of personalisation in kitchen design. It also holds the distinction of being the world’s most sustainable kitchen brand, maintaining a 100% production base in Germany and the industry’s first independent sustainability report.

The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and Estidama Pearl Building Rating System encourage developers and manufacturers to adopt more sustainable construction and design practices. Nolte Küchen is the only German kitchen brand with both FSC and PEFC certifications, reflecting its commitment to long-term environmental responsibility. The brand also releases annual sustainability reports, highlighting its continued investment in responsible production and transparency.