The Week in RAK: 26 October to 1 November 2026
The news from Ras Al Khaimah, 1 hour from Dubai, that matters if you are thinking of buying or living here.
The lead story
Aman's Janu sets out 73 branded homes on Al Marjan Island
Aman Group, Marjan and Wynn Resorts gave the details of Janu Al Marjan Island → on 29 October. Janu is the sibling brand of Aman, part of Aman Group. The resort will have 73 branded homes for sale, from 197 sq m one-bedroom homes to a 1,761 sq m five-bedroom penthouse, beside a 132-room hotel.
There will also be five villas on the marina and a 265-metre private beach, next to Wynn Al Marjan Island. Marjan and Wynn Resorts are developing it together, with SCDA as architect. Building started in July and Janu says it is due to open in 2028. Owners get mooring at Wynn Marina and privileges at Janu and Aman hotels. Prices have not been given.
Number of the week
Building permits RAK Municipality issued in September, 80 of them for new buildings. It also issued 936 completion certificates in the month.
Economy and business
New business licences up 33.5% in the third quarter
The Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development issued 33.5% more new business licences in July to September than in April to June, and cancelled licences fell 15.9%. There were 22,447 active licences at the end of September, 4.1% more than a year earlier, with registered capital up 12% to AED 11.96 billion.
UAE Central Bank holds its base rate at 3.9%
The Central Bank of the UAE kept its base rate at 3.9% on 28 October, after the US Federal Reserve left its own rate unchanged. Banks borrowing overnight from the central bank still pay 4.4%.
AJT to invest USD 50 million more at RAKEZ
RAKEZ announced on 29 October that AJT Printing and Packaging will invest a further USD 50 million in a second phase of its plant in the free zone, with new lines for inks and paper bags and more warehouse space. The agreement was signed during HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi's visit to China.
RAKEZ signs with a South Indian chamber of commerce
RAKEZ signed an agreement with the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Chennai on 28 October to bring South Indian companies that want to expand into the UAE. RAKEZ says it already hosts more than 15,000 businesses with links to India.
RAKEZ first to test the National Industrial Register
RAKEZ was the first to complete testing for the National Industrial Register, one live database of industrial companies in all seven emirates, mainland and free zone. It held the first workshop on the register with two federal ministries.
A TikTok LIVE studio opens at Innovation City
The Innovation City free zone in RAK opened what it calls the region’s first TikTok LIVE Creator Studio on 29 October. No size or figures were given.
Property and building
676 building permits in September
RAK Municipality issued 676 building permits in September: 80 for new buildings, 159 for changes and extensions, and 437 of other kinds. It also issued 936 completion certificates and approved 165 building plans.
Three restaurants to open at Mina by December
RAK Properties named three restaurants for Mina, its waterfront community once called Mina Al Arab: tashas on the beach and the steakhouse Hunter & Barrel on Hayat Island, both before the end of the year, and the Italian Antonia on the waterfront in December.
Living and visiting
RAK opens a testing zone for self-driving vehicles
RAK Transport Authority launched a framework for self-driving transport and a testing zone for driverless vehicles on 30 October, with HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi present. It signed 10 agreements, with partners including RAK Properties, RAKEZ and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. Its robotaxi trials have moved on from Al Marjan Island to Al Dhait South and have covered more than 21,000km.
Public beaches stay closed as the oil leak is stopped
RAK’s public beaches, closed since 24 October, had not reopened by 1 November and no date has been given. On 30 October UAE authorities said the leak from the tanker Gem No. 2 had been contained. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said the slick lay mainly off Umm Al Quwain, with part of it moving towards the coasts of RAK, Ajman and Sharjah.
Direct flights from Mangaluru to RAK
Air India Express started direct flights between Mangaluru in southern India and RAK International Airport on 26 October, twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays.
Petrol 24 fils a litre cheaper for November
The UAE Fuel Price Committee set Super 98 petrol at AED 4.16 a litre for November, down from AED 4.40, and Special 95 at AED 4.04. Diesel falls from AED 4.80 to AED 4.75.
Hail in Shawka and Al Manai
Hail fell in Shawka and Al Manai on 27 October. The National Center of Meteorology forecast more rain over the north and east of the country until 31 October, with gusts of up to 50km/h.
Our view
Giles Dean
Aman putting its name on Al Marjan Island is a further vote of confidence for Ras Al Khaimah.
Janu is Aman’s sibling brand, and Aman is selective about where it goes. Owners will have privileges at Janu and Aman hotels around the world and Janu’s 73 homes will sit directly next to the Wynn and consist of 197 sq m to a 1,761 sq m penthouse. Brands at this level bring HNWs and set pricing that will lift the reference point for every home nearby.
For owners on Al Marjan Island, a name like this supports values and rents. For buyers, it shows the kind of island Al Marjan is becoming. For tenants, a resort of this kind brings jobs, restaurants and services close to home.
Other news this week points the same way. New business licences rose by a third from the second quarter to the third, and RAK now has 22,447 active licences, 4.1% more than a year ago; more businesses mean more people who need a home.
676 building permits in September show homes being planned, which keeps choice wide. And a testing zone for self-driving vehicles shows RAK wants new transport tried here first.
Our view, not advice. Past rises may not repeat.
The Week in RAK tells you what changed this week. Our website goes much further. It covers everything you need before you buy or rent in Ras Al Khaimah, in detail: how buying off-plan works and what every step costs, what homes rent for area by area, the schools, visas and moving here, even how to bring your pet. All written by us, from Al Hamra.
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