46.2 billion reasons to buy a holiday home in this destination

The United Arab Emirates is one of the most popular vacation hotspots among international tourists – and there’s one emerging resort that offers the perfect amenities for holidays and the strongest investment potential.

Just 45 minutes from Dubai. Breath taking beaches and scenery. Property prices forecast to rise 20% over the next three years.

While its bigger neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi are renowned for their magnificent hotels, experiences and property investment potential, it’s the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) that’s quickly becoming the most exciting holiday and investment destination in the United Arab Emirates right now.

Steeped in natural beauty, RAK is an escape straight from a movie set. Swooping mountain tops provide the perfect back drop to a coast line dominated by white sands, clear blue waters and magnificent sunsets.

Tourism revenue, according to the RAK Tourism Development Authority, will reach AED 2.7 billion by the end of 2018 – and it’s this economic growth that’s fast-establishing RAK as one of the world’s hottest property markets.

This make it an ideal place to invest in holiday property for Russian buyers.

RAK: The destination

A short 45-minute drive down the highway from Dubai, arrive in RAK and you’ll feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

It’s also home to the UAE’s best leisure activities. Start the day scaling the world’s largest zip-line in the mountains at Jebal Jais, before spending the afternoon on the coast enjoying thrilling water sports or a round of golf on one of RAK’s stunning links courses. Then head out on a desert safari and sit under the stars at a Bedouin camp.

These adventures are drawing visitors from across the globe. Russia, along with Germany, the UK and India, is among RAK’s top international source markets and, by the end of 2018, it’s expected that a total of one million tourists will have visited the region.

In 2017 there was a 12% surge in visitor arrivals. The RAK Tourism Development Authority outlines that it hopes tourism will account for 10% of RAK’s GDP by 2025.

Such is the increased demand among visitors, a development pipeline aims to deliver 10,000 new hotel rooms by the end of 2020 just to keep pace with rising traveller numbers.

And this growth is having an impact on the region’s property market, too.

RAK: Property investment potential

Domestically, more and more UAE residents and workers are making the move to RAK. Its beautiful scenery, easily commutable distance to workplaces in Dubai and increased affordability of property is prompting a rising number of tenants to relocate north from neighbouring emirates.

This increased rental demand, coupled with its rising level of tourism, makes RAK one of the most exciting locations for property investment.

Additionally, real estate in RAK is considerably more affordable to purchase than real estate in other parts of the UAE:

The region’s key investment hotspots, such as Al Marjan Island, are forecast to deliver strong levels of growth in the coming years; the type of growth once associated with desirable locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Over the next three years, investors buying in areas such as Al Marjan Island could enjoy capital appreciation as high as 20% and, for those that rent out their property, could achieve yields from 6% to 10%.

In summary: The ideal holiday home. The strongest investment.

Year-round sunshine and five-star resorts. RAK perfectly blends pristine beaches and luxury hotels with outstanding natural beauty, making it a dream holiday destination.

But this, coupled with its economic growth and relative affordability, also make RAK the perfect place to add a holiday home to your investment portfolio.