Al Marjan Island offers a unique combination of natural beauty and numerous engaging experiences. Because of its pristine beaches, beautiful parks, and fine dining options, it has become a fantastic spot for a family getaway. Explore the top attractions and must-try adventures that have made Al Marjan Island a great spot for residents and visitors. 

Al Marjan Island Location

Al Marjan Island, a northern gem of the UAE, is situated in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a beautiful man-made island famous for its beachfront and elegant lifestyle. It extends out 4.5km into the Arabian Gulf. It is 45 minutes from Dubai through Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. Marjan Island Resort and Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort, and Al Hamra Mall are major attractions near Al Marjan Island. These attractions boost the island’s appeal and feature numerous retail and entertainment options for locals and visitors. 

Discover Beaches in Al Marjan Island

Al Marjan Island features some of the UAE’s most picturesque beaches, which provide a mix of relaxation and recreational activities by the sea. This island has something for everyone. Below, discover some top beachfront spots on Al Marjan Island:

Marjan Island Beach:

Marjan Island Beach is well-known for its clean, transparent water, which makes it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkelling. It is located on Treasure Island close to Marjan Island Resort and Spa. Its coastline is 300 meters long. Guests can enjoy beach volleyball, skiing and parasailing. Its fantastic ambience makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a tranquil getaway. 

DoubleTree Beach:

It is also nestled in Treasure Island at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa Marjan Island. This beach is 650 meters long, which offers relaxation and numerous recreational activities. It’s a family-focused and private beach, which makes it a fantastic choice for those looking for a private and comfortable spot to enjoy. It also offers the largest Tarzan Boat ever in the UAE and a safe floating pool in the sea for swimming. 

Public Beach Access Points:

Free public access beaches are scattered over the Breeze and Dream Island. Dream Island offers an expansive beachfront of 16,000 sqft, while Breeze Island offers a beachfront of 6600 sqft. These beaches greet guests with free access for picnics, relaxed walks and kiteboarding. There are multiple restaurants and food trucks along the oceanfront path that ensure a welcoming atmosphere for a weekend getaway.

Top Restaurants on Al Marjan Island:

Al Marjan Island is not only a hotspot for beaches and coastlines but also for delicious eats. You can enjoy delicious international meals with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, which makes it a perfect spot for food lovers. When evening falls, Al Marjan Island comes alive with beachfront bars, rooftop lounges and luxurious restaurants. They feature speciality beverages, live music and picturesque views perfect for cosy nights out. Below, explore some top dining options on Al Marjan Island:

Zaitouna House:

This restaurant is nestled in the Pullman Resort Al Marjan Island, which is well-known for its authentic Lebanese cuisine with stunning seafront views of Al Marjan Island. A unique blend of open-air environment, along with waterfront walkway and Arabic music establishes a lively atmosphere ideal for get-togethers and evening meals. Guests can enjoy a variety of warm and chilled appetisers, Zaitouna Grills Platter, freshly caught seafood, and desserts like baklava at Zaitouna House. 

Brasserie Royale: 

Situated in Marjan Island Resort and Spa, Brasserie Royale is renowned for its French and Mediterranean dining with luxurious ambience and exceptional hospitality. It’s a fantastic spot for couples seeking a romantic night out, just steps away from Al Marjan Island’s entertainment options, like picturesque seaside walks. Guests can enjoy dishes like bouillabaisse, Indian, Italian, barbecue, Lebanese and seafood. 

Vespa:

Vespa is housed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa. It introduced Italian cuisine, such as pasta and wood-fired pizzas, and a comfortable, countryside vibe to Ras Al Khaimah. Vespa serves Italian cuisine inspired by Sicilian and Tuscan cuisine. Guests can enjoy the beachfront views while having these cuisines. 

Family-friendly parks and outdoor spots

Getting ready for a family vacation? Al Marjan Island offers a wide range of fun and relaxing activities for families to enjoy. It has something for all ages, from jogging paths to play areas and picnic spots. This guide will highlight the best family-friendly spots, which will help you to plan an unforgettable escape. 

Al Marjan Jogging Tracks:

It runs 2.5km along the stunning coastline of Breeze and Dream Island. Al Marjan Jogging Tracks is ideal for jogging, relaxed walks and bike riding with children. It’s a seaside and secure path with amenities like shaded seating areas, which ensure comfort for all ages. You can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Yanas Mountain. 

Play Areas for Kids:

Some of the top resorts like Rixos Bab Al Bahr, DoubleTree by Hilton Resort and Spa and Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island offer dedicated children’s play areas. These play areas feature slides, swings, soft play surfaces, climbing structures, water sports and several more. These areas are ideal for children to experience joy, stay engaged and enjoy. 

Open Picnic Area: 

Al Marjan Island offers family-focused amenities like open green spaces and beachfront areas to ensure peaceful afternoons with families. Dream Island and Breeze Island offer 16,000 sqft and 6600 sqft areas free for picnics. These picnic spots provide picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf and are perfect for kite-flying or frisbee. Food trucks in the area offer meals to the visitors. 

Adventure and Water-Sport Activities

Al Marjan Island offers exciting water sports by the sea, like jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and yacht rentals. It features endless water-based fun for families and water enthusiasts. Below are some best water-based activities you can enjoy in Al Marjan Island.

Jet Ski and Banana Boat Rides are the most favourite sports to do on Al Marjan Island. You can experience powerful yet easy-to-use skis that feature high speeds. Family-friendly banana boat rides, which are towed by speedboats, offer a fast and exciting experience for everyone. 

Parasailing and Kayaking are both family-friendly water sports. One takes you to the sky, and the other lets you paddle smoothly across water. Parasailing takes you up 150m for breathtaking views of the Al Marjan Island coastline, while kayaking lets you glide through calm seas and discover marine life like dolphins. 

Yacht Rentals are an elegant thing to do on Al Marjan Island. You have to visit Al Marjan Island Yacht Club to rent a perfect yacht for you. Yachts offer beautiful cruises, unforgettable sunset views or fun fishing trips, which are perfect for couples and families to make unforgettable memories. 

Explore Al Marjan Island Leisure: From Shopping to Spa

Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah offers a combination of shopping, leisure and wellness to families and couples. Malls and boutiques in Al Marjan Island are the best option for a family or romantic staycation. Discover top leisure, shopping and spa options below.

• Al Hamra Mall:

Nestled in Al Hamra Village, at a drive of 10 minutes from Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Mall is the best option for leisure as it offers a unique blend of things to do, like cinemas, kids’ areas, shopping and luxurious dining. It has more than 100 stores and covers an area of 37,000 square metres. 

• Marina Promenade Boutiques: 

Marina waterfront shops cover an area of 2-kilometers along the waterfront promenade of Breeze Island. These boutiques offer Arabian fashions like abayas, dresses and elegant perfumes. It is ideal for gentle walks and shopping. Visitors can also enjoy elegant meals from nearby restaurants.

• Luxury Spa Experiences:

Spa retreats in Al Marjan Island are the best options for those looking for wellness. Waldorf Astoria Spa, located in the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, is a drive of 15 minutes from Al Marjan Island. It features private therapy rooms, hydro pools and speciality massages. 

Top Attractions on Al Marjan Island

Beyond the beach, there is more on Al Marjan Island. Want to discover it? Al Marjan Island stand out as a rising hotspot for recreational activities in the UAE because of its offerings. Here are some top attractions you must see once.

Upcoming Casino:

The UAE’s first licensed casino is scheduled to open in 2027. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has granted a license to this casino. It will feature a blend of card games, slot machines, private gaming rooms and live events. 

Live Entertainment Shows: 

Due to live entertainment events and waterfront concerts, Al Marjan Island is transformed into an entertainment hub. The iconic luxurious resorts like Rixos and DoubleTree host hot and cold seasonal music events, presenting artists from globe and the UAE. Furthermore, RAK Food and Music Festival also attracts visitors from around the world with food trucks, dazzling fireworks and lively DJ music. 

Nighttime Experiences:

Pullman and Mövenpick, both luxurious 5-star resorts, host open-air cinemas weekly on their beachside lawns, showcasing family movies and romantic comedies. Al Marjan Yacht Club also features movie nights with breathtaking views of the sea. Visitors can also chill out in the shisha lounges with panoramic waterfront views. 

You can enjoy seafood dining with live music and panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Yanas Mountains by booking a private dinner cruise with your partner. 

Tips for Visiting Al Marjan Island: 

Here are some essential tips for visiting Al Marjan Island:

• The best time to visit Al Marjan Island is from November to April, when the temperature ranges from 20 °C to 30 °C, which is perfect for beach outings. 
• Al Marjan Island features a wide range of activities to do for couples, kids and families. So, it is perfect for all types of visitors. 
• Al Marjan Island is a 45-minute drive from Dubai and 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. It is so connected that you can access it by car through Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. You can also choose hotel shuttle services or taxis, which are easily accessible, to reach Al Marjan Island.
• You should bring sunscreen, swimwear and water shoes to fully enjoy doing things on Al Marjan Island and protect yourself from UV rays. 

Conclusion:

Al Marjan Island offers something for all ages, from elegant dining to tranquil beach escapes and family-focused destinations. If you want to soak up on the beach, enjoy luxurious meals, go shopping and engage in water-based activities, Al Marjan Island is the best location as it features all these experiences. In short, Al Marjan Island is perfect for adventurers, peace seekers, and families looking to travel together.

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