Al Marjan, Ras Al Khaimah coast · Ras Al Khaimah
Al Marjan Island
A set of four man-made coral-shaped islands reaching into the Gulf, holding the emirate's main resort cluster along with public beach access, a promenade and a growing restaurant and bar strip. It is where Ras Al Khaimah's New Year fireworks — repeated record-breakers — are launched from.
Why go
- Free public beach access and a full-length promenade
- Resort day passes from around AED 150 including a credit
- Licensed bars and beach clubs — the northern emirates' nightlife
- Record-setting New Year firework display, free to watch
Using it without staying there
Stretches of the beach are public and free, and the promenade runs the length of the main island. Several resorts sell day passes that include a pool, a beach lounger and a food-and-drink credit, typically from around AED 150 a head midweek — generally better value than the Dubai equivalents.
RAK licenses alcohol in hotels, so the bars and beach clubs here are the nightlife of the northern emirates. It is a quieter, more resort-shaped scene than Dubai's.
New Year
Al Marjan hosts the emirate's New Year's Eve display, which has repeatedly set world records for the largest firework show. It is free to watch from the public beaches and the whole coast road fills; hotels sell out months ahead.
Al Marjan Island, answered
Can you drink alcohol in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, in licensed hotel and resort venues, as in Dubai. Sharjah is the emirate that is entirely dry.
Is Al Marjan Island beach public?
Parts of it are free and public, with a promenade running the length of the main island. The resort beaches are private but most sell day passes.
Close enough to do on the same day
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