Mina Al Arab

Mina Al Arab is a master-planned coastal community developed by RAK Properties, one of Ras Al Khaimah's main listed developers. It sits on the shore between Al Hamra and the city, and was planned around the natural wetlands, mangroves and dunes of the coast rather than over them, so a large share of the land is given over to water, beach and protected greenery.

The community is made up of residential districts, among them Bermuda, Flamingo Villas, Malibu, Granada, Lagoon Views and Lagoon Walk, plus two man-made islands, Hayat Island and Raha Island. Hayat Island is home to the Anantara Mina Al Arab resort, with villas built over the water, and the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa is also within the community.

It is a quieter, more residential alternative to nearby Al Marjan Island, with a longer track record: many villas and apartments have been lived in for years, while new phases and branded residences are still being added. As elsewhere in Ras Al Khaimah, a car is essential, and commuting to Dubai every day is a long drive.

• 01

  Mangroves and lagoons

  Protected mangroves and lagoons run through the community, with walking and cycling trails and a natural setting that most newer coastal projects lack.

• 02

  Two resort hotels

  The Anantara and the InterContinental bring restaurants, spas and beach facilities within a short walk or drive of most homes.

• 03

  Homes for different budgets

  From studios to large villas, the range of stock suits first-time buyers, families and holiday-home owners within the same community.

• 04

  Ready homes with history

  Unlike much of the coast, many buildings here are finished and lived in, so buyers can see how the community is run before committing.

Mina Al Arab is family-oriented and outdoors. Residents use the beaches, the marina promenade and the trails along the mangroves for walking, running and cycling, and the two resorts for dining and weekend brunches. Cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and gyms serve the residential districts, though the choice is smaller than in a city neighbourhood.

For larger shopping trips, Manar Mall and RAK Mall in the city and Al Hamra Mall are each around 10–15 minutes away. Al Marjan Island's beach clubs, Al Hamra Golf Club and Jebel Jais, with its mountain road and hiking routes, are all within reach for weekends.

Mina Al Arab sits on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Road (E11), which runs along the coast into Ras Al Khaimah city and south towards Al Hamra, Umm Al Quwain and Dubai, and links to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) for faster trips south. Two bridges connect the community to the mainland road network. Public transport is limited to buses, so residents rely on cars and taxis.

Schools are a short drive away in Ras Al Khaimah city and around Al Hamra, including RAK Academy, one of the emirate's best-known international school groups, which has a primary campus in Al Hamra. For healthcare, RAK Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital are the main hospitals residents use, both within about 20–25 minutes by car.

Housing ranges from studio and one-bedroom apartments in buildings such as Gateway Residences to townhouses and larger villas in districts such as Malibu, Granada, Bermuda and Flamingo Villas, some of them on the beach or the lagoon. Much of it is ready, but RAK Properties continues to launch new phases, including branded residences on Hayat Island, so both ready and off-plan homes are available.

Buyers include Ras Al Khaimah residents buying their own homes, Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents buying holiday homes, and investors renting to people who work in the emirate. Check the age and condition of older buildings, the service charges for each district, and whether the specific project allows holiday-home letting if you plan to rent short term.