Manta Bay

TL;DR: Manta Bay is an AED 1 billion ($270 million) Maldives-inspired luxury residential development by Major Developers on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, featuring the world's first rooftop sandy beach at 60 metres height with real sand and seawater. Offering studios (from 392 sq. ft., AED 950K launch price), 1-bedrooms (942 sq. ft.), and 2-bedrooms (up to 3,782 sq. ft.) with a 60/40 payment plan, the project broke ground September 19, 2024 with Phase 1 completely sold out. Located 5 minutes from the $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort (the UAE's first gaming facility, opening Spring 2027), Manta Bay sits at the epicenter of RAK's explosive growth—Al Marjan Island recorded +33.3% price appreciation in 2024, outperforming Dubai's 28.9%.

Introduction to Manta Bay

Manta Bay represents the bold UAE debut of Major Developers, a firm with a 20+ year legacy across Russia, Belarus, and Europe, now making a dramatic entry into the Gulf luxury market with an AED 1 billion residential project on one of the most rapidly appreciating islands in the entire UAE. Located on Panorama Island within the Al Marjan Island archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah, this stingray-inspired mid-rise development fuses cutting-edge architectural innovation with Maldives-inspired resort aesthetics to create what the developer describes as a sanctuary unlike anything else in the region.

The project has already achieved a remarkable milestone: Phase 1 sold out entirely, making Manta Bay one of the fastest-selling projects on Al Marjan Island. Phase 2 was unveiled on January 30, 2025, drawing immediate interest from investors across 25 nationalities. The development's association with global sporting icons—Francesco Totti (AS Roma captain, 2006 FIFA World Cup winner) serves as brand adviser and has invested in the "Totti Signature Collection" of ultra-luxury curated units, while Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands and Barcelona legend) has purchased a residence—underscores the international caliber of the project's positioning.

Major Developers' CEO Andrei Charapenak has stated an ambition to include "one world record in every project" launched in the UAE. At Manta Bay, that record is the world's first rooftop sandy beach, positioned 60 metres above ground level with real natural sand and actual seawater.

Location: Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah

Al Marjan Island is a master-planned archipelago developed by Marjan, the RAK government's freehold property development arm. The island group comprises four coral-shaped man-made islands stretching into the Arabian Gulf: Breeze Island (closest to the RAK coast), Treasure Island, Dream Island (site of the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort), and View Island (the largest, 5 million sq. ft., circular in shape). Manta Bay is situated on what marketing materials designate as Panorama Island—a sub-designation within the archipelago.

Key Distances:

• Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort: 5 minutes (complimentary golf cart shuttle provided)
• Al Hamra Golf Club: 10 minutes
• Al Hamra Mall: 11 minutes
• RAK International Airport: 30 minutes
• Dubai International Airport: 65 minutes

Wynn Al Marjan Island — The Primary Value Catalyst: The $5.1–5.2 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is the single most significant development in RAK's history and arguably in the wider UAE hospitality landscape. Key facts:

• 1,542 hotel rooms + 22 private villas
• 20,900 sq. m. casino floor—the first and only licensed gaming facility in the UAE
• 22 restaurants, 15,000 sq. m. retail, 7,500 sq. m. convention space
• Tower topped out December 2025 at 283 metres across 70 floors; full architectural height with spire will reach 352 metres
• Construction progress (February 2026): 100% structural concrete through 71st floor; 83% of facade panels installed (21,852 of 26,471); all 1,530 guest accommodations at full structural completion; interior fit-outs underway in 1,504 rooms
• Wynn Bridge (548 metres, connecting Al Marjan Island directly to E311/E611 highways): 48% complete as of early 2026, targeting late 2026 completion
• Opening: Spring 2027

Other Major Developments on Al Marjan Island:

• Nobu Hotel & Residences, Address Residences Al Marjan (Emaar), Anantara Mina RAK Residences, SORA Beach Residences, MASA Residence by YOO, Nikki Beach Residences, Danah Bay
• Existing hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton (including world's largest Hampton by Hilton at 515 rooms), Mövenpick Resort (418 rooms), Radisson Resort, Pullman Resort, Rove Al Marjan (441 rooms)

Architecture and Design

Manta Bay's architecture draws direct inspiration from the fluid, graceful movement of the manta ray (also referenced as "stingray" in various sources), creating a building that feels "both sculptural and futuristic." The design features flowing curves and organic contours that form a distinctive silhouette on the Al Marjan Island skyline.

Key design elements include:

• Revolutionary panoramic glazing across all facades
• Maldives-inspired pastel-toned interiors
• Over 80% of the complex landscaped with greenery
• Distinct view orientations: sea views, casino/Wynn views, marina views, island views, and pool views
• Units feature high ceilings, large windows, open floor plans, maid's rooms, kitchens, pantries, and laundry rooms
• Panoramic elevator access to the rooftop beach

Engineering Consultant: Federal Engineering Consultants (founded by Dr. Walid Lutfy) Enabling Contractor (Phase 1): Civil Power General Contracting LLC (CPC)

Residential Units and Configurations

Manta Bay offers three primary apartment configurations across two phases:

Studios (392–734 sq. ft. / 36–68 sq. m.): The entry point into the Manta Bay lifestyle. Phase 1 launch pricing started from AED 950,000–1.2 million; current Phase 2 pricing from AED 1.2 million. These efficiently designed units feature open-plan layouts with premium finishes and sweeping coastal views.

1-Bedroom Apartments (942 sq. ft. / 87.5 sq. m.): Spacious one-bedroom residences with private terraces, dedicated maid's rooms, and direct island views. Phase 1 launch pricing from AED 1.3 million; current market pricing around AED 2.2 million.

2-Bedroom Apartments (1,393–3,782 sq. ft. / 129–351 sq. m.): The building's premium configurations, ranging from generous standard layouts to expansive luxury residences. Features include private jacuzzis and complimentary golf cart service. Phase 1 pricing from AED 2.5–3.2 million; current listings averaging approximately AED 2.69 million.

Overall unit sizes range from 392 to 1,836 sq. ft. (36.42 to 170.56 sq. m.) per Tanami Properties data. The average listed/resale price across 71 live Property Finder listings stands at approximately AED 2,690,000.

Payment Plan (60/40 Structure):

• 5% booking / down payment
• 25% first installment (30 days from booking)
• 30% during construction (staged monthly/bimonthly payments)
• 40% on handover (Q4 2026 for Phase 1; Q2 2027 for Phase 2)
• Units can be resold after completing 40% of payments
• Mortgage available upon handover

World-First Amenities

Manta Bay delivers 40+ amenities, headlined by several unprecedented features that justify the developer's "one world record per project" philosophy:

The Crowning Feature — World's First Rooftop Sandy Beach: Positioned 60 metres (approximately 197 feet / 20 storeys) above ground level, this globally unprecedented amenity contains real natural sand and actual seawater—not simulated—recreating a full coastal beach experience at elevation. Accessible via panoramic elevator, it offers sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf and the Al Marjan Island archipelago.

Water and Beach Amenities:

• Private beach (ground-level)
• Infinity pool
• Lagoon recreation area with cabanas
• Cold pool
• Children's swimming pool
• Private jacuzzis (in 2BR units)
• Water treadmill
• Floating meditation deck

Wellness and Spa:

• Full-service spa
• Sauna
• Traditional hammam
• Yoga studio

Fitness and Sports:

• State-of-the-art gymnasium
• Outdoor gym
• Padel court / sports arena
• Beach volleyball
• Mini basketball court

Entertainment:

• Rooftop outdoor cinema
• Dance floor
• Games room / indoor games
• Aquarium featuring live manta rays—the building's namesake inspiration
• Cigar lounge

Dining and Social:

• Beach bar
• Pool bar
• BBQ area
• Restaurant and dining outlets
• Lagoon cabanas

Services:

• Complimentary golf cart shuttle service (8 minutes to Wynn Resort)
• Children's play area
• Retail outlets
• Laundry services
• 24/7 security
• Dedicated parking
• Landscaped gardens

Developer Profile: Major Developers

Major Developers enters the UAE market with a combined management experience of over 75 years across 3 countries (Russia, Belarus, and European markets). Under CEO Andrei Charapenak (educated at Moscow State University, based in Dubai), the company has rapidly established itself in Ras Al Khaimah with an ambitious portfolio:

UAE Projects:

1. Manta Bay (Phase 1 + Phase 2): Al Marjan Island, AED 1 billion—Phase 1 sold out
2. Colibri Views: RAK Central, 31 floors + 2 podium levels, delivery December 2028; features the world's first rooftop football simulator (designed in collaboration with Patrice Evra, Manchester United legend)
3. Ice Beach: Marjan Beach masterplan, AED 1.7 billion ($463 million); designed by Bayaty Architects (Dr. Muthana Bayaty); located within an 85-million-sq-ft coastal masterplan with 3 km of beachfront and 6.5 million sq. ft. of green spaces

Celebrity Associations:

• Francesco Totti (AS Roma, 2006 World Cup): Brand adviser; invested in the "Totti Signature Collection"
• Frank Rijkaard (Netherlands, FC Barcelona): Purchased a residence at Manta Bay
• Patrice Evra (Manchester United): Designed the rooftop football simulator at Colibri Views

Construction Timeline

• Phase 1 groundbreaking: September 19, 2024
• Phase 1 completion target: Q4 2026 (some sources cite March/June 2027)
• Phase 2 launch: January 30, 2025
• Phase 2 construction start: February 13, 2025
• Phase 2 completion target: Q2 2027 (June 1, 2027)

Investment Analysis and RAK Market Performance

Manta Bay enters one of the most explosive property markets globally:

Al Marjan Island Price Trajectory:

• 2022: AED 693/sq. ft.
• 2023: AED 745/sq. ft. (+7.49% YoY)
• 2024: AED 1,050–1,067/sq. ft. (+33.3% YoY)—outperforming Dubai's 28.9%
• 2025: Record AED 2,428/sq. ft. for prime apartments
• Off-plan luxury: AED 1,200–1,800/sq. ft.; branded/luxury units AED 2,500+/sq. ft.
• Market forecast 2030: AED 10,000/sq. ft. (58% luxury price growth projection driven by Wynn Resort)

RAK Transaction Volumes:

• 2023: AED 6.94 billion
• 2024: AED 15.08 billion (+118% year-on-year)
• First 9 months 2024: AED 11.95 billion (vs. AED 3.84 billion same period 2020—211% rise)

Rental Yields (Al Marjan Island):

• Studios and 1BR: 7.5–8.5% per annum (long-term)
• Short-term rental: 9–15% per annum
• Beachfront and branded: 8–11%
• Best-performing communities (e.g., Yasmin Village): exceeding 12%

Capital Appreciation Projections:

• Off-plan projects: 25–35% capital growth over 2–3 years from launch
• Al Marjan Island 2025 YTD: approximately +20% year-on-year
• Al Hamra Village 2025: +31.5% price/sqft; villa market +42%

Al Marjan vs. Dubai Price Comparison: | Category | Al Marjan Island | Dubai/Palm Jumeirah | |---|---|---| | Apartments average | AED 1,200/sq. ft. | AED 1,900/sq. ft. | | Luxury off-plan | AED 1,500–3,000/sq. ft. | AED 3,500–5,500/sq. ft. | | Beachfront | AED 2,000/sq. ft. | AED 2,800/sq. ft. |

RAK properties are 30–50% cheaper than Dubai equivalents, with registration fees of 4% (often developer-covered), zero capital gains tax, and zero income tax.

Tourism Growth:

• 2024: 1.28 million tourists (+5.1%); 661,000 air arrivals (+28% YoY)
• 2030 target: 3 million annual visitors
• RAK population projected to nearly double to approximately 650,000 by 2030
• Residential stock projected to double by 2030 (Savills); 11,000+ units in pipeline; 5,604 branded residences (32% of anticipated supply on Al Marjan Island)

Data sourced from Zawya, Khaleej Times, Gulf News, Provident Estate, Metropolitan Premium Properties, Tanami Properties, Binayah, Arabian Business, Wynn Al Marjan Island Official, Savills RAK Report 2025, Gulf Business, and Euro Estates.