Fashion house enters UAE waterfront real estate through Ras Al Khaimah project

Karl Lagerfeld has entered the UAE real estate market through a branded residential development on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. The project marks the brand’s first residential venture in the emirate and adds another internationally recognised name to the island’s growing portfolio of large-scale developments.

The residences will form a dedicated waterfront community on Al Marjan Island, a master-planned archipelago that Ras Al Khaimah continues to position as a long-term tourism and investment hub.

Project Overview: Scale, Location, and Positioning

The development will comprise 663 sea-view apartments and villas, designed as a resort-style residential community rather than a mixed-use hotel complex. The master plan includes apartments, villas, and high-end residential formats intended for full-time living and second-home ownership.

The project is being delivered in partnership with AARK Developers, with Karl Lagerfeld providing brand direction, design oversight, and creative alignment. The residences will sit directly on the Al Marjan Island waterfront, with private beach access and uninterrupted sea views forming a core part of the project’s positioning.

Design Direction Linked to the Karl Lagerfeld Brand

The residences will reflect Karl Lagerfeld’s design language, which emphasises clean geometry, restrained palettes, and modern European aesthetics. The project avoids ornamental excess and instead focuses on proportion, material quality, and functional luxury.

Interiors will follow a fashion-led approach to spatial planning, with layouts designed to prioritise light, views, and understated finishes. The development aligns with the Karl Lagerfeld brand’s broader strategy of extending into architecture and lifestyle while maintaining strict creative control.

Amenities and Residential Experience

The development will include a curated set of lifestyle amenities designed to support long-term residential use rather than short-stay hospitality. Planned features include:

• Private beachfront areas

• Residents-only leisure and wellness facilities

• Food and beverage venues integrated into the residential environment

• Landscaped outdoor spaces and shared amenities

The project positions itself as a self-contained residential enclave, offering privacy, controlled access, and a consistent design experience across all common areas.

Al Marjan Island’s Role in Ras Al Khaimah’s Strategy

Al Marjan Island continues to attract international developers and branded projects as Ras Al Khaimah expands its real estate and tourism pipeline. The Karl Lagerfeld residences add a fashion-driven residential brand to an island already seeing strong interest from hospitality and lifestyle investors.

The development complements other major announcements on Al Marjan Island and reinforces the emirate’s strategy of attracting globally recognised brands to support long-term economic diversification.

Delivery Timeline

The Karl Lagerfeld residences on Al Marjan Island are scheduled for completion in 2028, subject to construction and regulatory milestones. Sales and phased delivery will align with Ras Al Khaimah’s broader development schedule for the island.

Why This Project Matters

This project reflects a broader shift in UAE real estate, where global fashion and lifestyle brands increasingly enter the residential sector. For Ras Al Khaimah, the Karl Lagerfeld development signals confidence in the emirate’s ability to attract internationally recognised names beyond traditional hotel operators.

For investors, the project represents a branded residential offering in an emerging waterfront market, distinct from Dubai’s mature luxury districts.

FAQ

What is the Karl Lagerfeld project on Al Marjan Island?

It is a branded residential development featuring 663 sea-view apartments and villas on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, delivered in partnership with AARK Developers.

Is this a hotel or residential project?

It is a residential-led development designed for long-term living and second-home ownership, not a hotel operation.

Where is Al Marjan Island located?

Al Marjan Island is a man-made archipelago in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, positioned as a waterfront tourism and residential destination.

When will the Karl Lagerfeld residences be completed?

The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

Who is the developer behind the project?

The project is being developed by AARK Developers in collaboration with the Karl Lagerfeld brand.