Even as global business conditions deteriorate due to rising benchmark interest rates and inflationary pressures, the UAE’s northernmost emirate is on its way to boasting one of the most active construction pipelines in the GCC.

Led by a strong roster of high-profile multibillion-dollar announcements by firms such as US-based Wynn Resorts, Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi National Hotels, Dubai Investments and Emaar, it is fast emerging as one of the most exciting project destinations in the region.

But the prospect of significant development on the horizon also brings challenges of equal proportion.

As project activity intensifies, Ras al-Khaimah needs to simultaneously accelerate the scale of investment in adjacent infrastructure and facilities that can draw talent to accommodate the scale of work ahead and create an attractive living environment for its growing population.

“In the next two years, we will see a lot of cranes coming over the skyline of Ras al-Khaimah,” said Abdulla al-Abdouli, CEO of Marjan.

“Given the robust project pipeline – more than 5,000 hotel keys and more than 4,000 residential units – a slew of new requirements will come into play, beginning with the construction industry.”

“First and foremost, the demand for quality contractors and subcontractors, architectural consultants, designers, and landscape architects will undoubtedly increase,” he said.

In the next two years, we will see a lot of cranes over Ras al-Khaimah's skyline
Abdulla al-Abdouli, CEO of Marjan

Al-Abdouli said Ras al-Khaimah could incentivise construction companies to establish a base in the emirate by providing their employees with superior facilities and a quality lifestyle.

“We require more staff accommodations, not only to house workers during the construction period, but also to serve employees for all the job opportunities that will arise once the developments are completed. Coming up with good amenities for people is a must, and we need more businesses to support the supply chain.”

With such massive growth on the horizon and Ras al-Khaimah’s plans to target three million visitors by 2025, Al-Abdouli said that the emirate’s government is currently conducting a gap analysis for the destination.

“Infrastructure is our top priority to ensure that by 2026 when we open the Wynn resort, we do not have any disparities in the market,” he said. “It is about ensuring optimum quality of life through well-equipped facilities like airports, roads, networks, logistics and so on. The ultimate goal is for people to be content living in Ras al-Khaimah.”

The demand for infrastructure, retail and commercial offerings is expected to skyrocket by thousands of square metres in the next few years as Ras al-Khaimah evolves beyond its current primary waterfront tourist destination status.

Sameh al-Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties, said tapping into the opportunities surrounding the emirate’s real estate boom needs longer-term thinking – and fast.

“There’s a lot of support sectors that are going to be very much in demand,” he said.

“What will be needed in healthcare and education? The reality is that the whole emirate is transforming, and so with the white-collar jobs coming into play, with families moving here, with consultants moving here, we must think well in advance and prepare for that. We need to take the necessary actions and make the necessary decisions now, so we don’t miss the boat.”

One contractor attending the Business Leaders Forum added that despite the strong pipeline ahead, the size of the Ras al-Khaimah market remains “relatively small”, making it difficult to appeal to or attract large international or regional facility management and technology partners.

Marjan’s Al-Abdouli said regulators are firmly committed to finding solutions to market challenges.

The reality is that the whole emirate is transforming, and so with the white-collar jobs coming into play, with families moving here, with consultants moving here, we must think well in advance and prepare for that
Sameh al-Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties

Macroeconomic headwinds

Even with the undeniable positive sentiment in Ras al-Khaimah’s future direction, evolving macroeconomic challenges worldwide remain a concern.

Economic activity in the region has been resilient so far, with a multispeed recovery continuing in 2022. The Washington-based IMF projects Middle East GDP growth at 5 per cent in 2022, up from 4.1 per cent in 2021.

But growth is forecast to slow to 3.6 per cent in 2023 on deteriorating global conditions thanks to rising interest rates, high inflation and increased energy costs.

According to the IMF, inflation for the region was projected at 14.2 per cent in 2022 and is expected to remain elevated next year.

Gulf oil exporters are expected, on average, to enjoy budget surpluses of about 33 per cent between 2022 and 2026, leading to a strong improvement in their balance sheets.

The UAE hopes the economy will grow by 5 to 6 per cent this year, and by the same pace over the next few years to double its economy by 2031.

“I think the challenge we all have today is around planning and forecasting due to the current volatility and uncertainties around the world,” said Khalid Anib, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Hotels.

“It is something that is extremely difficult to deal with. But we must keep trying.”