Construction has officially started on Oystra, Al Marjan Island. On 11 December 2025, Richmind announced that it had broken ground on its Zaha Hadid-designed residential project in Ras Al Khaimah, after selling out Phase 1.
Richmind is a premium developer of ultra-niche real estate and a flagship business of Richmind Holding. The groundbreaking also marked the formal launch of Phase 2. This article explains what was announced, who is building Oystra Al Marjan Island, and why the location is drawing so much attention.
Why the Groundbreaking Matters
A groundbreaking is the moment a project moves from drawings to a building site. For Oystra, it came after a full sell-out of the first phase, which is unusual for a project at this early stage.
Richmind described the milestone as a defining moment for Ras Al Khaimah, and for the emirate's rise as one of the UAE's leading coastal destinations. The developer also said it sets a new benchmark for luxury waterfront living in the area.
The ceremony brought together Richmind's leadership, its design partners and stakeholders on site. See photos from the Oystra groundbreaking ceremony.
Phase 1 Sold Out Before Work Began
Phase 1 of Oystra sold out on the back of strong demand from global and regional buyers. Richmind said the result reflects growing confidence in high-growth beachfront markets like Ras Al Khaimah.
With the first phase closed, Phase 2 went on sale at the same time as the groundbreaking. Construction is on track for handover in 2029.
"The rapid sellout of Phase 1 reflects growing international interest in the emirate, as buyers increasingly seek premium, design-led beachfront properties," said Mohammad Rafiee, CEO of Richmind Holding.
850 Seafront Homes Facing the Arabian Gulf
Oystra will offer 850 one- to four-bedroom seafront residences. Each home is oriented to make the most of views over the Arabian Gulf.
The project sits just steps away from Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE's first integrated resort.
Leisure at the Top: Infinity Pool and Signature Dining
One of the most striking features of Oystra Al Marjan Island sits at its highest point. A signature dining destination will crown the project, encircled by Ras Al Khaimah's first and only 360° infinity pool.
At ground level, residents will have a world-class beach club and spa, plus curated wellness facilities. Together, these spaces are designed to give residents a hotel-style lifestyle at home.
- Ras Al Khaimah's first and only 360° infinity pool
- A signature restaurant at the top of the project
- A beach club and spa
- Curated wellness facilities
The Team Behind Oystra Al Marjan Island
Richmind planned Oystra as a legacy project from day one, and brought together a team of leading design partners to deliver it.
- Zaha Hadid Architects leads the design, introducing a fluid, sculptural form that is new to Al Marjan Island
- Dewan Architects + Engineers is the executive architect. Its work includes a 40-metre curved steel truss that keeps the building's flowing shape intact
- HBA designs hospitality-grade interiors
- Cracknell creates a landscape that extends the architecture out to the seafront
Together, the partners aim to deliver Oystra as a landmark rather than a conventional residential development.
Al Marjan Island: A Destination Taking Shape
Al Marjan Island is a group of four man-made, coral-shaped islands off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah. It offers around 7.8 kilometres of beaches and more than 20 kilometres of waterfront.
Wynn Al Marjan Island is scheduled to open in 2027 with more than 1,500 rooms and suites, and new hotels and branded residences continue to launch across the island.
"Al Marjan Island has always been envisioned as a premier waterfront destination, and the groundbreaking of Oystra marks an exciting milestone in the island's continued growth," said Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan.
Ras Al Khaimah's Growing Property Market
Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the UAE's fastest-growing property markets. Khaleej Times, citing ValuStrat data, reported that the emirate's residential index rose 13.8% year on year in the first half of 2025, with Al Marjan Island named among the main hotspots.
Off-plan homes made up most freehold sales in the emirate in that period, and branded residences are expected to form a growing share of new supply. Oystra adds a Zaha Hadid-designed option to this market.
From Groundbreaking to Phase 2 Launch
Work on site has continued since the groundbreaking. In January 2026, Richmind confirmed that Oystra Phase 2 launched after the complete Phase 1 sell-out, with a launch event at Ain Dubai.
Richmind Holding operates across the UK, Germany, China and the UAE. Handover of Oystra Al Marjan Island is planned for 2029.
Oystra Milestones So Far
The groundbreaking is one step in a fast-moving timeline for Oystra Al Marjan Island:
- April 2025: Richmind unveils Oystra at an exclusive launch event
- Late November 2025: Groundbreaking ceremony on site
- 11 December 2025: Groundbreaking announced, Phase 1 sold out, Phase 2 goes on sale
- 27 January 2026: Oystra Phase 2 launch event at Ain Dubai
- 29 January 2026: Phase 1 sell-out confirmed and Phase 2 opened for sale
- February 2026: Shanghai sales office and European roadshow, including Harrods in London
- 2029: Planned handover
Frequently Asked Questions
When did construction start on Oystra Al Marjan Island?
Richmind announced the groundbreaking on 11 December 2025. The ceremony brought together Richmind's leadership, partners and stakeholders on site.
How many homes will Oystra have?
Oystra will offer 850 one- to four-bedroom seafront residences, each oriented toward the Arabian Gulf.
What is next to Oystra on Al Marjan Island?
Oystra sits steps away from Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE's first integrated resort, which is due to open in 2027.
What makes the design unusual?
Zaha Hadid Architects designed a fluid, sculptural form that is new to the island. To keep that shape, Dewan Architects + Engineers engineered a 40-metre curved steel truss.
Can I still buy in Oystra?
Phase 1 is sold out. Phase 2 went on sale with the groundbreaking. Use the Register Your Interest form on this page to contact the Richmind team.
When is handover?
Handover of Oystra is planned for 2029.
Oystra Al Marjan Island in the Press
The groundbreaking was covered by business, property and construction media across the region, including:
