Paolo Maldini Adds His Name To Growing List Of Global Celebrities Setting Up Base In The UAE

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Football legend Paolo Maldini has added his name to Ras Al Khaimah's accelerating luxury‐hospitality story, teaming up withRRS International Development as the developer launched the NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments-an approximately $100 million mixed‐use project set for completion in 2027.

In an exclusive conversation, Maldini described how the opportunity first took shape through a personal introduction to RRS's founders, whose direct, founder‐led approach resonated with him.“There was no pressure, no show,” he said.“It felt like a serious discussion about a destination, a hospitality concept, and a long‐term asset.”

Recommended For You 3 killed in shooting at Australia lakeside town, gunman at large

Why Ras Al Khaimah-and why now

Maldini emphasised the UAE's disciplined, execution‐driven mindset as a key factor, but said Ras Al Khaimah offered a distinctly calmer rhythm-nature, openness, and accessibility-making it a place that“can become part of real life, not a complicated plan.”

His confidence aligns with hard market data. Ras Al Khaimah's real‐estate sector recorded double‐digit growth across 2025, fuelled by investor demand, luxury developments, and surging off‐plan activity. Apartment sales prices rose up to 30.4 per cent, while villas surged 41.9 per cent during the year.

CBRE data reinforces this momentum: the emirate registered a 39 per cent year‐on‐year rise in residential prices in Q1 2025, powered by branded and waterfront projects-particularly on Al Marjan Island.

Al Marjan Island itself leads buyer demand, with average advertised apartment prices rising 21.3 per cent to Dh1,328 per sq. ft in 2025.

This strengthens the long‐term value proposition behind Maldini's choice of location.

A destination taking shape

Maldini believes Al Marjan Island is“developing an identity, not just a skyline,” with hospitality and leisure experiences that encourage return visits and long‐term value.

Major infrastructure upgrades are also influencing investor behaviour. Maldini highlighted the improving Dubai–RAK connectivity, with road‐capacity enhancements expected to reduce travel time by nearly 45 per cent.

The broader economic landscape adds momentum: Ras Al Khaimah's economy is forecast to grow around 4 per cent annually through 2027, supported by tourism and real‐estate investment-conditions reinforced by the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort.

Why this project-and why boutique luxury

For Maldini, boutique luxury outweighs extravagance.“Real luxury is not 'more.' It's 'better,'” he explained, praising the project's curated design and calm atmosphere.

RRS's decision to retain roughly 50 per cent of the inventory was a further signal of credibility and alignment.“It suggests they believe in the asset long‐term,” he said.

A market entering its moment

Beyond Maldini's personal conviction, the numbers tell a powerful story. Ras Al Khaimah's property transactions doubled to Dh15.08 billion in 2024, reflecting mounting international buyer interest.

Rental yields remain competitive, with Al Marjan Island apartments offering around 5.75 per cent gross yields, supported by annual capital appreciation of 15–20 per cent in premium segments.

As Maldini summed up:“In football, discipline creates longevity. In real estate, discipline creates value.”

With disciplined developers, rising global attention, and a maturing luxury‐hospitality ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah-and Al Marjan Island in particular-appears to be entering its strongest investment cycle yet.

MENAFN24012026000049011007ID1110645225