11 сент. 2025 г.
Projects
In July 2025, Mantra Properties—an Indian developer celebrated for its design-led projects across Mumbai and Pune—announced a landmark collaboration with haute horology and jewellery house Jacob & Co. to launch Jacob & Co Residences on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Valued at AED 400 million (approximately USD 109 million), this development marks Mantra’s first UAE venture and Jacob & Co’s inaugural residential masterpiece on the island.
With Jacob & Co.’s legacy of watchmaking and diamond artistry, paired with Mantra’s 18 years of residential excellence, this partnership aims to redefine ultra-luxury living in a rapidly evolving tourism and real estate hub.
Resale & Comparable Market Pricing
While the Jacob & Co Residences are still in pre-launch, pricing benchmarks are based on existing luxury projects on Al Marjan Island, such as Costa Mare (Ellington) and JW Marriott Residences. Costa Mare offers one-bedroom units starting at AED 2.1 million and three-bedroom layouts topping AED 5.7 million, as confirmed by recent listings. Meanwhile, JW Marriott units start at around AED 2.7–2.9 million, and floor plans range from 1 to 3 bedrooms, duplexes, and penthouses priced at up to AED 5 million and above. Given the AED 400 million value of the Jacob & Co project and its luxury positioning, each residence likely sets a pricing benchmark within the upper tier of this range.
Rental Potential & Investor Outlook
Tourism-led demand is a major driver on Al Marjan, yet forum discussions suggest caution in casting guaranteed returns. For example, to achieve a 5 % ROI on a AED 2 million apartment rental income must exceed AED 135,000 annually, deemed unrealistic without consistent premium nightly rates.
Off‑Plan Context & Competition
Jacob & Co Residences join a growing roster of branded projects on the island. JW Marriott Residences, developed by WOW Resorts, features 524 turnkey units, with prices starting at AED 2.9 million. Spanning 947–2,077 sq ft layouts with a 70/30 payment plan and handover expected by Q4 2026, the project underscores the island’s shift toward high-design living. Neighboring Costa Mare, with its private beach access and sky-hanging amenities designed by Ellington, places 1–3 BR units from AED 2.1M–5.7M, and anticipated pricing per square foot up to AED 3,000. In this company, the Jacob & Co development appears positioned as a brand-driven flagship within the higher luxury bracket.
Brand Value & Community Nuance
Jacob & Co Residences are defined by their branding, but not everyone is satisfied with brand-centric premiums. Reddit contributors warn that some branded developments add value only in name, not substance, highlighting the difference between full franchise integration and simply licensing a logo with no tangible resident benefit. Buyers are urged to inspect the SPA for brand entitlements like amenities, branding standards, resale rights, and quality guarantees. For the Jacob & Co project, the brand synergy is likely deeper—expect curated interiors, signature design touches, and integrated art/luxury experiences, not just a label.
Masterplan & Future Context
Al Marjan Island — comprising four man-made coral-shaped islets — serves as RAK’s flagship resort-meets-residential destination. Critical to its trajectory is the Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort, a 1,542-room integrated casino destination set to open in early 2027 (delayed from December 2025). As of early 2025, construction was over 60% complete for the structure and 20% complete for façades, underscoring its scale and investment significance.
By 2029, more than 10,000 residential units are expected on the island, fueling both demand and fierce competition. Many forum users caution that this volume may suppress rental and resale appreciation unless carefully phased and absorbed by tourism demand .
Jacob & Co Residences are clearly part of this long-term narrative, but their success depends heavily on execution, timing, and the broader absorption of new supply.
Comparative Landscape
Relative to Dubai branded residences like those in Downtown or Palm Jumeirah, Al Marjan offers lower price points with beachfront access — but lacks Dubai’s market depth and proven high rental yields. Compared to mainland RAK or Al Hamra, Al Marjan commands significantly higher premiums — yet it also offers far greater luxury, entertainment (casino adjacency), and international appeal . Among its peers, it aligns most closely with Costa Mare and JW Marriott Residences in luxury scope and anticipated price bands.
Investor Considerations & Timeline
As with any branded development, investors should assess what tangible brand value is delivered—whether exclusive amenities, resale privileges, or cultural cachet. Forum commentary underscores that many labeled residences deliver limited functional advantages beyond initial marketing gloss, leaving buyers vulnerable if resale prices don't reflect perceived brand equity.
Projected 2027–2029 reservoir of units means timing is critical. Buyers seeking capital appreciation must consider holding through the Wynn launch and beyond. Investors betting on short-term gains may face downward pressure once supply peaks.
For the End‑User or Resident
Beyond investment, Jacob & Co Residences offer a compelling proposition for lifestyle seekers: branded décor, curated design by Jacob & Co, a resort-style environment adjacent to Wynn, and direct beach access on a developing international destination. This will appeal to a small segment of high-end buyers or second-home seekers drawn to experiential luxury over rental returns.
