Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled the design of Oystra, a bold new seafront mixed-use development on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Spanning 128,000 square metres, the project will offer 950 residential units alongside a diverse range of shopping, dining, and leisure amenities. Set against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Oystra reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to become a premier lifestyle and tourism destination.
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing emirates, is anticipating a 55% population increase by 2030. To meet this growth, the emirate aims to deliver 45,000 new homes. In parallel, its tourism sector is also on an upward trajectory, with annual visitor numbers projected to reach 3.5 million by 2030—a stark rise from 100,000 visitors in 2013.
A Landmark Destination on a Thriving Island
Located just 25 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Al Marjan Island stretches 4.5 km into the sea and boasts 23 km of coastline, including 7.8 km of white-sand beaches. Oystra’s 20-storey towers will anchor a 42,000-square-metre waterfront landscape that includes gardens, swimming pools, courtyards, and a private beach club.
The design integrates a rooftop infinity pool and panoramic restaurant, framing expansive views across the bay. As the island evolves into a multi-use hub, Oystra aligns with broader plans to introduce marinas, parks, wellness facilities, and entertainment destinations.
“Oystra’s sculptural design is inspired by the natural energies of the sea and sky, responding to its environment with a sense of dynamism and openness,” said Christos Passas, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Fluid Design Meets Environmental Innovation
Oystra’s architectural language showcases ZHA’s signature fluid geometries through sweeping balconies and terraces that echo wave-carved sand formations. More than 75% of residences will offer uninterrupted sea views, with large outdoor spaces that expand living areas and provide natural shading from the desert sun.
The development is directly connected to Al Marjan Island’s tree-lined promenade, offering pedestrian access along a shaded shoreline path that harnesses cooling sea breezes from the northwest.
Environmental performance is also integral to the project. ZHA has incorporated site-specific simulations to optimise building orientation and solar shading. The façades feature insulating cavities to reduce thermal gain, while seawater-based cooling systems and passive ventilation strategies are designed to lower energy demands and maximise comfort in Ras Al Khaimah’s climate.
Part of a Broader Wave of Urban Transformation Across the UAE
Oystra’s launch comes at a time of accelerating architectural innovation across the Emirates. The Sharjah Architecture Triennial recently named Vyjayanthi Rao as curator for its 2026 edition. In Dubai, A.R.M. Holding has commissioned Bjarke Ingels Group to transform the former Jebel Ali Racecourse into a 5-square-kilometre urban district. Additionally, Diller Scofidio + Renfro has unveiled Islands in the Sky, a new wellness-focused destination for Zabeel Park, under the Therme Dubai brand.
As Ras Al Khaimah rises as a luxury lifestyle and tourism destination, Oystra represents the emirate’s ambition to combine world-class architecture, sustainability, and community living. The development reinforces ZHA’s global legacy of innovation while contributing to a new era of coastal urbanism in the UAE.