Zaha Hadid Architects Reveal Oystra Project on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah
First published onRAKIS ↗
Ras Al Khaimah, May 12, 2025: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled its vision for Oystra, an upcoming waterfront development planned for Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
Spanning 128,000 square meters, the waterfront community will offer 950 residences, including one- to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes, penthouses, and seaside villas. The development will also feature a wide array of retail, dining, and recreational facilities.
Crafted to ensure that over 75% of the homes have clear, uninterrupted sea views, the design showcases ZHA’s signature flowing forms. The buildings will include expansive balconies and terraces that mirror the natural contours formed by waves on sandy shores. These outdoor spaces not only extend the living areas outward but also provide natural shade, reducing direct sun exposure inside the residences.Rising 20 storeys along the shoreline, Oystra’s sculptural towers are nestled within a 42,000-square-metre landscape featuring lush gardens, serene courtyards, leisure pools, and a beach club that opens out onto the bay. A rooftop dining venue and a 360-degree infinity pool crown the towers, offering sweeping vistas of Al Marjan Island and the Arabian Gulf.
Residents will enjoy seamless access to Al Marjan Island’s coastal promenade, a tree-lined pedestrian pathway that winds along the waterfront. This shaded walkway, naturally cooled by the prevailing northwesterly breezes from the sea, links the entire island on foot.
Designed with sustainability at its core, the project employs environmental analysis to maximise the use of natural site conditions, structural efficiency, and optimal building orientation. Digital tools were used to fine-tune solar shading and improve cross-ventilation. In addition, the development will utilise seawater-based cooling systems and incorporate an insulating air gap behind sun-facing façades, measures aimed at reducing cooling energy consumption and improving indoor climate control in Ras Al Khaimah’s desert environment.
In the official press release of Zaha Hadid, Christos Passas, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, said: “Our collaboration with Richmind is the result of shared ambition and creative dialogue. Oystra’s sculptural design is inspired by the natural energies of the sea and the sky, responding to its environment with a sense of dynamism and openness.”
In the same press release, Mohammad Rafiee, Chief Executive Officer of Richmind, stated: “Oystra reflects our passion for visionary design, lifestyle innovation, and a bold approach to shaping spaces that inspire and endure through time. Working with Zaha Hadid Architects has been both a privilege and a purposeful choice. We share a vision rooted in bold thinking, design excellence, and a deep commitment to originality.”
Adding to their comments, Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan, said: “Al Marjan has become a canvas for exceptional developments, and Oystra is a strong addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s narrative, reflecting the forward-thinking developments that align perfectly with Al Marjan Island's ambition and vision.”
Oystra represents a significant leap in Ras Al Khaimah’s development, blending innovative design with sustainability. With Zaha Hadid Architects’ visionary style and Richmind’s commitment to quality, Oystra will enhance the island’s appeal, offering luxurious living while aligning with the emirate’s future growth and ambition.
