Walking the shoreline of Al Marjan Island in the imagination, Oystra appears like a series of seashells gently arranged along the coast, each building curving into the next to form a sculptural dialogue with the sea. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects for developer Richmind, this ambitious mixed-use development positions a sequence of fluid towers and terraces to maximise ocean views while carving out sheltered courtyards, rooftop spaces, and public areas that connect residents directly to the beachfront. The project embodies Hadid’s unmistakable language of sweeping curves and organic geometries, echoing the natural rhythms of waves and sand across its façade and balconies. These flowing forms are more than aesthetic gestures; they serve practical functions, with deep overhangs and recessed terraces designed to provide shade and comfort in Ras Al Khaimah’s climate. According to the design team, over 75 percent of the apartments are oriented to enjoy uninterrupted sea views, making the relationship between interior living spaces and the vast Gulf horizon a defining feature of the project.
One of the standout elements of Oystra is its structural expression. A 40-metre curved steel truss links portions of the building together, creating a dramatic frame that not only supports the architecture but also establishes a striking silhouette against the skyline. This engineering flourish elevates the development from a typical residential scheme to a landmark destination, ensuring it will be instantly recognisable as part of Al Marjan Island’s growing identity. Yet Oystra is not only about spectacle. The project integrates nearly 950 residential units, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to expansive waterfront villas and penthouses. These homes are supported by an ecosystem of amenities including landscaped gardens, a beach club, retail spaces, wellness centres, and a dramatic 360-degree rooftop infinity pool that acts as both a leisure hub and an architectural statement.
Environmental performance is also woven into the narrative. Alongside the passive cooling strategies built into its form, the scheme proposes the use of seawater-based cooling systems to reduce energy demand. This balance between bold geometry and responsible design is particularly crucial in the Gulf context, where climate resilience is becoming a priority for both developers and buyers. Still, while the renders promise a seamless blend of luxury and sustainability, the true test will come in the translation from design to execution—whether the material choices, construction quality, and landscaping live up to the bold vision on paper.
For Ras Al Khaimah, Oystra marks a significant moment. Al Marjan Island has been steadily building its reputation as a lifestyle and tourism hub distinct from the neighbouring emirates, attracting both global hospitality brands and new waves of residents. By bringing in a world-renowned practice like Zaha Hadid Architects, the island secures an iconic development that strengthens its appeal in the competitive Gulf property market. At the same time, Oystra raises questions worth watching: will public access to the waterfront be meaningfully integrated, or will exclusivity dominate? Will sustainability ambitions hold up under the realities of large-scale construction? And most importantly, will the public spaces feel alive and welcoming beyond the polished visuals?
Ultimately, Oystra is more than a real estate project; it is a sculptural intervention that aspires to reshape a piece of the UAE coastline. If the vision is carried through with care and precision, it has the potential to become not just a landmark for Al Marjan Island but a model of how architecture in the region can blend spectacle with livability, design ambition with environmental responsibility, and private luxury with a sense of place.
