Being developed on a corner plot where Dream Island and View Island meet, Oystra comprises four interconnected towers facing the Arabian Gulf. The project occupies a 42,000m2 waterfront site on Treasure Island, part of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
UAE property developer Richmind Development is developing the 128,000m2 project, which will contain 950 homes alongside shopping, dining, leisure, and landscaped areas. The residences range from one to four-bedroom apartments to duplexes, penthouses, and waterfront villas.
Richmind broke ground in November 2025, with construction steadily in progress. Handover is scheduled for the second quarter of 2029.
Four interconnected towers face the Arabian Gulf
International architecture practice ZHA developed the architectural concept for Oystra. The scheme consists of four interconnected, 20-storey towers with curved façades, terraces, and balconies informed by patterns left by waves across sand.
Seen together, the curved façades and flowing balconies are intended to recall the form of an open shell. ZHA also drew on the rippled patterns created by waves across sand when developing the terraces and balcony edges.
More than 75% of the apartments are designed to have unobstructed views of the sea. Large balconies extend the living areas outdoors and shade the interiors from direct sunlight.
One of the links is a 40-metre curved steel truss connecting two of the towers. Dewan Architects + Engineers developed the structure as part of its work on the technical delivery of ZHA’s concept, including structural integrity, regulatory compliance, and performance requirements.
At ground level, the towers will be surrounded by gardens, courtyards, swimming pools, and a beach club overlooking the bay. The site also connects directly to Al Marjan Island’s tree-lined coastal promenade.
A 950-home community
The residences range from one to four-bedroom apartments to duplexes, penthouses, and waterfront villas. The wider development also includes retail, dining, wellness, and leisure facilities.
A 120-metre lagoon with beach access will be among the main outdoor spaces. Plans also include an indoor pool, private cabanas, elevated poolside lounges, landscaped terraces, fitness studios, yoga pavilions, padel courts, and a golf simulator.
A restaurant and 360-degree infinity pool are planned at roof level, with views across Al Marjan Island and the Arabian Gulf. Other facilities include a children’s play area, a pet-friendly park, parking, concierge services, and valet parking.
Gardens and shared outdoor spaces will connect the residential buildings with the courtyards, pools, lagoon, beach club, and shoreline.
Climate measures inform the design
The balconies extend the apartments outdoors while shielding their interiors from direct sunlight. Environmental simulations examined the site conditions, structure, and orientation of the buildings.
ZHA also used digital mapping to refine the external solar shading and support natural ventilation. Plans call for seawater-based cooling and an insulating cavity between the building envelope and sections of the façade exposed to direct sun. These measures are intended to reduce the energy required for cooling in Ras Al Khaimah’s arid climate.
The coastal promenade provides a sheltered pedestrian route from Oystra to other parts of Al Marjan Island. Prevailing north-westerly winds from the sea will help cool the shoreline walkway.
HBA designs Oystra’s interiors
Interior design studio HBA London is responsible for the residential interiors. Its plans use sculptural forms, curved surfaces, a soft material palette, and natural elements.
The interior concept follows the geometry established by the architecture, with curved details carried into the rooms. Materials and finishes have been selected to give the residences a calm character while retaining clear views towards the water.
Cracknell plans the coastal landscape
International landscape architecture practice Cracknell is designing the gardens and outdoor areas around the towers. The landscaped site will contain courtyards, terraces, swimming pools, a beach club, and pedestrian connections to the shoreline.
Oystra occupies a corner plot with open views and access around the site. Its pedestrian routes will connect directly to Al Marjan Island’s coastal promenade.
Key players involved
Dubai-based architecture and engineering firm Dewan Architects + Engineers is the lead design consultant and executive architect. Its responsibilities include structural coordination, regulatory compliance, technical feasibility, permitting, digital modelling, and building information modelling (BIM) coordination.
Koltay Facades is providing façade engineering, while Samadhin Associates is responsible for mechanical and electrical engineering. RMC is the transport consultant, SHE is the fire engineer, FPOV is handling lighting design, TDC is responsible for signage and wayfinding, and Climatize is advising on waste management.
HBA London leads the interior design, and Cracknell is responsible for the landscape design.
Images: Courtesy of Richmind Development
