Dubai’s World Islands is set to welcome a new residential development valued at more than AED4 billion ($1.09 billion), featuring 840 branded residences, floating villas and planned yacht shuttle services connecting residents to mainland Dubai.
SAMANA Developers has unveiled the project as the first development under SAMANA COLLECTA, its newly launched premium real estate brand. The development is designed to position island living as a year-round residential option rather than a destination used mainly for holidays and occasional visits.
The project will include apartments ranging from studios to four-bedroom homes, alongside seven floating villas and two tree villas. Prices are expected to start below AED2 million ($544,000), with all residences planned to offer sea views.
Dubai World Islands Development to Offer Yacht Connections
A key feature of the proposed development is its planned transport link with mainland Dubai. Regular yacht shuttle services are expected to operate at 30-minute intervals, although embarkation points will be announced closer to launch.
The transport service is intended to make the island more accessible for residents who need to travel between their homes and the city.
The project will also include co-working spaces, high-speed connectivity, a dedicated welcome centre, and everyday retail and services. SAMANA says core residential amenities and services are planned to be operational from the first handover.
Dining facilities will include a floating Italian restaurant developed in collaboration with a Michelin-recognised culinary partner. The residential buildings will feature Italian-inspired landscaping, while the homes are being designed in partnership with an Italian luxury brand whose identity will be announced separately.
Together, these features are intended to combine waterfront living with practical services for residents seeking a permanent home in Dubai.
SAMANA Targets Year-Round Living at The World Islands
Imran Farooq, CEO of SAMANA Developers, said the company aims to establish The World Islands as a residential destination where people can live throughout the year.
“We see The World Islands as one of Dubai’s most extraordinary waterfront frontiers. The opportunity now is to make island living work for everyday life. Not only as somewhere to visit, but as somewhere people can genuinely call home,” Farooq said.
He added that changing expectations among residents, families, entrepreneurs and professionals are shaping the developer’s approach to the project.
The company aims to combine the privacy of a waterfront location with transport connections, workspaces and day-to-day amenities. The planned yacht shuttles and co-working facilities are intended to support residents who want flexibility in how they live and work.
Farooq also said Dubai would serve as the launch market for SAMANA COLLECTA before the company explores opportunities in international destinations.
SAMANA Launches Premium COLLECTA Real Estate Brand
The World Islands project marks the debut of SAMANA COLLECTA, a new premium real estate platform focused on residential destinations that combine distinctive locations, design partnerships and lifestyle amenities.
According to the developer, SAMANA has launched 54 projects in Dubai and established itself among the emirate’s top 10 developers.
Farooq said the new brand represents the company’s next stage of growth, building on its experience in Dubai’s property market while placing greater emphasis on premium locations, design and residential experiences.
“The first chapter of SAMANA was about proving that we could scale, compete and establish ourselves among Dubai’s leading developers. SAMANA COLLECTA is about what comes next,” he said.
The company plans to use Dubai as the foundation for the brand before exploring additional waterfront and lifestyle developments in selected international markets.
Dubai’s Waterfront Property Market Gains Another Proposed Development
The planned World Islands project adds another premium residential offering to Dubai’s waterfront property landscape. Its mix of branded apartments, floating villas, yacht transport and lifestyle facilities is designed to appeal to buyers seeking a distinctive island setting without giving up access to the wider city.
With prices expected to begin below AED2 million, the development will offer a range of residential options, from studios to larger family homes, alongside specialised villa formats.
The project’s appeal will depend in part on how its proposed transport services and essential amenities are delivered as development progresses. SAMANA has positioned the scheme as a place for everyday living, with the first handover expected to include the core residential services and facilities.
