Dubai’s World Islands is set to welcome a new luxury residential development valued at more than AED 4 billion ($1.09 billion), featuring 840 branded residences, floating villas and planned yacht shuttle services connecting the island to mainland Dubai.

Announced by SAMANA Developers, the project marks the first development under its newly launched premium real estate brand, SAMANA COLLECTA. The development aims to establish The World Islands as a year-round residential destination, combining waterfront living with transport links, lifestyle amenities and everyday services.

According to a report by Arabian Business, residential options will range from studio apartments to four-bedroom homes, alongside seven floating villas and two tree villas. Prices are expected to start below AED 2 million ($544,000), with all residences planned to offer sea views.

Yacht Shuttles to Connect the Islands with Mainland Dubai

Transport connectivity is a key feature of the proposed development. Regular yacht shuttle services are planned to operate between the island and mainland Dubai at 30-minute intervals. The embarkation points are expected to be announced closer to the project’s launch.

The transport arrangements are intended to make island living more practical for residents who need to travel to the mainland for work, business and everyday activities.

The development will also include multiple beaches, a lagoon, swimming pools, a beach club, water-sports facilities, spas, and indoor and outdoor gyms. Additional facilities are expected to include co-working spaces, high-speed connectivity, a dedicated welcome centre, and retail outlets and essential services.

The developer plans to have core residential amenities and services operational from the first handover. Dining options are also expected to feature a floating Italian restaurant developed in collaboration with a Michelin-recognised culinary partner.

Italian-inspired landscaping will form part of the residential design, while the homes are being developed in collaboration with an Italian luxury brand. The brand’s identity is expected to be announced separately.

SAMANA Aims to Make The World Islands a Year-Round Destination

Imran Farooq, CEO of SAMANA Developers, said the company wants to transform The World Islands into a destination where people can live throughout the year rather than visit only for leisure.

As reported by Arabian Business, Farooq highlighted the potential of Dubai’s waterfront locations to accommodate changing residential preferences, including the demand for flexible living arrangements among families, entrepreneurs and professionals.

The proposed combination of yacht transport, co-working facilities, residential amenities and everyday services reflects the developer’s ambition to create a community that supports both work and leisure.

However, the project’s long-term appeal will depend partly on the delivery of planned transport services, infrastructure and amenities, as well as the practical convenience of commuting between the islands and mainland Dubai.

SAMANA COLLECTA Marks Entry into the Premium Property Segment

The World Islands project introduces SAMANA COLLECTA, a premium real estate brand through which SAMANA Developers intends to expand its presence in Dubai and potentially enter selected international markets.

The developer says it has launched 54 projects in Dubai and established itself among the city’s top 10 developers. With COLLECTA, the company plans to focus on distinctive locations, design partnerships and lifestyle-led residential developments.

Farooq described the new brand as the next stage in the company’s growth, with a stronger emphasis on location, design and the overall residential experience.

The launch also reflects the continued development of Dubai’s waterfront property market, where projects increasingly seek to differentiate themselves through branded residences, lifestyle facilities and distinctive locations.

For prospective buyers and investors, the proposed World Islands development presents a new option in Dubai’s premium off-plan property segment. Its starting prices, sea-view residences and planned yacht connections may attract interest, although buyers should assess the project’s delivery timeline, service costs, transport arrangements and final specifications before making an investment decision.

As SAMANA COLLECTA establishes its presence in Dubai, the development will be an important test of the demand for full-time residential communities in the emirate’s island locations.

Source and attribution: This article has been independently rewritten based on reporting originally published by Arabian Business.