Billionaire’s kids unveil masterplan to transform Dubai’s 300 abandoned £10billion manmade islands for the super rich
A BILLIONAIRE’S kids have unveiled a masterplan to transform Dubai’s £10billion abandoned “World Islands”.
Ali and Amira Sajwani, co-founders of Amali properties, aim to revive the 300 manmade islands by building 24 mansions, a beach club, and twin helipads.
The project will focus on joining up the islands that were supposed to represent Uruguay and São Paulo, Bloomberg report, and offer Dubai’s first ever sail-in sail-out experience.
Nineteen of the 24 beachfront villas have already been sold, with the remaining five selling for upwards of $13.6 million (£10.6million) each as the siblings target the super rich.
One of the remaining villas, a 22,500 square feet property situated on a 56,000 square feet plot of land, is said to boast seven bedrooms.
Ali and Amira are backed by their filthy rich father, Hussain Sajwani – one of the United Arab Emirates’ wealthiest people with a fortune worth more than $5 billion, according to Forbes.
The chairman of the luxury real-estate developer Damac Properties, which he founded in 2002, Sajwani is renowned in the West for his close business ties to Donald Trump.
The duo previously teamed up in 2013 to build a Trump-branded, Tiger Woods-designed golf course.
Now, Sajwani is hoping his twp protegees can revive Dubai’s “The World” archipelago.
State-backed developer Nakheel Properties started building the project in 2003, before the 2008 financial crisis abruptly ended further construction
Many of the islands were then abandoned, but the Sajwani siblings are ready to seize their opportunity.
A website has already been set up for the project, which plans to “blur the line between sky, shore and sea”.
The islands have been described as an “exclusive sanctuary” and its properties “a collection of distinguished residences”.
The new luxury homes are set to come in two architectural styles – grande and minima – with two interior aesthetics – terra and ultra.
Each property will also boast its own private marina, allowing residents to reach Dubai within six minutes of hopping on their yacht.
Garden’s will back out onto the sea, creating your very own private beach, while a pool and a teppanyaki bar are just some of the other amenities located outside.
The island will also feature The Public Realm – a residents-only clubhouse designed for entertainment, recreation, and leisure.
Horizon pools, a spa, a members’ cigar lounge and a restaurant are all on offer, while watersports for all ages, floating padel courts, a floating helipad and its own marina are also included.
Just 18 minutes from Dubai International Airport and five minutes from Palm Jumeirah, the World Islands are situated in the perfect location.
Dubai's megaprojects
By Tom Malley
Dubai is renowned for its modern architecture, high skyline and ambitious projects.
From the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, this futuristic city never ceases to amaze.
But Dubai is planning to go even bigger and better with it’s plans – here are some of its craziest megaprojects.
Burj Binghatti
Arguably the biggest project in Dubai, the Burj Binghatti aims to be the tallest residential tower in the world when it’s completed in 2026.
Set to boast more than 112 storeys, the tower will have a number of amenities, including an infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline.
Hatta redevelopment plan
Dubai announced plans in 2021 to build a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels, and 74 miles of bicycle paths in Hatta.
Focused on preserving the areas natural environment, there are also plans to develop a mountainside health resort and the first tourist funicular system of its kind.
Ciel Tower
Set to be the world’s tallest stand-alone hotel at 1,197ft, Ciel Tower is due for completion this year.
Including 82 storey’s and more than 1,000 guest rooms and suites, a key feature of the hotel will be a 300-metre atrium with vertically stacked, landscaped terraces spanning the building’s floors.