SAMANA Plans AED 4 Billion Island Development with 840 Homes at Dubai’s World Islands
New waterfront project to introduce floating villas, branded residences and planned yacht links as SAMANA launches its premium COLLECTA brand
Dubai’s World Islands could gain a new residential destination under a development proposal by SAMANA Developers, which has announced plans for a project valued at more than AED 4 billion. The scheme will include 840 residences, distinctive villa concepts and lifestyle facilities designed to support year-round island living.
The project marks the first development under SAMANA COLLECTA, a newly introduced premium real estate brand through which the developer intends to explore more design-led residential destinations in Dubai and selected international markets.
With a planned mix of apartments and specialist villa types, the development aims to offer an alternative to conventional waterfront housing in Dubai.
A Different Approach to Island Living
The proposed community will feature apartments ranging from studios to four-bedroom residences, alongside seven floating villas and two tree villas. According to the announcement, every home is planned to have a sea view.
Prices are expected to start below AED 2 million, positioning the development within reach of buyers considering a property in Dubai’s premium waterfront segment. Final pricing and the availability of individual residences will depend on the developer’s sales announcements.
Rather than positioning the island exclusively as a holiday destination, SAMANA intends to create a community that can accommodate permanent residents. Its plans combine residential accommodation with leisure facilities, workspaces and everyday services.
Yacht Connections Planned Between the Island and Dubai
Transport will be an important part of the development’s proposed offering. SAMANA plans to introduce yacht shuttle services linking the island with mainland Dubai at intervals of approximately 30 minutes.
The company has yet to announce the specific boarding locations, which are expected to be confirmed closer to the project’s launch.
If implemented as planned, the service could give residents an alternative way to travel between their island homes and the mainland. The practicality of daily commuting will depend on the final transport arrangements, operating schedules and connections to other parts of the city.
Beaches, Wellness Facilities and Waterfront Dining
The masterplan is expected to bring together recreational amenities and facilities intended for everyday use. Planned features include multiple beaches, a lagoon, swimming pools, a beach club and water-sports facilities.
Residents are also expected to have access to spas, indoor and outdoor fitness centres, co-working areas, high-speed internet connectivity and a dedicated welcome centre. Retail outlets and other essential services are planned as part of the wider residential experience.
Dining is another component of the concept. The developer has outlined plans for a floating Italian restaurant in collaboration with a culinary partner recognised by the Michelin dining industry. The partner’s identity and further details have not yet been disclosed.
Italian-inspired landscaping is planned throughout the residential buildings, while the homes will incorporate a collaboration with an Italian luxury brand that SAMANA intends to reveal separately.
The developer has stated that core residential amenities and services are intended to be available from the first handover.
SAMANA COLLECTA Enters Dubai’s Premium Property Market
The World Islands scheme will serve as the first project under SAMANA COLLECTA, a brand designed to expand the company’s presence in the premium residential segment.
Imran Farooq, chief executive of SAMANA Developers, said the company sees an opportunity to make island living suitable for everyday residential use rather than limiting it to occasional visits.
He also described COLLECTA as a longer-term initiative focused on location, design partnerships, lifestyle experiences and changing expectations among Dubai residents.
The company intends to establish the brand in Dubai before considering similar lifestyle-led and waterfront developments in selected international destinations.
SAMANA has stated that it has launched 54 projects in Dubai and established itself among the emirate’s top 10 developers. The new brand represents a move towards a more premium positioning alongside its existing development activities.
What the Project Could Mean for Dubai’s Waterfront Property Market
The proposed development adds another distinctive concept to Dubai’s residential landscape, with its combination of island accommodation, sea views, leisure facilities and planned yacht transport.
Its appeal will depend on several factors, including the final property prices, construction and handover timelines, the reliability of transport links and the availability of essential services. Buyers will also need to assess how the island’s location fits their commuting and lifestyle requirements.
For investors, the project offers a new development to watch within Dubai’s waterfront property segment. However, its announcement alone does not establish future capital appreciation, rental returns or resale demand.
As SAMANA develops its COLLECTA brand, further details about the project, its branded residences and its transport arrangements should provide a clearer picture of how the proposed community will operate.
The World Islands development therefore represents both a new residential proposal for Dubai and the opening chapter of SAMANA’s planned expansion into premium lifestyle-focused real estate.
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