Private helipads, yacht berths, and beachfronts: How Amali Island earned the title ‘The Maldives of Dubai'
TL;DR:
Amali Island
is a newly launched,
ultra-luxury development
by
Amali Properties
, nestled on The World's Uruguay and São
Paolo
islands. Co‑founded by Ali and Amira Sajwani, the project merges exclusivity, resort-style luxury, and
private island living
into a single 'Maldives-meets-Dubai' concept.
Of 24 villas launched in April 2024, 22 have already been sold, attracting ultra-high-net-worth buyers from the UK, India, and beyond. Each villa includes private beachfront, yacht berth access, a floating helipad, clubhouse, and resort-class amenities.
With a total value of approximately AED 2 billion (~USD 545 million) and full sales in record time, Amali is a bold statement in luxury GCC real estate.
A New Definition of Private Island Luxury
Once overlooked and forgotten, the islands of Uruguay and São Paolo within Dubai's famed The World archipelago lay dormant for years, witnesses to an ambitious vision stalled in time.
But in April 2024, these reclaimed islands were reborn as Amali Island, a boutique ultra-luxury gated enclave that has swiftly become Dubai's most exclusive private island address.
Home to just 24 bespoke villas, each offering up to 50 meters of private beachfront, direct yacht-access berths, and a suite of world-class amenities including a clubhouse, spa, gym, and a floating helipad, Amali Island redefines what it means to live in paradise.
Dubbed the 'Maldives of Dubai,' the island's design is inspired by the Ombu tree symbolising shelter and resilience, across seven unique architectural themes.
Founded in 2023 by siblings Ali and Amira Sajwani as a boutique offshoot of their family's Damac Properties legacy, Amali Properties was born from a personal desire to create an exclusive resort-quality island lifestyle. The name 'Amali,' derived from the Arabic word for 'hope,' reflects their mission to transform dreams into architectural excellence and set a new standard for ultra-luxury living in the Gulf.
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A Race to Sell Out
Amali launched sales in late April 2024 with villa prices ranging from AED 50 million to AED 125 million, with a 'crown-jewel' villa at AED 250 million (~USD 68 million). Within a month, 22 of 24 villas had sold, totalling approximately AED 2 billion (~USD 544.5 million) in transactions.
Among the buyers are ultra-high-net-worth individuals from the UK, India, and even internationally renowned footballers, illustrating the global appeal.
A Strategic Location: Between Uruguay and São Paolo
The project involved merging two separate islands, Uruguay and São Paolo—in The World's layout. These islands, acquired via private negotiations (one reportedly from a Qatari concern), were chosen for their panoramic blockbuster views of Dubai's skyline, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Atlantis The Royal.
Connected by a bridge and accessible by boat in under ten minutes from the mainland with helicopter option via floating helipad, Amali offers an exclusive 'sail-in, sail-out' lifestyle.
Amenities Worth a Resort
Residents gain privileged access to:
A 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse with spa, gym, saltwater pools, and swim-up bar
Gourmet dining, cigar lounge, yoga decks, and a floating padel court
Private berths and dedicated boating infrastructure
Floating helipad and marine logistics planning
Beach fire pits, Jacuzzis, rooftop terraces
Luxury Real Estate Market Context
Dubai recorded 431 real estate transactions above USD 10 million in 2023, more than any city worldwide. The World Islands, once stalled post-2008, are now reviving thanks to global investor demand and innovative luxury offerings, such as Amali.
The Sajwani siblings opted for this project precisely because prime beachfront plots have become scarce on Dubai's mainland—The World islands represent one of the city's last untouched luxury frontiers.
Verdict
In many ways, Amali Island reflects Dubai's evolving identity as not just a global business hub but also a home for the world's elite. The blend of privacy, design excellence, and exclusive amenities redefines what it means to own a piece of paradise in the Gulf. As the city continues to push the boundaries of luxury living, developments like Amali Island show that Dubai's allure lies not just in its skyline, but in its ability to create unique, dreamlike experiences that few other places can offer.
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