Luxury Islands in the UAE: The New Address of the Global Elite

The UAE’s reputation as a haven for global wealth is no longer confined to its skyscrapers or tax-friendly policies. Now, it’s also the shoreline and more specifically, the islands off it, that are setting a new standard for global luxury.

The Emirates are witnessing a profound shift. While the global elite build their bases, these are rising from the sea.

The Rise of Island Living

The luxury property market in the UAE is in the midst of another record-breaking year, driven by sustained interest from ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term lifestyle investments. Waterfront and island developments have emerged as the epicentre of this surge, with the likes of Jumeirah Bay Island, Al Marjan Island, Amali Island, and the expansive Dubai Islands leading the charge.

The appeal is easy to understand. These new island communities are not simply real estate ventures; they are private microcosms, designed for uninterrupted living, leisure, and legacy. Here, beach clubs meet private yacht berths, curated branded residences meet five-star wellness, and the skyline stays just close enough for convenience but far enough for calm.

What Draws the Global Elite to These Shores?

It’s the community-driven ecosystem.

These islands are self-contained, masterfully connected to the mainland by new infrastructure, and a short drive from the international airports. Helipads, private marinas, concierge-only beach clubs, and international schools all exist or will soon exist within the footprint of the island districts. For those used to private jets and closed-door banking, the transition is seamless.

The homes themselves are no less impressive: low-rise, design-forward apartments, detached villas with sea-facing pools, and branded residences that marry lifestyle and investment appeal. As the global appetite for private, secure, and sovereign living grows, the UAE’s islands tick all the right boxes.

The Asset Class That Comes With a Flagstick

For many families, real estate is no longer just about square footage or yield. It’s about optionality. Real estate in the UAE, particularly on its islands, now serves as a platform for residency, wealth preservation, and long-term mobility.

The UAE Golden Visa program has made residency acquisition straightforward for investors purchasing qualifying property. And with 0% income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, the UAE is fast becoming the legal and financial base for families looking to hedge against global volatility.

Indian Billionaires Leading the Curve

Free-spirited elites from India have become some of the most active buyers across the waterfronts. Drawn by cultural proximity, ease of travel, and the city’s transparent legal and financial systems, they are not just holidaying, they’re embedding.

Amali Island and parts of the Dubai Islands are already being dubbed “the Maldives of Dubai” in Indian media circles, though with better infrastructure, stronger capital protection, and year-round utility.

For these families, island homes serve dual purposes: a base for leisure and a strategic foothold in the Gulf.

What we’re witnessing is a recalibration. The UAE’s islands are emerging as secure, high-performing sanctuaries, offering capital appreciation, lifestyle quality, and strategic freedom.

Xiffin can help you establish a secure, strategic base in the UAE with confidence, compliance, and clarity. To explore long-term residence visa options in the UAE, get in touch with us.