From Amali to Amwaj—high-net-worth Indians are snapping up ultra-luxury villas across Gulf islands for lifestyle, tax efficiency, and privacy
India’s ultra-rich are quietly redrawing the global luxury real estate map—this time across the glistening shores of the Gulf. A growing number of high-net-worth Indians are investing millions in private island properties in Dubai and Bahrain, buying opulent villas and plots in high-profile developments like Amali Island, Amwaj, Reef Island, and Durrat Al Bahrain, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Freehold ownership, no income tax, and complete discretion are fuelling a property rush among India’s billionaire class.
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With rising geopolitical and financial uncertainties, these Gulf Island developments are offering a rare blend of capital security, lifestyle prestige, and residency perks, making them magnets for India’s wealthiest
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Real estate insiders say demand is booming—often off the public radar
Dubai’s Amali Island: Opulence Redefined
Reviving the World Islands project, Dubai’s Amali Island—acquired by entrepreneur Ali Sajwani and sister Amira Sajwani—has become a prime address for global elites. With 24 ultra-luxury beachfront villas priced between $13.6 million and $54 million, nearly 19 were snapped up by mid-2024. Indian buyers are part of a growing list of elite clients.
Dubai also topped the global charts in 2023 for $10M+ real estate transactions, recording 431 deals worth over $7.6 billion, outpacing even London and New York.
Bahrain’s Island Hotspots: Amwaj, Reef, and Durrat
- Amwaj Islands, launched in 2002, is Bahrain’s flagship freehold zone for expats. Prices range from $98,000 to $2.3 million for apartments and $600,000 to $930,000 for villas. Indian investor M.K. Sivadasan was among the first non-GCC nationals to secure property rights here.
- Reef Island, near capital Manama, offers a quieter, yacht-club–styled alternative, with high-end apartments, villas, and walkable luxury living.
- Durrat Al Bahrain spans 15 artificial islands featuring villas, hotels, and marinas in crescent and atoll shapes—created to entice elite investors and tourists.
Why the Gulf Attracts Indian Billionaires
- Freehold = Residency: Buying in these zones unlocks long-term visas and renewable residency options for non-GCC nationals.
- Zero Tax & Stability: No personal income tax, secure governance, and booming infrastructure appeal to investors.
- Privacy: With many transactions routed through offshore entities, buyers enjoy anonymity, avoiding media glare and tax scrutiny back home.
- Lifestyle: Private beaches, yacht marinas, gated security, and curated communities offer unmatched luxury.
In 2024 alone, Indians invested over AED 35 billion ($9.5 billion) in Dubai real estate, accounting for nearly 23% of all foreign property transactions, according to the Dubai Land Department.
Risks Behind the Glamour
- High Maintenance: Properties like those at Durrat Al Bahrain come with substantial annual service fees—not including energy and local levies.
- Project Delays: Developments like Dilmunia have faced slow sales and delays, raising concerns about liquidity and oversupply.
- Environmental Impact: Artificial island construction affects marine ecosystems, adding regulatory layers and potential reputational risk.
Expert Views & Indian Buyer Behaviour
Analysts cite global unrest and India’s own tax enforcement regime as key motivators behind the island-buying spree. Developers are banking on ultra-luxury niches: Amali’s $544.5M plan in Dubai and Tala Island’s $110M investment in Bahrain reflect this confidence.
Indian buyers favour 2–3 bedroom waterfront villas in private communities, often as part of vacation home portfolios or family asset planning strategies.
With tax efficiency, long-term residency, and lifestyle appeal, luxury Gulf islands are becoming India’s billionaires’ most coveted offshore retreat.
