Dubai unveils US$816.7M luxury project on World Islands featuring region’s first Buddha-Bar Hotel, Honeymoon Island

UAE – Dubai has announced a landmark AED3 billion (US$816.7 million) luxury development on the World Islands, set to feature the Middle East’s first Buddha-Bar Hotel, floating villas, and an exclusive Honeymoon Island.

Dubai continues to assert itself as a leader in ultra-luxury tourism with the launch of a groundbreaking development on the iconic World Islands.

The new destination, part of the expansive Heart of Europe archipelago, introduces the region’s first-ever Buddha-Bar Hotel, along with Floating Villas and a secluded Buddha-Bar Beach Honeymoon Island.

With a staggering AED3 billion (US$816.7 million) investment, this project aims to attract high-net-worth European travellers while catering to the growing staycation market in the UAE and GCC.

Strategically located within the Heart of Europe, the development blends waterfront opulence with cultural elegance, positioning Dubai as a hub for experiential luxury.

This project is developed by Kleindienst Group in collaboration with George V Eatertainment and Buddha-Bar International, promising a lavish resort concept that fuses signature Buddha-Bar aesthetics with immersive environments and exceptional service.

Josef Kleindienst, Founder and Chairman of Kleindienst Group, emphasized that the timing of the launch was ideal given the shifting dynamics of global tourism.

With European travellers reconsidering trips to the United States due to geopolitical tensions, Dubai’s connectivity, safety, and reputation for high-end experiences make it an attractive alternative.

Kleindienst noted, “We’re witnessing a redirection of luxury tourism flows, and Dubai is now one of the most desirable alternatives.”

The development also breathes new life into the World Islands project, originally launched by Nakheel two decades ago.

The visionary concept, which consists of over 300 man-made islands shaped like a world map, was delayed due to the 2008-09 financial crisis. In recent years, however, interest has rekindled, especially with the launch of the Heart of Europe initiative.

The themed archipelago, which includes islands named after European countries and cities, aims to replicate Europe’s cultural and architectural richness while adapting it to Middle Eastern preferences.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel, one of the standout features of the development, offers 162 upscale rooms and suites that sit above tranquil waters surrounded by coral habitats.

The hotel embodies the Buddha-Bar brand, blending Asian-influenced design, ambient music, and gourmet dining in a one-of-a-kind offshore location, providing panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

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