In an exciting development set to enhance Dubai‘s already vibrant hospitality scene, the Buddha-Bar brand is poised to unveil its inaugural hotel and floating homes on the World Islands by 2027. This ambitious AED3 billion project promises to merge culinary excellence, luxury living, and stunning architecture, revitalizing the artificial archipelago with high-end offerings that cater to discerning travelers and residents alike.
A Landmark Development on Dubai’s World Islands
Dubai’s World Islands will be the site of the Middle East’s first Buddha-Bar Hotel and Floating Residences, breathing new life into the long-anticipated revival of this remarkable destination. The project comes as part of an exclusive partnership between Buddha-Bar Real Estate Development and the Dubai-based firm Yieldhaüs, showcasing a commitment to innovative luxury. With plans for a 162-room hotel, 24 floating residences, and a dedicated Buddha-Bar Beach venue, the development aims to complete construction by 2027.
An Innovative Approach to Hospitality
Nabil Souhail, Vice President of Buddha-Bar International, expressed enthusiasm for this pioneering venture. “For the first time, the Buddha-Bar concept is being brought to an island setting,” he stated. “This project combines our brand’s focus on music, mood, and design with a new standard of hospitality.” The floating residences, set to cover approximately 4,000 square feet over three levels, will accommodate up to eight guests and feature luxurious amenities like a rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi, a sea-level lounge, and underwater bedrooms with views of coral gardens. The hotel will also boast a full floor of branded residences, a spa, and restaurants inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine.
Redefining Luxury Living
Mohamad Issa, founder and CEO of Yieldhaüs, views the project as a critical component of Dubai’s next wave of experiential developments. “Dubai has long been a global stage for architectural ambition, but what truly sets this project apart is how it redefines experiential living,” he remarked. “It is where hospitality meets high-end real estate, and where architecture and culture come together in a new way for the region.” As the Buddha-Bar Hotel and Floating Residences join a growing array of luxury projects on The World Islands, they reflect a renewed interest from investors in the potentially lucrative market.
The Resurgence of The World Islands
Historically, The World Islands were hailed as one of Dubai’s most ambitious real estate ventures, but faced a decade of limited development following the 2008 financial crisis. Recently, however, interest from ultra-high-net-worth investors across Europe, Asia, and the Gulf has surged, signaling the first sustained wave of revitalization since reclamation. Island plots and villas are now listed for prices ranging from AED50 million to AED125 million, with entire islands commanding up to AED588 million. Developers emphasize that scarcity and exclusivity are driving this fresh demand.
As Ben Bandari, CEO of Benco and DevCore, noted in a previous interview, “When The World Islands was first announced, it was seen as pure Dubai ambition. Now they’re viewed as ultra-exclusive opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else.” Existing projects, such as Amali Properties’ ultra-luxury villas on Sao Paulo and Uruguay Islands, which quickly sold out, and Kleindienst Group’s Heart of Europe—home to 20 themed hotels—illustrate the rising allure of this luxury enclave.
Scheduled for its first reveal at the Arabian Travel Market in April 2025, the Buddha-Bar project is one of several branded establishments that aim to revitalize the islands with their unique offerings. Alongside it, concepts like the voco Monaco hotel and the upcoming Portofino family resort will contribute to a diverse and exciting luxury landscape on The World Islands.
Founded in Paris in 1996, Buddha-Bar has evolved from a restaurant brand into a global hospitality powerhouse, now encompassing hotels, beach clubs, and lounges in major cities including Paris, Prague, Mykonos, and Abu Dhabi. As it steps into the realm of floating residences and a hotel on Dubai’s World Islands, the brand further solidifies its reputation for blending cuisine, music, and design in exquisite environments.