**From Crime to Luxury: The Amazing Journey of the Amadea Super Yacht**
In a twist of fate that could only be described as both dramatic and opulent, the super yacht known as the Amadea has changed hands and locations, leaving behind a cloud of legal battles and government scrutiny. Originally seized by U.S. authorities in May 2022 as part of their relentless clampdown on Russian oligarchs, this 348-foot vessel was caught up in a bureaucratic storm over its ties to sanctioned billionaire Sullean Karimov. After years of legal wrangling and an outlay of $36 million to maintain it, the yacht finally found a new owner in 2025 through a sealed bid auction. Interestingly, the new buyer is far from the stereotypical Russian oligarch that many might expect. Instead, he is a young Dubai real estate mogul making waves in the luxury property market.
The buyer, Abbas Sajuani, isn’t just any wealthy individual; he is the founder and owner of AHS Properties, a luxury real estate company that has rapidly gained traction in Dubai’s hyper-competitive market. Following in the footsteps of his father, a notable billionaire developer, Sajuani has carved out his niche by acquiring prime properties in some of Dubai’s poshest neighborhoods. As the summer season kicked off in the South of France and the exclusive Can Film Festival gathered the elite, Sajuani couldn’t resist the allure of owning a floating palace that boasts an infinity pool, a helipad, and interiors crafted by the renowned Zeretti Design.
Sajuani’s interest in the Amadea first ignited back in 2020, but when it resurfaced for auction, he jumped at the chance to acquire what he deemed an undervalued asset. His meticulous standards regarding design meant that the yacht had to tick many boxes before he would consider a bid. To him, the yacht’s flair was like picking out a house for a discerning client—one must consider layout, interior style, and quality. With some minor adjustments, such as updating furniture, Sajuani envisioned making the Amadea his luxurious floating residence.
But beyond its glamorous exterior, Sajuani’s strategic motives reveal a deeper layer to his purchase. The yacht serves not only as a lavish getaway but as a benchmark for quality, offering valuable insights that align with his billion-dollar real estate empire. He sees his ownership of the Amadea as a way to elevate the standards of his own properties back home in Dubai. It’s not just about having a nice yacht; it’s about setting a quality bar that filters down to his design philosophy and execution at AHS Properties.
The Amadea’s features are astonishing—from its grand entertainment spaces perfect for hosting influential guests to its serene accommodations that cater to Sajuani’s families and friends. The yacht even boasts a pickleball court, a humorous but telling nod to today’s trending pastimes. As Sajuani effortlessly balances work and leisure, conducting business meetings while anchored off the Mediterranean coast, one can’t help but imagine the envy of those left behind in stuffy boardrooms. His vision stretches well beyond enjoying simple weekends on the water; it involves significant developments in Dubai’s real estate sector over the next decade.
Sajuani plans to shift his strategy from merely building luxury homes to holding onto significant parcels of prime real estate, a bold endeavor in an ever-evolving market. He is convinced that limiting supply in Dubai will continue to drive prices up, even in challenging times. His ambitious projects, such as the upcoming AHS City, emphasize that he is aiming for not just survival, but flourishing in the Dubai property market. With land in this booming city increasingly rare and desirable, it seems Sajuani is poised to ride the continuing wave of demand that fuels Dubai’s exceptional growth.
So, whether one views the Amadea as a mere vessel or a symbol of success and savvy business acumen, it’s hard to deny that this incredible yacht has weathered storms both literal and legal. It is now sailing into a new era, not only for its new owner but as part of Sajuani’s blue-sky vision for his burgeoning empire and the future of ultra-luxury living in Dubai.
