Amwaj, Bahrain

These man-made islands in the Persian Gulf are an engineering marvel, but the reality of living here is a mixed bag. The Amwaj Islands cover 4.31 square kilometers and were reclaimed from shallow seas off Muharraq Island, offering 100% freehold land ownership to expatriates. While the islands boast a luxurious marina, hotels, and high-rise buildings, the bureaucracy involved in developing the infrastructure has been a persistent headache. The distance to Bahrain's international airport is a mere 4.5 kilometers, but residents must contend with the challenges of living on an artificial archipelago. Overall, Amwaj is best suited for those seeking a glamorous, high-end island lifestyle with deep pockets to weather the administrative obstacles.