Cagdas Halicilar, a former electrician-turned-Bezos-impersonator from Germany, stood on a dock close to the Aman, waving on the passing boats. He hoped to ship an costly bottle of whiskey as a marriage present, however was unable to breach the safety bubble.

“It’s a dream to fulfill him and shake his hand,” Mr. Halicilar mentioned. “I do that as a pastime — it’s not about cash. It’s not even about consideration. It simply occurs, completely mechanically.”