Dubai Strengthens Its Global Lead in Branded Residences as UAE Luxury Pipeline Grows
Dubai continues to stand at the centre of the global branded-residential property market, with a large number of completed and planned projects positioning the emirate ahead of other major international destinations.
According to Knight Frank’s 2026 Global Branded Residence Survey, Dubai has 175 branded residence schemes, including 68 developments that are operational and another 107 in the development pipeline. The research forms part of the firm’s latest Residence Report 2026/27, which examines the changing landscape of luxury residential development worldwide.
The UAE is also playing a significant role in the expansion of branded residences internationally. Knight Frank’s research covers nearly 1,800 live and pipeline schemes across 90 countries and more than 200 brands. Globally, the number of branded residence schemes reached 903 at the end of 2025, with the total expected to rise to approximately 1,088 during 2026.
Dubai’s Branded Property Market Stands Apart
Dubai has built a substantial lead over other major city markets. Knight Frank places Miami second with 73 schemes, followed by New York with 38, Phuket Island with 35 and London with 30.
The emirate's market is also becoming more diverse. While hotel operators continue to dominate branded residences globally, Dubai has attracted a growing number of projects associated with fashion, automotive and other luxury brands.
Knight Frank estimates that non-hotel brands account for around 42% of Dubai’s branded residential schemes, highlighting the broader range of brands entering the city's high-end property market.
Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah Add to UAE’s Luxury Supply
Dubai is not the only UAE market appearing prominently in Knight Frank's research.
Abu Dhabi has 24 branded residence schemes, placing it among the world's leading markets. Five are already operational, while another 19 are in the pipeline.
Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has 23 schemes, all of which are currently in the development pipeline. The destination is also showing the growing importance of resort and coastal locations in the branded-residence sector.
Knight Frank's research shows that branded residences are increasingly moving beyond traditional major cities, with coastal, island and mountain destinations accounting for more than half of schemes globally.
Abu Dhabi Luxury Housing Demand Gains Momentum
Abu Dhabi's growing branded-residence pipeline comes alongside strong activity in its wider luxury residential market.
During summer 2026, Modon sold 1,700 homes at Hudayriyat Golf Estates within days of the launch, according to Knight Frank. The firm links Abu Dhabi's growing appeal to its expanding financial sector, sovereign capital, government-backed development and increasing international wealth activity.
The emirate's luxury residential offering is also expanding through destinations such as Hudayriyat Island and Fahid Island, where residential development is being combined with leisure, wellness and waterfront elements.
Global Luxury Brands Enter Residential Property
Branded residences are no longer limited to traditional hotel companies.
Knight Frank reports that hotel brands account for approximately 70% of operational branded-residence schemes worldwide. When both operational and pipeline projects are considered, their share falls to around 60%, reflecting the growing presence of non-hospitality brands.
Fashion, automotive and lifestyle names are increasingly participating in the sector. This is giving developers additional ways to differentiate luxury projects and create residential communities built around established brands and lifestyle concepts.
The trend is particularly relevant to Dubai, where branded developments have become an important part of the city's premium residential offering.
Wellness Becomes a Bigger Part of Luxury Residences
Luxury residential development is also moving beyond conventional facilities such as gyms, swimming pools and spas.
Knight Frank's latest research identifies wellness as an increasingly important part of branded residential development. New projects are incorporating concepts connected with longevity, functional medicine, nutrition and wider wellbeing.
This shift is evident in Dubai, where upcoming branded residences are incorporating more specialised wellness facilities as developers respond to changing expectations among luxury buyers.
UAE Emerges as a Major Branded Residence Hub
The combined presence of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Marjan Island highlights the UAE's importance in the international branded-residence market.
Dubai remains the world's leading city market for branded residences, while Abu Dhabi is developing a growing luxury residential ecosystem and Ras Al Khaimah is expanding its resort-led pipeline.
Knight Frank also identifies the Middle East as one of the strongest growth regions for branded residences. The region accounts for 29% of the global branded-residence pipeline, according to the firm's latest survey.
The wider market is also becoming less concentrated in traditional global cities. More than half of branded-residence schemes are now located in coastal, island or mountain destinations, compared with fewer than four in 10 in 2016.
For the UAE, the combination of Dubai's established international property market, Abu Dhabi's expanding luxury sector and Ras Al Khaimah's resort development pipeline is creating a broad platform for further branded residential growth.
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