Dubai remains the world’s largest market for branded residences, with 175 live and planned projects, according to Knight Frank’s latest The Residence Report 2026/27.
The figure puts Dubai at more than twice the scale of Miami, which has 73 schemes, and nearly six times London, with 30. Dubai currently has 68 operational branded residence projects and 107 in the pipeline.
The findings come as the Middle East strengthens its position in the global branded residence sector, accounting for 25% of projects currently in development worldwide.
Dubai’s 175 branded residence schemes make it the largest market globally for homes linked to established hotel, lifestyle, fashion, automotive and other brands.
The city’s pipeline includes a growing mix of residential concepts, reflecting increasing demand for branded homes and the expansion of the sector beyond traditional hotel operators.
Middle East gains market share
The Middle East now accounts for 20% of all live and pipeline branded residence projects globally and 25% of projects under development.
The growth is spreading beyond Dubai, with new destinations and brands entering the market and developers targeting different types of buyers.
The UAE accounts for 19% of the global branded residence development pipeline.
Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah expand
Abu Dhabi ranks eighth globally with 24 live and pipeline branded residence schemes, including 19 projects still in development.
Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah ranks ninth with 23 schemes, all of which are currently in the pipeline.
The different development patterns reflect the varying drivers behind residential growth across the UAE.
Abu Dhabi sees strong property demand
Abu Dhabi’s branded residence market is developing alongside the emirate’s growing role as a financial and wealth hub.
During summer 2026, Modon sold 1,700 homes at Hudayriyat Golf Estates within days, generating approximately Dhs 13 billion in sales. Non-UAE residents accounted for around 15% of buyers, according to Knight Frank.
Employment at Abu Dhabi Global Market also increased by 51% to 44,339 during 2025.
Ras Al Khaimah gains connectivity
Ras Al Khaimah’s branded residence market is being supported by tourism growth and improved international connectivity.
International flight volumes into the emirate increased by 44% between 2023 and 2026, according to the report. This was the strongest increase among the world’s 10 largest branded residence markets.
Abu Dhabi recorded a 37% increase over the same period.
More brands enter the market
The global branded residence sector is also becoming more diverse.
Hotel operators account for around 70% of operational branded residence schemes worldwide, but their share falls to about 60% when pipeline projects are included.
As fashion, automotive and lifestyle companies enter the sector, non-hotel brands are expected to account for almost 40% of global supply by 2028, compared with around 30% in 2025.
Wellness becomes a bigger feature
Wellness is also becoming more closely integrated into branded residential projects, moving beyond conventional gyms and leisure facilities.
In Dubai, Six Senses The Palm, scheduled to open in late 2026, will include a 60,000-square-foot wellness club featuring a longevity clinic, IV lounge and biohacking room.
In Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons is developing a dedicated longevity centre as part of its residences on Saadiyat Beach.
Knight Frank’s 2026 global survey identified nearly 1,800 live and pipeline schemes from more than 200 brands across 90 countries.
The market had 903 schemes at the end of 2025 and is expected to reach approximately 1,088 by the end of 2026.
Based on the identified development pipeline, the global market could approach 1,800 schemes and more than 300,000 units by 2031.
Growth Spreads Across the Region
The expansion is also reaching other major Middle Eastern markets.
In Jeddah, Four Seasons is planning a hotel and 64 branded residences at The Corniche, while Raffles Jeddah is expected to include 120 branded homes.
Other brands, including Trump Organization, Mandarin Oriental and One&Only, also have projects in the regional pipeline.
Knight Frank said buyers across the region are becoming more focused on factors including location, home quality, services and how a development fits their lifestyle, alongside the strength of the brand itself.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
