The branded residences sector in the Middle East has seen sharp growth over the past five years, with Dubai and the wider Gulf playing a leading role, according to Savills Global Residential Consultancy’s Branded Residences 2025/2026 report.
Savills said the Middle East and North Africa recorded a 187 percent increase in branded residential developments during this period, making it one of the fastest-growing regions globally. The growth has been driven by strong development pipelines across Dubai and other Gulf markets.
Global pipeline expands
Worldwide, the number of branded residential schemes is expected to reach 910 by the end of 2025, representing a 19 percent year-on-year increase. More than 220 new projects are set to be added to the global pipeline in 2025 alone.
Within the MENA region, Dubai remains the dominant market, with 64 completed branded residence schemes and a further 87 under development.
Dubai tops rankings
The report ranks Dubai as the world’s leading city for branded residences when considering both completed projects and those in the pipeline. Other regional markets are also gaining attention, including Cairo, which is emerging as a growing urban destination, and Ras Al Khaimah, which features strongly in future development plans.
Savills noted that rising investor interest is extending beyond established cities to include lifestyle-led destinations across the UAE and Egypt.
Investor demand trends
According to the report, branded residences are increasingly concentrated in well-connected cities and resort destinations that offer capital stability and strong lifestyle infrastructure. Dubai’s waterfront developments and the growing number of projects in Ras Al Khaimah were highlighted, alongside expanding luxury and hospitality offerings across the Gulf.
These factors place the UAE alongside established global markets such as London, Miami and New York.
Market outlook
Commenting on the findings, Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, said: “Dubai’s continued appeal as a global lifestyle and investment destination is placing it firmly at the centre of branded residential growth.
“We are seeing sustained demand from international buyers drawn by the city’s connectivity, capital security and depth of luxury product, while emerging destinations such as Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi are gaining momentum as developers look to diversify beyond core urban markets. Across the wider Gulf, branded residences are increasingly being viewed as a long-term value play, combining strong lifestyle appeal with resilient investment fundamentals.”
Savills expects hotel brands to continue leading project delivery in the near term, while non-hotel brands such as fashion, design and lifestyle labels gradually increase their presence. Ongoing development activity in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and other regional cities is expected to support further growth, alongside continued interest from international investors seeking stable, lifestyle-focused real estate markets.
