Dubai’s branded residences have transformed from a niche market to a globally recognized asset class, solidifying their position as a cornerstone of the city’s luxury real estate sector. As of the first half of 2025, the emirate boasts an impressive 48,474 branded units across 144 developments, with 12 new projects adding over 5,500 units in just six months. This growth has propelled Dubai to the forefront of the branded residential market, surpassing traditional luxury hubs such as Miami, London, and New York. Despite a slight decline in transaction volume, the total value of branded residence sales surged by 37% year-on-year, driven by demand for ultra-prime properties and larger investments. These residences command an average price premium of 40–60% over non-branded units, with flagship developments like Bugatti Residences fetching up to 160% more. Dubai’s appeal to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), its tax-free environment, and long-term residency incentives have fueled this growth. Over 9,800 millionaires are expected to migrate to the UAE in 2025 alone, further boosting demand for homes that blend five-star hospitality with residential comfort. The recent launch of Hilton Residences Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) by Emirates Developments and Hilton exemplifies this trend. The 38-floor tower offers 396 units, including studios, apartments, and exclusive sky villas, all infused with Hilton’s renowned service and lifestyle programming. Johnathan Wingo, Global Head of Real Estate & Residential Programs at Hilton, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, ‘We are proud to bring our century-long legacy into Dubai’s thriving residential market, offering residents a lifestyle experience on par with the world’s finest destinations.’ Located in JLT’s Cluster F, the development places residents at the intersection of Dubai’s cultural, financial, and leisure hubs. Its architecture, described as a ‘vertical sculpture of glass and light,’ mirrors the city’s elegance, while interiors draw inspiration from desert hues and evening calm. Abduljbar Elnatour, Commercial Director at Emirates Developments, highlighted the project’s unique appeal, stating, ‘We bring the dream of living in a hotel to the heart of Dubai.’ The branded residence model is also evolving, with standalone projects—those not linked to operating hotels—now accounting for one-third of completed developments in Dubai. This shift offers developers greater flexibility and buyers more privacy while maintaining brand prestige and premium services. Looking ahead, Hilton plans to expand its footprint across the UAE, with Dubai potentially becoming the first city to host all twelve of its branded residence brands. With robust investor appetite, rising premiums, and a pipeline of over 140 projects slated for delivery by 2031, Dubai’s branded residences sector is not just growing—it’s setting the global standard.
Dubai’s branded residences boom: Sector matures with 48,000+ units and rising global prestige
