Dubai is now the world capital of branded residences
What the Knight Frank Global Branded Residence Survey 2026 says about luxury branded residences in Dubai, and what buyers should check before they buy.
Close to twenty years advising international investors in the UAE market. I will walk you through the numbers behind Dubai's branded residence boom and what they mean for your decision.
Zeyad
Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, by Meraas.
If you want proof that Dubai has become a global luxury address, look at where the world's brands are building homes. Knight Frank's Global Branded Residence Survey 2026, which tracks nearly 1,800 schemes in 90 countries, ranks Dubai first in the world with 175 branded residence schemes: 68 already completed and 107 in the pipeline.
That is more than twice Miami (73), the second-largest market, and almost six times London (30).
Source: Knight Frank, The Residence Report 2026/27 · Global Branded Residence Survey 2026
Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai coastline at dusk.
Why brands are betting on Dubai
The global branded residence sector has almost tripled in a decade, from 354 schemes in 2015 to 903 at the end of 2025 and is expected to approach 1,800 schemes and 300,000 units by 2031. Within that growth, the Middle East now accounts for 20% of all projects, and Dubai is its clear centre.
It is also one of the most diverse markets. Some 42% of Dubai's schemes carry non-hotel brands, from fashion houses to automotive names, compared with about 30% globally. Buyers here can choose between a classic hotel operator, a designer label or a car marque, each offering a different lifestyle and service model.
Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, Business Bay.
Armani Beach Residences, Palm Jumeirah, by Arada.
Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, Business Bay.
Armani Beach Residences, Palm Jumeirah, by Arada.
Our vision was to lead the trend for luxury branded residences.Muhammad BinGhatti, Chairman, Binghatti Holding, speaking to Luxury Briefing, 2024
What buyers are really paying for
Branded residences usually sell at a premium to comparable unbranded homes. In return, owners expect hotel-grade service, quality control, wellness facilities and easy "lock and leave" living. For international buyers who spend part of the year elsewhere, that convenience is often the deciding factor.
The grand lobby at Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers. Hotel-grade service is what the branded premium pays for.
The spa at Six Senses Residences, Dubai Marina, by Select Group.
The indoor pool at Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.
The spa at Six Senses Residences, Dubai Marina, by Select Group.
The indoor pool at Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers.
Jumeirah Residences Emirates Towers by Meraas, on Sheikh Zayed Road, with Jumeirah hospitality services for residents.
A quick checklist before you buy branded
- How involved is the brand? Knight Frank notes that some schemes simply license a name, while others have the brand shaping design, operations and resident services. The second usually justifies a stronger premium.
- What will service charges be, and what exactly do they cover?
- How long is the operator agreement, and what happens when it ends?
- Who buys on resale? Look at the developer's track record and the resale performance of the brand's earlier Dubai projects.
Aman Residences Dubai, Jumeirah waterfront, by H&H Development.
Six Senses Residences, Dubai Marina, infinity pool.
Aman Residences Dubai, Jumeirah waterfront, by H&H Development.
Six Senses Residences, Dubai Marina, infinity pool.
What I think about this
My advice is to buy the operator, not the logo and pay attention to developer. The name on the tower sells the first unit. The service behind it decides what the unit is worth ten years later.
Buying to live in it
Service matters more than the brand. Visit one of the brand's finished buildings and talk to residents. The service charge is the real price of the lifestyle.
Buying for capital growth
With 107 schemes still coming, you will have choice and competition. Favour brands that run the building themselves and have a resale record in Dubai. A licensed badge alone rarely holds a premium a top hospitality operator that provide amazing lifestyle.
Buying for yield
Ask whether the brand runs a rental programme and what it charges. Net yield after service charges is often lower than an unbranded unit nearby. Run the numbers before the brochure.
The right branded home can be the best property you ever own. The wrong one is an expensive badge.
Ask me to send you
The numbers that are not in the brochure. Tap one and I will send it to you on WhatsApp.
Dubai Marina at night.
The bottom line
With 107 schemes still to come, Dubai buyers will have plenty of choice, and choice means the right selection matters more than ever. Want a shortlist of branded projects that match your budget and lifestyle? Book a consultation call through zeyadeid.com.
Book a call and let's map your position in Dubai branded residences.
Book a 30-minute strategy call to discuss your requirements, investment goals, exit strategy, and to walk you through the branded projects that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Zeyad Eid · Senior Dubai Property Advisor