The branded residences sector across the Middle East continues to gather momentum, with Dubai and the wider Gulf emerging as key drivers of global expansion, according to Savills Global Residential Consultancy’s Branded Residences 2025/2026 report.
Savills analysis shows that the Middle East & North Africa region has recorded one of the fastest growth rates worldwide over the past five years, rising by 187%, supported by strong development pipelines across Dubai and the wider Gulf. Globally, the number of branded residential schemes is expected to reach 910 by the end of 2025, representing 19% year on year growth, with more than 220 new projects added to the pipeline in 2025 alone. Within MENA, Dubai alone accounted for 64 completed schemes and 87 in the pipeline.
Dubai continues to cement its position as a global hub for branded residences, ranking as the world’s leading city by number of completed and pipeline schemes. Other Middle Eastern markets are also gaining traction, with Cairo emerging as a growing urban destination and Ras Al Khaimah featuring prominently in the future development pipeline, reflecting rising investor interest in both established and emerging lifestyle-led locations across the UAE and Egypt.
The report highlights that branded residences are increasingly concentrated in internationally connected cities and resort destinations that offer capital security and strong lifestyle infrastructure. The waterfront appeal of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah’s projects, as well as expanding luxury and hospitality offerings, position the UAE and neighbouring Gulf markets alongside mature global gateways such as London, Miami and New York.
Commenting on the regional outlook, Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency, 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.”
Looking ahead, Savills anticipates continued diversification across the branded residential sector, with hotel brands maintaining dominance in delivery while non-hotel brands, including design, fashion and lifestyle labels, steadily increase their market share. The Middle East is also expected to benefit from this evolution, supported by ongoing development activity in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and key regional cities, as well as rising interest from international investors seeking stable, lifestyle-oriented real estate markets.
