Dubai continues to strengthen its position as the world’s largest market for branded residences, with the UAE now accounting for 19% of the global branded residences development pipeline. According to Knight Frank’s The Residence Report 2026–27, Dubai has 175 branded residence schemes, including 68 currently operational projects and 107 in the pipeline.

Dubai’s branded residence market is significantly larger than other major global destinations. Its 175 schemes are more than twice the 73 schemes recorded in Miami and nearly six times London’s 30 schemes. The figures highlight Dubai’s growing importance in the luxury residential sector, where internationally recognised hospitality, fashion and lifestyle brands are increasingly connected with residential developments.

The UAE’s presence extends beyond Dubai. Abu Dhabi ranks eighth globally with 24 branded residence schemes, of which 19 are currently in the pipeline. Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island ranks ninth with 23 schemes, reflecting the growing role of emerging UAE destinations in the luxury property market.

The wider Middle East is also experiencing strong expansion in branded residences. The region accounts for 20% of all live and pipeline branded residence projects worldwide and 25% of projects currently in the pipeline. This makes the Middle East an important growth market as developers increasingly combine residential property with hospitality, lifestyle and luxury branding.

Buyer preferences are also evolving as the market becomes more competitive. Knight Frank notes that buyers are increasingly looking beyond the brand name and paying greater attention to the quality of the home, location and services offered. This indicates that branded residences are becoming more focused on the overall ownership and lifestyle experience rather than branding alone.

Non-hotel brands are gaining a larger presence across the UAE. They account for 42% of branded residence schemes in Dubai, 38% in Abu Dhabi and 52% on Al Marjan Island. Fashion and automotive names are also expanding into the sector, alongside established hotel groups such as Marriott, Accor, Hilton and Four Seasons.

Globally, the branded residences sector has expanded rapidly. Knight Frank verified nearly 1,800 live and pipeline schemes involving more than 200 brands across 90 countries. The market increased from 354 schemes in 2015 to 903 by the end of 2025 and is expected to reach around 1,088 schemes during 2026, with more than 170,000 units. By 2031, the market could approach 1,800 schemes and more than 300,000 units.

For Dubai and the wider UAE, the continued expansion of branded residences reflects the growing integration of luxury real estate, hospitality and lifestyle concepts. With a substantial pipeline across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE remains a major market to watch as the global branded residence sector continues to expand.