UAE branded real estate investments surge as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah drive luxury growth

The UAE is consolidating its position as a global hub for luxury living, with branded residences emerging as one of the country’s fastest-growing real estate segments.

According to a new report from CBRE Middle East, demand is being fuelled by strong economic fundamentals, international wealth migration and a rapidly expanding development pipeline across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.

CBRE’s latest UAE Branded Residence Report highlights how branded homes have become a preferred asset class for high-net-worth individuals and internationally mobile investors, offering globally recognised standards of quality, security and convenience.

The trend is underpinned by continued economic growth, rising investor confidence and the UAE’s status as the world’s leading destination for wealth migration.

Branded real estate in the UAE

The UAE economy continues to provide a supportive backdrop for real estate investment, with GDP growth forecast at 5.3 per cent in 2025.

This growth, driven by diversification into non-oil sectors, has coincided with record inflows of high-net-worth individuals, reinforcing demand for premium residential assets.

The report also points to the growing influence of the “Everyday Millionaire” (EMILLI) segment, defined as investors with assets between $1m and $5m.

Branded residences are increasingly attracting both HNWIs and EMILLIs, serving as an accessible entry point into the UAE’s luxury real estate market through trusted brands and comprehensive amenities.

Dubai branded real estate market

Dubai continues to dominate the UAE’s branded residences landscape. During the first nine months of 2025, the emirate recorded a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction volumes and a 51 per cent rise in transaction value.

Investors are paying an average premium of 64 per cent for branded units compared with non-branded properties.

The city’s appeal is driven by brand prestige, lifestyle integration, investor confidence, safe-haven status and tax benefits.

While off-plan sales account for the majority of transactions, ready-to-move branded units remain limited and concentrated in established locations. Looking ahead, Dubai’s development pipeline includes more than 31,000 branded units scheduled for delivery by 2030, accounting for around 8 per cent of total new residential supply.

Abu Dhabi branded real estate

Abu Dhabi is emerging as a major force in its own right, with transaction volumes for branded residences rising 126 per cent year-on-year in 2025.

The segment commands an average premium of 87 per cent in the capital, reflecting both limited supply and strong demand for globally recognised hospitality and lifestyle brands.

Branded residences are expected to account for 18 per cent of new residential supply deliveries by 2029, supported by flagship developments on Saadiyat and Yas Islands.

The future pipeline comprises more than 2,700 branded units across over 20 projects, spanning hospitality and non-hospitality brands, which is set to significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s luxury offering and attract further foreign investment.

Ras Al Khaimah branded real estate

Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing branded residence markets in the UAE, driven by strong economic momentum and a tourism strategy focused on adventure and natural assets. The emirate has transitioned from a value-oriented market to a luxury destination, with the announcement of the Wynn Al Marjan Island acting as a key catalyst.

This shift has triggered a surge in construction activity and a sharp increase in the branded residential pipeline. CBRE notes the growing prominence of non-hospitality branded residences in Ras Al Khaimah, signalling a maturing market with broad appeal to international investors.

Matthew Green, Head of Research at CBRE MENA, said: “Over the past five years branded residences have transitioned from more of a niche offering to a defining feature of the UAE’s luxury real estate landscape. This growth reflects a convergence of global wealth migration, investor appetite for quality and security, and the UAE’s positioning as a hub for ultra-luxury living.

“With an unprecedented pipeline of projects, we expect this segment to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the region’s residential market”.