Dubai remains the world's largest branded residences market, with 175 schemes, according to Knight Frank's The Residence Report 2026-27.
The emirate's total comprises 68 live projects and 107 in the pipeline, more than double second-placed Miami on 73 and almost six times London's 30. The UAE now accounts for 19% of the global branded residences development pipeline, with Knight Frank verifying close to 1,800 live and planned schemes from more than 200 brands across 90 countries.
Non-hotel brands already make up 42% of Dubai's schemes. Growth is also spreading across the UAE, with Abu Dhabi's expansion underpinned by its rising role as an international centre for wealth management and financial services, while Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Jeddah each draw different buyer profiles seeking primary homes, investments, lifestyle purchases or second residences.
Separately, Morgan's International Realty data shows Dubai's branded homes commanded a 56% price premium over comparable non-branded properties in H1 2026, well above the global range of roughly 30% to 35%.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer