Dubai Tops Global Branded Residences Rankings as MENA Sector Expands 187%, Savills Finds

Dubai has emerged as the world’s leading city for branded residences by total number of completed and pipeline schemes, according to the most recent Branded Residences report released by Savills Middle East. The report finds that the Middle East and North Africa region recorded 187% growth in branded residential developments over the past five years, one of the fastest expansion rates globally.

Savills’ analysis shows that Dubai alone accounts for 64 completed branded residential schemes, with a further 87 projects currently in the pipeline, giving the emirate the highest concentration of branded residences worldwide. The report also reveals that more than 220 new projects were added to the global pipeline during 2025 alone, highlighting continued momentum across both established and emerging markets.

Beyond Dubai, other Middle Eastern markets are also gaining traction. Cairo has emerged as a growing urban destination for branded residential development, while Ras Al Khaimah features prominently in future pipelines, reflecting increasing investor interest in lifestyle-led destinations across the UAE and Egypt.

The report notes that branded residences are increasingly concentrated in internationally connected cities and waterfront locations offering capital security and established lifestyle infrastructure, positioning Dubai and the wider Gulf alongside mature global markets such as London, Miami, and New York.

Commenting on the regional outlook, Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency at Savills Middle East, said, “We are seeing sustained demand from international buyers drawn by the city’s [Dubai’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.”