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Home›Luxury Real Estate›Developments and Branded Residences

Luxury Real Estate

Branded Residences in Dubai and the Gulf: Developers and Landmark Homes

Branded residences in Dubai have become the region's signature luxury product: homes serviced to hotel standard and carrying names like Bulgari, Armani and Aman. Here are the off-plan projects and leading developers shaping luxury property from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Riyadh and the Red Sea.

Updated

Presented byThe Founding Partners of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh

Three places for Luxury Real Estate Agencies and three for Developers in each of these Territories, first come, after approval. Become a Founding Partner ›

At a glance

Developments and Branded Residences at a glance

Largest branded market
Dubai, with more branded residence projects than any other city
What you get
Hotel-style service, concierge, design by a luxury house
Typical premium
Branded homes usually sell above comparable unbranded homes
New frontier
Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Diriyah and the Red Sea

Why branded residences lead

Why branded residences lead Gulf luxury property

A branded residence pairs a home you own with the service and design of a hotel or luxury house. Owners enjoy concierge, housekeeping on request, private dining and spa access, and the reassurance of a brand that protects its name. In Dubai the idea has grown faster than anywhere, with projects from fashion houses, jewelers, hotel groups and even carmakers.

Behind every project is a developer, and choosing a developer with a strong delivery record matters as much as the brand. The names below are the region's most established. For agencies that sell these homes see the leading Luxury Real Estate agencies, and for the residency that can come with a purchase see the UAE golden visa and regional programs.

The Downtown Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa silhouetted against a golden sunset across the water from Dubai Creek Harbour.
Photo: SHARON VISHAKHAM · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Leading developers in the UAE

Emaar Properties

Dubai

The developer behind Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate and Dubai Creek Harbour. Emaar's scale and long delivery record make it the benchmark for off-plan projects in Dubai.

Nakheel

Dubai

Creator of Palm Jumeirah and now Palm Jebel Ali, the city's most anticipated waterfront community. Nakheel is part of Dubai Holding.

Dubai Holding Real Estate and Meraas

Dubai

Meraas created Bluewaters, City Walk, La Mer and the ultra-exclusive Jumeirah Bay island, home to Bulgari Resort and Residences. It sits within Dubai Holding's real estate arm.

Omniyat

Dubai

A boutique developer of design-led towers, including The Opus by Zaha Hadid Architects, the Dorchester Collection residences and Aman Residences Dubai. Omniyat works almost entirely at the very top of the market.

DAMAC Properties

Dubai

Known for brand partnerships, from Cavalli to de GRISOGONO, and large communities such as DAMAC Hills and DAMAC Lagoons. DAMAC also builds across the wider region.

Al Habtoor Group

Dubai

A long-established Dubai family group whose Al Habtoor City combines hotels and residences beside Dubai Water Canal. Its projects carry a strong hospitality focus.

Sobha Realty

Dubai

Celebrated for build quality, Sobha controls design and construction in-house. Its flagship is Sobha Hartland beside Ras Al Khor and the new Sobha Hartland II.

Ellington Properties

Dubai

A design-first developer of boutique residences with interiors that feel closer to a hotel than an apartment block. Popular with buyers who care about finish and detail.

Aldar Properties

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's leading developer, behind much of Saadiyat Island and Yas Island, and now active in Dubai too. See Abu Dhabi luxury property.

The glass towers of the King Abdullah Financial District rise above Riyadh under a bright blue sky.
Photo: Ahmed · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Leading developers in Saudi

Leading developers in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

ROSHN

Riyadh, Jeddah and beyond

The national community developer backed by the Public Investment Fund, building master-planned neighborhoods across the Kingdom. See ROSHN communities.

Diriyah Company

Diriyah, Riyadh

Developing the historic birthplace of the Saudi state into a district of luxury hotels, homes and culture around At-Turaif. Residences here carry leading luxury hotel brands. See the Diriyah project.

Red Sea Global

Red Sea coast

Developer of The Red Sea and Amaala, regenerative luxury destinations with resort residences from leading hotel brands. See Red Sea Global.

Qatari Diar

Doha and abroad

Qatar's state-backed real estate company, developer of Lusail City and investor in landmark projects abroad. See Qatar property.

Residential towers, including 23 Marina, rise above rows of moored motor yachts in Dubai Marina.
Photo: Fabio Achilli · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Landmark branded residences

A selection of the most sought-after brands. Check status and availability with the developer; new phases launch often.

Bulgari Resort and Residences Dubai

Jumeirah Bay, Dubai

A private seahorse-shaped island with Italian-designed villas and apartments, a marina and the Bulgari hotel. Bulgari Lighthouse, a residential tower on the island, extends the address.

Armani Residences

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Apartments inside Burj Khalifa styled by Giorgio Armani, beside the Armani Hotel, which reopens in 2027 after renovation. A newer Armani Beach Residences on Palm Jumeirah is designed by Tadao Ando.

Under construction

Aman Residences Dubai

Jumeirah, Dubai

Omniyat's partnership with Aman brings the brand's calm, private style to a beachside site on Jumeirah. Among the most exclusive launches in the city.

Four Seasons Private Residences

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Four Seasons offers residences beside its hotels on Jumeirah Beach and at Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, plus newer projects in the region.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences

Dubai and Riyadh

Marriott's top residential brand has projects in Dubai and in Saudi Arabia, combining classic service with private homes.

Under construction

Six Senses Residences

Dubai Marina and the Red Sea

Wellness-led homes with sleep programs, spa access and sustainable design. Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina is set to be among the tallest residential towers in the world.

To be confirmed

Dorchester Collection Residences

Business Bay, Dubai

Omniyat's tower by Dubai Water Canal brings the Dorchester Collection's first residences in the region, with hotel service from the group's Dubai hotel.

One&Only One Za'abeel and the Royal Atlantis Residences

Dubai

Kerzner's two Dubai icons both include private residences: the Royal Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah and One Za'abeel near Downtown.

To be confirmed

Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis Residences

Dubai and Riyadh

Further hotel brands with residence projects in the region, offering full hotel service at home.

Questions buyers ask

What is a branded residence?

A privately owned home in a building or community managed or licensed by a luxury brand, usually with hotel-style services. Owners pay a service charge for upkeep and services.

Is off-plan property in Dubai safe to buy?

Dubai requires off-plan payments to go into a regulated escrow account, released to the developer as construction progresses. Choosing an established developer and checking registration with the Dubai Land Department adds protection.

Can a branded residence qualify for the UAE golden visa?

Property valued at AED 2 million or more can qualify, including off-plan units, subject to current rules. See our residency guide.

Can foreigners buy branded homes in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia's new law opens designated zones to foreign ownership from 2026, and some destination projects sell resort residences. Check each project's eligibility with the developer.

Register your interest

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Ultra-Luxury Tourism · Stay Here

Stay in the finest

Many of the region's most significant buyers first arrive as guests. Start with the finest hotels, resorts and private villas in the Middle East.

Ultra-Luxury Tourism & Ultra-Luxury Real Estate

Best Luxury Hotels in Dubai and BeyondWhere to stay, what to see and how to get there.Top 25 Luxury Resorts in the Middle EastWhere to stay, what to see and how to get there.The Best Luxury Hotel in Each CountryWhere to stay, what to see and how to get there.Private Villa Rental in Dubai and BeyondWhere to stay, what to see and how to get there.

Three ways to buy

Visit First, Buy from Abroad or Invest as an Institution

Not every buyer arrives on holiday. Whichever way you buy, every buyer is pointed to a licensed Luxury Real Estate Agency or Developer in the Territory.

I. Visit first, then buy

Many buyers discover a place as guests, return to view homes in person and buy on a later visit. Our guides to resorts, flights and cities help plan the journey.

II. Buy without boarding a plane

Many international buyers own before they ever visit. They view homes and projects by video and virtual tour, work with a licensed agency, developer and lawyer, and sign and pay from home, often through a power of attorney where the law allows.

III. Invest as an institution

Funds, family offices and companies buy whole floors, buildings and portfolios. Tell us your mandate and we will point you to developers and agencies with the scale and investor relations to match.

Rules for foreign buyers differ by country and change over time; confirm them with a lawyer before you commit. Leading Luxury Real Estate law firms and lenders, country by country. Register your interest.

Thinking of buying? Tell us what you are looking for and we will point you to the right people.

Register interest

This page is general information to help you start your research. It is not financial, legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, prices and thresholds change; confirm every detail with a licensed adviser and the official authority before you act.

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.

Our Sister Site

Also across the Mediterranean

Many of the region’s leading agencies and developers also work across the Mediterranean, from Greece and Italy to the Riviera and Spain. Our sister site, TheMediterranean.com, has its own Founding Partner program, built the same way: three Agencies and three Developers in each Territory, and never more.

Looking for a home on the Mediterranean? TheMediterranean.com points you to its own Founding Partners.

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