Dubai’s Branded Residences Market Soars in 2025

Dubai’s branded residences market has reached remarkable heights in 2025, showcasing rapid expansion, record-setting transactions, and heightened demand for ultra-luxury living spaces. What once was a niche segment within the premium residential landscape has solidified itself as a major asset class, buoyed by investor-friendly policies, participation from global brands, and an ever-growing appetite for high-end properties.

Significant Growth and Key Milestones

As of the end of 2025, Dubai boasts an impressive portfolio of 166 branded residence projects, providing 51,692 units for discerning buyers. This robust growth mirrors a fundamental shift towards larger ticket transactions, with a notable rise in sales activity above AED 100 million.

Key Numbers (2025)

• Total Projects: 166
• Total Units: 51,692
• Transactions: 12,873
• Transaction Value: AED 79.1 billion (USD 21.36 billion)
• Trophy Transactions (AED 100M+): 22 | Total Value: AED 4.0 billion
• Average Price: USD 1,028/ft² (AED 3,777/ft²)

2025 witnessed the launch of 34 new branded residence projects with a total inventory of 8,607 units, illustrating not just an increase in supply but also a surge in transaction behaviors and capital investments at the upper echelons of the market.

Transaction Trends and Volume Insights

Branded residences maintained robust transaction activity year-over-year, with 12,873 recorded transactions in 2025, marking a 2.1% increase from 2024. In terms of value, the market saw a remarkable 38.0% increase year-on-year, up from AED 57.3 billion (USD 15.47 billion) in 2024 to AED 79.1 billion (USD 21.36 billion) in 2025.

Interestingly, off-plan transactions dominated the market, accounting for about 82% of all annual branded residence transactions, reinforcing the optimistic outlook for future developments in Dubai’s luxurious living landscape.

Rise of Trophy Transactions

One of the standout features of 2025 was the dramatic increase in trophy transactions—those selling for AED 100 million and above.

Trophy Transactions Overview

• 2024: 11 trophy transactions, totaling AED 1.5 billion
• 2025: 22 trophy transactions, totaling AED 4.0 billion

This doubling of transaction volume reflects a significant uptick in ultra-high-net-worth individuals investing in significant branded assets, demonstrating a growing confidence in the luxury market.

Record Sales and Landmark Transactions

The year also highlighted extraordinary sales that turned heads globally. A standout moment was the sale of a penthouse in the Bugatti Residences for USD 149.76 million (AED 550 million), making it the most expensive transaction documented in the dataset, further cementing Dubai’s status as a hotbed for luxury real estate.

Pricing Resilience and Market Dynamics

Pricing trends in the branded residences market demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout 2025. The average achieved price per square foot climbed to USD 1,028/ft² (AED 3,777/ft²), reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.

At the ultra-prime level, some residences reached even higher prices, with notable examples including Atlantis The Royal (USD 4,979/ft²), Jumeirah Asora Bay (USD 4,945/ft²), and Aman Residences (USD 4,718/ft²). These high benchmarks indicate a robust appetite for premium waterfront assets in coveted locations.

Location and Premium Insights

Branded residences consistently command significant premiums over non-branded options, averaging around 43% higher across comparable locations. The highest branded premium was registered on Jumeirah Bay Island, where limited land availability and the exclusive Bulgari offering further drove prices up.

Interestingly, certain areas like Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Islands recorded negative branded premiums compared to non-branded projects, hinting at a more complex interplay of luxury and affordability in these localities.

Emergence of New Ultra-Prime Districts

Location dynamics are evidently shifting within the city. The Peninsula district, home to luxury brands such as Aman, Rosewood, and Capella, has emerged as a new coveted enclave for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. This transformation underscores how certain areas are becoming highly concentrated hubs of luxury residential offerings.

At a citywide level, Downtown Dubai continues to lead as the largest branded residential district, featuring 22 projects, closely followed by Palm Jumeirah and Business Bay, each hosting 17 projects.

For comprehensive insights into transaction data, pricing benchmarks, and district breakdowns, or to delve into the detailed methodology, be sure to explore the Dubai Branded Residences Report H2 2025.