Dubai retains its leadership position in the global branded projects market, according to a Knight Frank report

Dubai consolidates its leading position as the world capital of branded residential projects, concentrating a total of 175 – both already completed and under construction.

According to the Knight Frank report (The Residence Report 2026), the UAE market generates nearly one fifth (19%) of all planned branded projects worldwide. More broadly, the Middle East region holds 20%, as well as 25% of future projects in the sector.

Knight Frank's market research covers over 200 brands in 90 countries and identifies nearly 1800 projects globally. By the end of 2025, completed complexes numbered 903, with construction rates forecasting growth to nearly 1088 developments with over 170,000 residential units by 2026. Here is more useful information:

Global dominance and distance from direct competitors

With a total of 68 completed projects and another 107 under construction, the emirate has more than twice as many such projects as second-ranked Miami (73 projects). The global top five also includes New York (38), Phuket Island (35), and London (30).

UAE captures leading positions: The rise of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah

The United Arab Emirates features three destinations in the global top 10 for planned branded projects, with a combined volume reaching 149 – Dubai contributes 107, Abu Dhabi adds 19, and Al Marjan Island – 23.

Abu Dhabi, ranked 8th globally, has 24 projects – 5 completed and 19 under construction. Demand is supported by strong investor interest – an example is the fully sold-out residences at Hudayriyat Golf Estates – 1700 homes worth about $3.5 billion – sold out within days. Henry Fohn, head of Knight Frank’s Private Office for the Middle East, described Hudayriyat Golf Estates as a project offering freehold ownership, high quality, and government support. Fohn added that these features give buyers confidence to make purchase decisions.

Knight Frank also notes that in 2025, 55% of branded projects in the UAE will be located outside traditional urban centers. Resort destinations like Al Marjan Island are part of this offering profile, alongside established urban markets led by Dubai.

Although hotel chains continue to hold the leading share of branded complexes (about 70% of completed complexes are in the hospitality sector), the share of non-hotel brands is rapidly increasing, reaching nearly one third of the global market. In the Middle East, this diversification is particularly pronounced: in Dubai, 42% of branded projects are not tied to hotel operators, and on Al Marjan Island this share exceeds 52%.

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