Hilton is set to unveil its inaugural waterfront branded residences in the United Arab Emirates at Dubai Maritime City, as revealed in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. This landmark project underscores Hilton’s ambition to enhance its presence in the branded residential market within this thriving region.
Guy Hutchinson, Hilton’s President for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized that the Hilton Residences Dubai Maritime City marks a significant milestone for the company as it ventures into waterfront residential developments under the Hilton brand. The project will be developed in collaboration with Prestige One Development.
“This is one of two newly signed Hilton-branded residences in Dubai, and it reflects the scale of demand in what is now the number one market globally for branded residential,” Hutchinson noted.
Hilton Expands Branded Homes in UAE
The second project, Hilton Residences Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, is already available for sale, featuring a range of options from studios to four-bedroom apartments, along with sky villas. Sales for Hilton Residences Dubai Maritime City will commence shortly. Unlike typical mixed-use hotel developments, both projects will function as standalone branded residences, with completion expected within the next three to four years.
The Hilton branded residential portfolio encompasses various categories, including luxury, lifestyle, and full-service brands like Hilton, DoubleTree, Curio Collection, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria. Notably, nearly one-third of Hilton’s global branded residential pipeline is currently in the Middle East, with 1,847 units in various stages of development out of a total of 5,700 units worldwide. The UAE alone hosts seven of these projects.
“Dubai has supercharged the branded residential segment,” Hutchinson stated. “Residential demand is so strong here that it is creating new space for branded concepts across all price points.” He highlighted the city’s growing appeal to various residents and international buyers, asserting, “This is now the permanent home of many people. For many different nationalities and cultures, this is one of the amazing aspects of Dubai.”
Hutchinson identified a diverse buyer demographic. “People are looking for primary homes, second homes, and long-term investments,” he remarked. “There is a lot of comfort that comes with understanding that there is a brand associated with it that will bring the right technical specification and standards. People are prepared to pay a premium for those standards.”
Branded Homes Surge Across the Gulf
Hilton is actively pursuing several branded residential projects throughout the UAE. In Dubai, upcoming developments include Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Business Bay, which will be the first standalone Waldorf Astoria residences beyond the United States, alongside Mallside Dubai, part of the Curio Collection, and DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Gardens.
In Abu Dhabi, plans are underway for Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas Island, marking the emirate’s debut for Waldorf Astoria-branded residences, with additional projects planned for Ras Al Khaimah. Moreover, Hilton’s aspirations extend to Egypt with Signia by Hilton Residences Cairo Skywalk.
As the leading market for branded residences, Dubai has achieved 64 completed schemes and has 87 more in the pipeline. According to real estate consultancy Savills, the branded residential sector in the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to grow by over 270 percent by 2031, with Dubai expected to contribute 40 percent of the regional supply.
“The Gulf is going to lead the next global phase of branded residential growth,” Hutchinson reflected. “Dubai has created the proof of concept. The rest of the region is now following.”
Turning to Saudi Arabia, Hutchinson highlighted that Riyadh is poised to become one of the fastest-growing branded residential markets once foreign freehold ownership becomes available to international buyers in early 2026. “Saudi Arabia is only at the starting point of its branded residential journey, but once foreign ownership opens, the market will expand very quickly — Riyadh, Jeddah, and the holy cities will accelerate fastest,” he added.
Hilton has already signed two branded residential projects in Saudi Arabia: Hilton Residences Madinah Knowledge Economic City and Curio Residences OSUS Eye in Riyadh. A specialized branded residential team has been established in Dubai to support partners throughout the Gulf, and Hilton’s extensive regional pipeline features several projects at various stages of development.