The UAE real estate market is witnessing a remarkable surge, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading the charge as branded residences contribute significantly to a record-setting $16.9 billion in property sales. This growth reflects not just robust local demand but also the increasing allure of luxury real estate in the region, showcasing the vibrant appeal of branded living spaces among investors and high-net-worth individuals alike.
The UAE property market recorded AED 62.1 billion in transactions during April 2025, with branded residences emerging as the sector driving growth across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, noted that these figures demonstrate “growing demand across residential, commercial, and luxury segments,” as the branded residences market becomes “the hottest thing in the UAE’s luxury property sector.”
Abu Dhabi’s branded residences have quadrupled over the past year, with luxury sales reaching AED 6.3 billion in 2024. This growth reflects an increasing demand from investors and high-net-worth individuals who are seeking exclusivity and prestige in their living environments.
Aldar and Emaar at the Helm of Growth
Emaar has positioned itself prominently at the forefront of branded residence development through strategic partnerships with esteemed international luxury brands. Notable projects include Armani Residences, The Address, and Palace Residences, which have become iconic within the UAE real estate landscape.
Continuing its expansion in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills, and the Marina, Emaar’s stock has soared by over 60 percent in the past year, mirroring the company’s success amid record transaction volumes in the branded residences market.
Gilbert emphasized that Emaar is “arguably the biggest beneficiary of the UAE’s real estate upswing,” noting that the company is “everywhere across the skyline in Dubai.”
Aldar, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has announced the launch of Nobu Residences on Saadiyat Island, part of its strategy to emulate Dubai’s branded residence model. The development on Saadiyat Island is evolving into a premium luxury hub, enhancing its status in the UAE’s real estate scene.
Through partnerships with international brands, Aldar continues to solidify its presence in the luxury market. Gilbert remarked, “the growth of branded residences in Abu Dhabi suggests that the capital is catching up to Dubai’s pace, which could allow Aldar to unlock meaningful value for investors.”
Drivers of UAE Real Estate Growth
The remarkable upswing in the UAE real estate market can be attributed to several key factors: population growth, an increase in tourism, economic diversification efforts, and the attraction of international corporations all contribute to this trend, particularly in the branded residences sector.
Gilbert pointed out that the growth “reflects solid fundamentals of robust population growth, surging tourism, ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, and the appeal of the biggest corporate names in the world, underscored by these branded residences.”
Major developers like Emaar, Aldar, and Deyaar are positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for branded projects as Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to draw international capital into their property markets.
As these transaction figures demonstrate, the UAE real estate market is on a trajectory of unprecedented success, reflecting both local and international confidence in its branded residences and the luxury property sector for years to come.