Dubai: Branded residences cost 40% more than non-branded properties
According to a study released by Morgan's International Realty, most of the concentration of branded residences is in Downtown (21), followed by Business Bay (17) and Palm Jumeirah (16).
Dubai has 90 branded residences under construction, with 30,384 units expected to be delivered in the coming years, according to the first-half report released by Morgan's.
Around 54 branded projects are already completed, offering a combined 18,100 ready units. Branded residences managed by hotel operators now represent 38 per cent of the total market, showcasing a rising preference among global millionaires for residential privacy paired with five-star service.
'Dubai's branded residences are no longer a niche — they've matured into a globally recognised asset class. This evolution is driven by an accelerating influx of global wealth, a growing demand for lifestyle-integrated living, and the long-term commitment of top-tier developers to design, service, and brand integrity. As these forces converge, Dubai continues to position itself not just as a real estate destination, but as a benchmark for branded living worldwide,' said Elias Hannoush, managing director, Morgan's International Realty.
The first half of 2025 witnessed a defining moment for Dubai's branded residences market, with the launch of 12 new branded projects, adding 5,510 units and bringing the city's total branded inventory to 48,474 units.
The highest price per square foot was Dh18,294, while the most expensive unit was sold for Dh164 million in Jumeirah Asora Bay during the first half of 2025.
In Dubai Marina, a total of 1,320 branded units were sold, with a sales value of $889 million (Dh3.3 billion), while Downtown recorded 773 branded units being sold with a sales value of $1.55 billion (Dh5.68 billion).
Aman Hotels & Resorts made its long-awaited debut in Dubai's branded residences market, instantly becoming the most premium branded property, with an average price per square foot of $3,593 (Dh13,195).
According to Henley and Partners, the UAE will attract around 9,800 millionaires this year, maintaining its appeal among the rich globally. The inflow of these high–net worth individuals is one of the key factors driving demand for branded and luxury property in Dubai.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
19 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE employees can now receive salaries in digital wallets as du launches new platform
Employees in the UAE can now receive their salaries through digital wallets, as the use of this technology has grown exponentially over the past few years. On Monday, the UAE's second telecom operator, du, launched the 'Salary in the Digital Wallet' (SITW) feature, allowing the UAE workforce to receive their salaries directly into their du Pay digital wallets. Through the multilingual du Pay platform, UAE residents can transfer money globally, pay bills, recharge telco accounts, order a debit card, and make card payments. As reported by Khaleej Times, the use of digital wallets is growing in the UAE, especially among expatriates from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and other Asian countries for remitting money to their home countries. Currently, some of the popular digital wallets in the UAE include Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, among others. To receive salaries in their digital wallets, customers will receive a unique IBAN when registering with du Pay. This will empower residents with instant access to their funds through the du Pay mobile application, along with a physical du Pay card for cashless transactions. The company said this digital wallet feature is especially beneficial for residents earning less than Dh5,000 per month, who typically have limited or no access to traditional banking services. Importantly, customers can open a zero-balance account with du Pay. According to Research and Markets, the prepaid card and digital wallet market in the UAE is projected to grow by 12.7 per cent annually, reaching a value of $8.28 billion (Dh30.4 billion) in 2025. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7 per cent, reaching $12.43 billion (Dh45.6 billion) by 2029, driven by increased digital adoption and government initiatives. 'The shift towards digital payment solutions is driven by a growing fintech ecosystem and enhanced payment infrastructure, while the rise of digital wallets is expected to further accelerate financial inclusion,' it said.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Medialinks becomes first MENA digital marketing agency to exhibit at ChinaJoy
In a significant milestone for the Middle East and North Africa's digital marketing industry, Medialinks has become the first digital marketing agency in Dubai to participate in ChinaJoy, Asia's largest gaming, technology, and digital entertainment expo. The Dubai-based agency is showcasing its specialised expertise in mobile app user acquisition, connecting global brands with high-value users. ChinaJoy, held annually in Shanghai, is a premier event that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees and industry professionals from around the world. Medialinks' presence at the expo is a testament to the agency's expanding international footprint and its commitment to bridging the gap between the MENA's burgeoning digital economy and the global market. The agency is focusing on its data-driven strategies for helping mobile-first brands, particularly in the gaming and fintech sectors, achieve scalable and sustainable growth. "Participating in ChinaJoy is a landmark achievement for Medialinks and a proud moment for the MENA's digital marketing community," said Zeeshan Sajid Amin, CEO of Medialinks. "This is more than just an exhibition for us; it's an opportunity to demonstrate that the MENA region's marketing capabilities are not only on par with global standards but are also at the forefront of innovation. We are excited to forge new partnerships and share our insights on acquiring high-LTV users in a highly competitive global market." The agency's core focus at the event was on its unique approach to mobile app user acquisition, which goes beyond traditional methods to deliver measurable business outcomes. Medialinks leverages advanced analytics and performance marketing to identify and acquire high-quality users, ensuring that clients' marketing investments translate into real business growth. Medialinks' historical participation at ChinaJoy signals the increasing integration of the MENA region into the global digital entertainment and tech landscape. By showcasing its expertise on such a prestigious stage, the agency has not only been driving its own growth but also paving the way for other businesses from the region to expand their international reach.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Kotak Mahindra gains SCA approval to launch UAE funds
Kotak Mahindra (International) Limited (KMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, has become the first Indian financial institution to receive approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) of the UAE to conduct investment fund management and portfolio management activities. The licence marks a historic step for both the bank and the UAE's financial sector, opening new avenues for cross-border investment flows and collaboration between the two economies. Kotak Mahindra, one of India's most prominent private sector banking and financial services groups, has a long-established reputation for innovation in wealth management and investment banking. Founded in 1985, the Kotak Group today operates across consumer banking, corporate lending, insurance, asset management, and capital markets. With more than 70,000 employees, it manages assets worth over $100 billion and serves millions of clients globally. Kotak Mahindra Bank itself is among India's most valuable banking institutions, listed on Indian stock exchanges with a market capitalisation exceeding $50 billion. Its international operations include regulated businesses in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Mauritius, and now extend more deeply into the Middle East with the SCA licence. The SCA, established in 2000, is responsible for regulating securities markets, investment funds, and financial services. The licence granted to Kotak Mahindra allows the firm to launch UAE-domiciled funds for retail investors – an important milestone since it will make India-focused investment products more accessible to the UAE's large expatriate community and local investors seeking portfolio diversification. 'This licence is a testament to our enduring commitment to the UAE and our vision of fostering globally integrated, transparent capital markets,' said Shyam Kumar, president and head of Kotak International. 'India's economic momentum continues to attract global interest, and through this licence we are excited to offer UAE investors access to India-focused investment strategies, enabling them to participate in one of the world's most dynamic and resilient markets.' Kotak Mahindra intends to launch funds aligned with its successful UCITS (Luxembourg-domiciled) and India-domiciled strategies, which have attracted strong investor participation globally. The new offerings will cater specifically to the UAE market and are expected to open for subscription in the final quarter of 2025. Analysts note that such initiatives will deepen the financial ties between India and the UAE, two economies already closely linked through trade, energy cooperation, and remittances. Industry experts also see the move as part of a broader trend of Indian financial institutions expanding internationally. As India continues to grow as one of the fastest-expanding major economies – projected by the IMF to grow at over six per cent annually through 2026 – global investors are increasingly seeking exposure to its markets. Kotak's presence in the UAE will give them a direct gateway, regulated under one of the most respected capital market authorities in the region. For the UAE, it underscores confidence in its regulatory environment and its ambition to attract international asset managers to base products locally, according to analysts. The licence adds to Kotak's global footprint, with approvals already in place in India, the US, UK, Singapore, and Mauritius.
