Marriott International said its Middle East and Africa branded residential pipeline has reached 38 projects, with the UAE accounting for the largest share, as developers continue to target rising demand for high-end, hotel-linked living.
The company’s regional branded residential portfolio now spans six markets, with 11 completed properties and a 59 per cent increase in total developments since the end of 2023, according to Marriott. The expansion highlights the Gulf’s growing appetite for branded residences, where homeowners gain access to hotel-style amenities and property management.
The hotel group said it has signed 13 new residential projects so far in 2025, nearly half of which are standalone developments not attached to hotels. About two-thirds fall within the luxury segment, led by brands including St. Regis, EDITION, JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.
In the UAE, projects under development include The Residences at the Dubai Beach EDITION by Shamal Holding, JW Marriott Residences at Dubai Islands, Affini Tribute Portfolio Residences in Dubai and The Residences at Nasim Al Bahr, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
In Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Residences Al Maryah Island and Seamont Autograph Collection Residences on Al Reem Island have seen strong sales, with several phases selling out shortly after launch. Other regional projects include The Ritz-Carlton Residences Palm Hills in Cairo, The St. Regis Residences Jeddah and Bvlgari Resort & Mansions Abu Dhabi.
By the end of 2025, Marriott expects to open three new developments in the Middle East: JW Marriott Residences New Cairo, Marriott Residences Dubai Business Bay and Affini Tribute Portfolio Residences Dubai, bringing its regional total of open branded residences to 14.
According to Savills, the Middle East and Africa is the world’s fastest-growing region for branded residences, with 270 per cent growth forecast by 2031. The UAE dominates the regional pipeline, led by Dubai, which alone is expected to account for 40 per cent of all MEA branded residential developments by 2031. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah together represent an additional 11 per cent of the UAE’s pipeline.
MENA is on track to surpass Europe by the end of 2025 in total branded residence projects, driven by rapid expansion in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where supply is projected to rise between 800 and 1,500 per cent due to large-scale Vision 2030 investment programmes.
Globally, the branded residence sector has grown from 169 schemes in 2011 to more than 600 today, according to Knight Frank, which forecasts that number will exceed 1,000 projects by 2030. The consultancy also identifies the UAE and Saudi Arabia as the new “centre of gravity” for future pipeline growth, with Dubai ranking as the most active global market, accounting for 61 per cent of off-plan apartment sales in 2022.
Marriott said its regional growth reflects this broader trend as developers and investors increasingly view branded residences as a stable asset class benefiting from long-term hospitality demand and Gulf economic diversification.
