Branded residences have always held immense appeal for luxury home buyers and are only growing in popularity. In Dubai, there has been over 400% growth in the branded residences sector since 2014, with the number of projects in the city more than doubling between 2019 and 2024. The backing of a reputed brand adds tremendous value to any residential development as buyers can be assured that certain standards will be met, whether it is in the quality of the construction, the timely delivery of projects, or the level of services that will be available to residents. Since the early 90s, hotel apartments have attracted the attention of long-term business travellers. With the advent of freehold property purchases in Dubai, hotel brands found a prime opportunity to develop residential projects that would offer all of the services that their clients knew and loved.
With the growing popularity of this sector, lifestyle brands from industries as diverse as fashion and automotive have also entered the real estate market and found great acclaim. Here are some of the best branded residences in Dubai, which offer both a hospitality and residential component.
Four Seasons Private Residences
One of the world’s leading hospitality brands, Four Seasons has properties on every major continent. In Dubai, the hotel has long been a presence along Jumeirah Beach Road and is also a key part of the five-star hospitality offering in DIFC.
The Four Seasons Private Residences, which provide all of the exceptional amenities of the brand in stylish residential complexes, are a natural addition to the city’s landscape. The first of these, located along the Dubai Water Canal in Jumeirah, was opened in 2022 and a new project in DIFC is currently under development. Both of these projects feature a dramatically different design from their hotel counterparts and have a very limited number of units.
The DIFC project, being designed by renowned British architect Sir David Chipperfield, is made up of four towers united by a raised podium that will be centred on a pedestrian plaza. There are only 59 residences, including 2 exclusive penthouses. Contemporary furnished interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows are par for the course, with incredible views over the surrounding cityscape.
An amenities deck will be located on level 12 of the project with an extensive range of leisure and wellness options, but the hallmark of Four Seasons is its personalised service. A specially appointed Director of Residences will work alongside a handpicked team to ensure that even the minutest needs of residents are being met. Concierge services are available around the clock, and other a la carte options include personal training and childcare services.
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Armani Residences
When the Armani brand decided to expand into the world of luxury hospitality and real estate, Dubai seemed like the perfect setting to do so. The very first Armani Hotel & Residences in the world opened at the Burj Khalifa in 2010 and found international acclaim, leading to a growth in lifestyle offerings by Armani. The hotel features a very understated aesthetic with a high-contrast palette offset by elegant neutral fittings.
Staying at Armani, guests and visitors are treated to a full suite of impeccable services and enjoy access to world-class facilities such as the Armani Spa and five signature restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Armani Ristorante.
Owing to its immense popularity, a second Armani project has been launched in Dubai. The new project, known as Armani Beach Residences, is located on Palm Jumeirah and will be an incredible addition to Dubai’s coastal offerings. The project is being designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, whose minimalist sensibilities are an ideal fit for the Armani aesthetic. All of the interior furnishings will be from the Armani/Casa collection.
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Bulgari Residences
In 2004, the Bulgari jewellery brand launched its first branded hotel in the heart of Milan, bringing its exquisite sense of craftsmanship to high-end residential spaces. A total of 9 hotels have opened around the world since then, all located in major cities, with another 3 projects in the pipeline. Bulgari Resort & Residences Dubai, which opened at the end of 2017, has become one of the most popular hotels in the city. This is partly due to its unique location on the seahorse-shaped Jumeirah Bay Island, but mostly as a result of the incredible experience that it provides.
Taking inspiration from its waterfront location, Bulgari Resort & Residences embodies a sophisticated nautical theme, incorporating coral-shaped shades that wrap around the facade of the building. Both the hotel rooms and the residences feature exquisite interior design with wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and innovative elements such as full home automation. Many of the units also have wraparound balconies, allowing sweeping views of the sea and Dubai’s vibrant skyline.
As expected from a branded property of its calibre, the Bulgari Residences provide a complete range of bespoke services and access to exceptional facilities including the Bulgari Yacht Club and Marina. Both residents and guests can also experience the best of fine dining at Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, one of a small handful of two Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.
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Baccarat Residences
Baccarat is a brand with an incredible legacy that can be traced back to King Louis XV of France, who authorised the founding of the first Baccarat glassworks. The brand has developed a stellar reputation for its fine glass and crystalware, further expanding into the world of fashion accessories and perfumes. In the early 2000s, the first Baccarat Hotel opened in Manhattan, taking the brand in a new direction. This was shortly followed by the opening of another residential project in Miami and for more than 15 years there were no other Baccarat branded properties in the world, until the launch of the Dubai project in 2023.
Baccarat Hotel & Residences boasts a very prime location in the vibrant Downtown Dubai, placing it at the heart of leisure and entertainment in the city. The twin-tower project will have a crystalline facade that is reflective of the intricate glassware the brand is known for. The interiors will showcase beautiful contemporary design that uses cool neutral colours accentuated by the signature Baccarat red. Naturally, crystal lighting and ornamentation will be an integral part of the design.
Residents will have access to the facilities and amenities of the Baccarat Hotel, and will also benefit from unique services including 24-hour concierge, housekeeping, and more.
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One&Only One Za'abeel
The One&Only Resorts are part of a highly renowned global hospitality chain that also includes the Atlantis resorts under its umbrella. In Dubai, One&Only has an esteemed reputation for the level of service and the guest experience that it provides.
One&Only One Za’abeel is the third Dubai property of the brand and is characterised by a few key distinctions. It is the only property to not be located by a beach – instead, it sits right in the heart of the city and only a few minutes from the central business district. It holds the record for the world’s longest cantilever, and it also hosts the first One&Only Private Homes in the city.
The Private Homes are the most exclusive offering from the One&Only brand and are only available at select locations. These homes feature a beautiful sense of design and, due to their location in the city, enjoy the most spectacular views across the city.
Residents of the Private Homes enjoy an excellent assortment of amenities located along The Link, an exceptional cantilever structure that connects the two towers of the projects. They also enjoy bespoke services and have privileged benefits at all global hotels that are part of the Kerzener group.
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Final Take
Dubai’s branded residences are more than just homes; they are a lifestyle statement. They represent the pinnacle of luxury living in the city, complemented by the strength of globally renowned brands. As the demand for branded and hotel apartments in Dubai, and around the world, continues to multiply, we can expect to see more such projects being launched.
