Despite the growing interest in luxury brand residences in the UAE, Abu Dhabi remains an attractive destination for investors seeking luxury at more competitive prices, compared to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and even major global real estate cities like New York and London.
Competitive prices in the heart of the capital
Recent data shows that luxury branded residences in Abu Dhabi are currently priced between AED 2,500 and 4,000 per square meter, making them significantly lower than their counterparts in other emirates.Yevgeny Ratskevich, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Real Estate, said that these prices represent a 35% decrease compared to Dubai, while discounts in some ultra-luxury categories are as high as 50%.
Metropolitan Capital Real Estate CEO Yevgeny Ratskevich said.
Ras Al Khaimah approaches Dubai
In contrast, luxury property prices on RAK's Al Marjan Island range from 3,700 to more than 6,000 AED per square meter, representing an increase of nearly 50% over prices in Abu Dhabi.
Also, luxury. The rise is partly linked to the upcoming Wynn entertainment resort project, which has spurred a wave of collaborations between real estate developers and luxury brands.
Standard is forecasting a rise of nearly 50% over Abu Dhabi's Abu Dhabi. Sterling Hospitality Advisors predicts that branded residences will account for 40% of Ras Al Khaimah's total residential supply by 2029, with two-thirds concentrated on Al Marjan Island and the remainder in the Al Hamra and Mina Al Arab districts.
Sterling Hospitality Advisors predicts that branded residences will account for 40% of Ras Al Khaimah's total residential supply by 2029.
Dubai continues to lead
While Dubai still retains its regional and global lead in branded residences, driven by a string of luxury projects, signs of growth in Abu Dhabi are gaining momentum. According to Provident Real Estate, branded residences transactions in Dubai jumped by 50% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year. <But Abu Dhabi now looks like a "smart opportunity" for investors looking for an affordable entry point into the world of luxury real estate. Says Ratskevich: ”Abu Dhabi is a great entry point compared to mature markets like New York or London, especially with Dubai's prices approaching those cities” levels.“
Ratszkiewicz said.
Growth in luxury transactions. Anticipated launch of projects
A report by Metropolitan Capital Real Estate reports that real estate transactions over AED 7 million in Abu Dhabi increased by 5% during the first four months of 2025, reaching AED 6.3 billion.
A report by Metropolitan Capital Real Estate reports that real estate transactions over AED 7 million in Abu Dhabi increased by 5% during the first four months of 2025, reaching AED 6.3 billion. In 2025, 25 new internationally branded projects are expected to be announced in Abu Dhabi, compared to a limited number in the previous year, indicating the growing interest of local and international developers in this specialized category of real estate.
During the first four months of 2025, real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi increased by 5% to AED 6 billion.
A rising market with global potential
With current prices and optimistic projections for future launches, experts say Abu Dhabi is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the most attractive luxury housing markets in the region.
With current prices and optimistic projections for future launches, Abu Dhabi is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the most attractive luxury housing markets in the region. <”The combination of competitive pricing and growing demand, coupled with a stable regulatory environment and government incentives, makes Abu Dhabi a promising market with a strong future in branded luxury real estate," concluded Ratskevich.
