Branded Off-Plan Residences in Abu Dhabi: 2025–2030 Launch Guide

Abu Dhabi's skyline is evolving rapidly. Twenty-five new branded residential projects are set to launch between now and 2030—four times the number introduced just a year ago. Prestigious brands, including Waldorf Astoria and Jacob & Co., compete to secure plots, and early buyers are already experiencing double-digit capital gains from flipping reservations. Oia Properties has exclusive access to every new release. The guide below explains what a "branded residence" truly is, why the capital is so appealing, and, most importantly, how each major project measures up.

What Makes a Residence “Branded”

A branded residence is a home developed in collaboration with a globally recognised name, typically a luxury hotel, fashion brand, or lifestyle label. The brand grants the developer access to its standards, interior designs, and service ethos, while owners benefit from concierge services and maintenance provided by the hotel operator. Additionally, branded residences tend to have a substantial resale value, with studies across the Gulf indicating that branded properties sell for 15% to 25% more than comparable unbranded properties built in the same year.

Why Abu Dhabi Is the Hotspot

Several factors converge:

Culture-led tourism: The Louvre, Guggenheim, and Natural History Museum attract nearly four million visitors annually. Branded residences located within walking distance of these institutions gain instant global recognition.

Investor-friendly regulations: Freehold zones in Saadiyat, Yas, and Al Reem permit 100 per cent foreign ownership, offer long visas, and maintain transparent escrow laws.

Supply-demand gap: Only 3 per cent of branded homes in the UAE are located in Abu Dhabi. As a result, every new launch sees oversubscription, with many instances of sell-outs on the first day.

Benefits of Buying Off-Plan and Branded

Purchasing property during construction allows for a smaller initial investment, usually between 5% and 10% down, along with staged payments that align with the building's progress. This benefit is further enhanced regarding branded properties, as strict quality control is included in licensing agreements. The brand's global marketing efforts also help drive future demand, and the finished units can achieve five-star nightly rates on short-term rental platforms. This is why early Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences buyers are already listing their units at a premium, even before the official handover.

Near-Handover Highlights (2025 – 2027)

Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences – Saadiyat Cultural District

Aldar’s collaboration with the renowned museum is set to launch in December 2025. The residences range from studio apartments starting at 433 square feet to three-bedroom units reaching 1,941 square feet. These homes are designed around art gallery atriums and feature a private sky pool. With cultural attractions outside and concierge services inside, there is already a strong interest in resale among collectors and gallery patrons.

Six Senses Residences – Saadiyat Island (Sold Out)

Six Senses introduced a limited collection of beachfront villas designed explicitly for wellness-focused buyers. Sales were closed as soon as every unit was purchased, showing an early indication of strong demand for ultra-luxury eco-friendly developments. Current owners keep their listings private, so available properties will likely only appear on the resale market.

Nobu Residences – Saadiyat Island

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s first residential project in the Middle East targets food-forward investors: residents enjoy priority restaurant bookings and in-house Omakase catering. Prices opened from AED 8 million with a 10 per cent deposit and a 70/30 schedule to a Q2-2027 handover.

Elie Saab Waterfront – Al Reem Island

Fashion-house interiors, double-height lobbies and a water-taxi pier headline this tower by Ohana Development. Entry starts at AED 1.74 million for a one-bed, with Q1-2027 completion.

Middle-Horizon Icons (2028)

Waldorf Astoria Residences – Yas Island

All 133 apartments sold in under twenty-four hours, generating AED 850 million in sales. Expect handover in late 2028. Early buyers paid as little as 5 per cent on booking and will settle the remaining 95 per cent through a 60/35/5 pipeline, a model likely to set the bar for future Hilton-branded supply.

St. Regis The Residences – Al Maryah Island

Linked by a sky bridge to The Galleria mall, this SAAS Properties tower combines GCC-wide retail with legendary St. Regis butler service. Two-bedroom show units list a Q4-2028 delivery and a 10/50/40 payment split.

Mandarin Oriental Residences – Saadiyat Cultural District

Announced in April 2025, Mandarin’s debut residence adjoins the future Zayed National Museum, echoing its Bangkok and Beverly Hills successes. Handovers are pencilled for 2028, and the launch statement emphasises hotel-level wellness programming embedded in each floor.

Ritz-Carlton Reserve Villas – Ramhan Island

Eagle Hills will build only fifty lagoon-facing villas under Marriott’s boutique Reserve flag, creating perhaps the rarest address in the capital. The opening is scheduled for 2029, but reservation interest lists are already oversubscribed.

The Next Wave (2028 – 2030)

Autograph Collection Residences – Seamont, Al Reem

A AED 1.6 billion joint venture between Royal Development Holding and SAAS introduces Marriott’s creative Autograph label to the capital. The project promises curated art spaces and waterfront boardwalks, with delivery targeted for 2029.

Jacob & Co Beachfront Living – Al Jurf

The jewellery Maison is crafting 457 sea-view homes—from Sky Mansions to beachfront villas—halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Penthouses start at roughly USD 6 million, aligning property value with the brand’s exclusive timepieces.

Brabus Island – Al Seef District, Al Raha Beach

German super-tuner Brabus swaps carbon fibre for concrete, planning 350 apartments and 100 villas across four mid-rise towers on a private island. Completion is estimated for early 2029, and flexible 10-per-cent down plans were publicised at launch.

SHA Residences Emirates – Al Jurf

Wellness operator SHA partners with IMKAN to curate 159 villas and apartments around a medical spa. Every home is designed to integrate circadian lighting, air-quality tech, and bespoke nutrition programmes. The doors are expected to open by the end of 2026.

How to Choose the Right Branded Address

With so many badges on offer, focus on four filters:

Lifestyle fit. Food connoisseurs gravitate toward Nobu; sailing and F1 fans may prefer the Waldorf Astoria, opposite the Yas Marina Circuit.

Timeline. Louvre Residences hand over in 2025—ideal for near-term rental income—while Brabus Island appeals to buyers happy to lock in pricing five years ahead.

Payment comfort. Down-payment thresholds range from 5 per cent (Waldorf) to 30 per cent (some Brabus post-handover deals). Always map cash flow against construction milestones.

Exit strategy. If flipping on completion, pick inventory in buildings with limited supply—Ritz-Carlton Reserve is capped at fifty keys. For long-term yields, dense towers around Saadiyat’s museums offer year-round tenant demand.

Why Partner With Oia Properties

Oia Properties has marketed Abu Dhabi real estate since 2008 and holds preferred-agent agreements with Aldar, Eagle Hills, SAAS and Reportage. Our advisors secure early allocations—often before public launch events—arrange site tours, and manage snagging through handover. We also structure mortgage pre-approvals and furnish properties to each brand’s exacting standards, so investors can list on short-stay portals the day they receive keys.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you want to host Nobu’s Omakase in your dining room or wake up to Waldorf’s pillow-menu service, branded off-plan living is now within reach. Message Oia Properties on WhatsApp +971 50 205 0089, call our sales desk, or drop your details in the enquiry form below. Our team will match you to the perfect launch and guide you from reservation to residency—in plain language, on your timeline, and always brand-approved.