Americans Flock to Dubai’s Branded Residences, Lured by Luxury Living and the Golden Visa

The lure of luxury is stretching beyond the borders of the United States as more and more Americans are looking abroad for upscale real estate investments—and its driving developers to tap into the market.

As the saying goes, “Build it, and they will come.” This has proven to be the case in Dubai, where branded residences have been sprouting up over the past two decades. Armani Residences opened in 2010 and was among the first to tap into the market.

By 2031, Dubai is slated to have 140 branded residence projects, according to Arabian Business.

High-end brands such as the Four Seasons, One & Only, and the Ritz-Carlton have all built luxury high-rises in Dubai. Now, Mr. C Residences, from the owners of Cipriani brands, is putting down roots, too.

“Dubai’s success is the result of deliberate vision. Over the last two decades, its leadership has cultivated an environment that attracts global capital through world-class infrastructure, investor protection, and ease of ownership," Andrew Cummings, head of residential agency at Savills Middle East, tells Realtor.com®.

Branded residences in Dubai make up about 2% of the residential market, according to Knight Frank, but it’s the volume in sales that's quite astonishing, taking into account the competition. Residences $10 million or more totaled over $2.5 billion in transactions in Q2 2025.

Knight Frank’s research also saw a shift in trends in the $10 million-plus segment—for the first time since Q2 2023, apartments outpaced villas, with 80 apartment sales, compared to 63 villas. In total, there were 143 luxury deals in Q2 2025.

It’s this residential market that high-end brands are tapping into.

High in the sky

Mr. C Residences will offer downtown Dubai living—with two- to four-bedroom units offering both city and sea views.

Everything will be at one’s fingertips: butler services, rooftop pool, private movie theater, wellness spa, golf simulator, and private dining—if you don’t feel like cooking at home.

“Downtown Dubai represents the pinnacle of cosmopolitan living, a place where the city’s pulse meets understated exclusivity. Rising along Sheikh Zayed Road with panoramic views of both the Burj Khalifa and the ocean, Mr. C Residences Downtown offers that rare balance between waterfront serenity and urban vibrancy," says Cummings.

"Residents are surrounded by the best of Dubai, from the Dubai Mall and Opera District to the city’s top business and cultural destinations all within minutes. It’s European glamour in the heart of Dubai: a curated downtown lifestyle where every detail exudes elegance," Cummings adds.

What makes this luxury tower even more exclusive—only 22 residences will be offered—spread throughout a 71-story high-rise. Every detail is promised to be of the utmost quality: Calacatta marble, chandeliers handcrafted in Venice, and top-of-the-line appliances.

The Golden Visa

Americans or others investing in Dubai are automatically granted a perk: a Golden Visa.

The Golden Visa allows for long-term residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s available to investors, entrepreneurs, and eligible professionals, allowing them to live and work in the country for 10 years.

Approximately $280,000 for investors aged 55 and over is needed for a five-year visa, or approximately $545,000 for investors of any age for a 10-year visa.

In order to qualify for a Golden Visa an approved independent valuation is needed toward the application process. A person who’s then granted a Golden Visa can sponsor family (spouse, children or any domestic workers).

“The 10 year Golden Visa has been a powerful catalyst for international investment, particularly from North America. By offering this visa with a property purchase of just $545,000, it provides long term stability and the freedom to live and invest in Dubai without the traditional constraints of short term residency," says Cummings.

But there are rules to the Golden Visa. Compared to other visas, UAE Golden Visas allow people to live in and travel freely in the UAE. A person who is granted one is allowed to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency eligibility.

This has proven key to Americans investing in Dubai.

“At Savills, we’ve recorded a 30 percent increase in American buyers year on year, many of whom are drawn by Dubai’s transparent ownership laws, tax advantages, and high returns often between 6% and 8% net ROI in the rental segment. The Golden Visa has transformed Dubai from a short-stay destination into a city where people build their future," Cummings adds.

Investing in residences at Mr. C’s is expected to start around $2.2 million. It’s not yet available to move in, but the ultraexclusive tower will be completed in December 2026.

“Today, Dubai ranks as the No. 1 global city for US $10 million-plus transactions, with prime residential prices up 15% year on year. Investors are confident not only in the city’s returns but in its quality of life,  safety, and connectivity," Cummings says.

Luxury real estate agent, Suzanne Miller, isn’t surprised so many Americans are looking abroad to live. But why Dubai?

"They like the luxury, they like the safety, and they feel like their money is going to a good spot," says Miller tells Realtor.com.

The long-time New Yorker has seen the market shift, and now people are ready to invest and expand their real estate portfolio, but she feels there's a primary driver.

"I think safety. I think the fact is the law and order," says Miller. "I think everybody wants safety right now."