Branded residences are in increasingly high demand across a world that is more connected than ever before, with both individuals and families routinely relocating to new countries that offer more opportunities and a higher standard of living. The presence of a globally recognised brand provides a sense of reassurance for any potential buyers, especially in an unfamiliar locale. They know they will be purchasing a product of high quality backed by exceptional service and without any of the inconveniences that can typically accompany property ownership. The branded residence sector has proven to be so lucrative that several non-hospitality brands have started making the jump to property development and management to align their growth with that of the market. Some of the most noteworthy examples are Armani and Bulgari, both of which marked their residential debuts in Dubai and are now among the city’s most exclusive residences.
Saudi Arabia is an emerging destination for property investment and acquisition, as part of the ongoing Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global economic leader. Some of the leading hospitality and lifestyle brands around the world have taken notice and have staked their claim on prime Saudi real estate, bringing their iconic presence to key cities and mega developments like the Red Sea over the next few years.
Saudi Arabia’s Global Expansion
In March 2016, the Saudi government unveiled Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious project that would be built on three key pillars - a vibrant society emphasising Saudi culture and everyday life, a thriving economy attracting international investment, and an ambitious nation with diverse revenue streams and enhanced public infrastructure.
Growth and reforms in Saudi’s real estate sector were a key part of that vision - in order to effectively drive international engagement with the Kingdom, it would be essential to provide real estate investment opportunities to foreign nationals. To that end, Saudi Arabia has worked to strengthen the market by developing properties that would attract buyer interest and by making legislative changes that would streamline the acquisition process for everyone. As of January 2026, foreign buyers will have complete freedom to purchase property in key cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, and can also buy property in Makkah and Madinah subject to special permissions.
This is the culmination of a global shift that began around 2020, following a shakeup after the initial wave of the Covid pandemic. Middle Eastern markets opened up sooner than their European counterparts, which made the region a more attractive prospect for business operations, relocation, and real estate investment. Cities like Dubai had enjoyed international attention due to record-breaking architectural feats such as the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah, but now there was a prime opportunity for reinvention, driving both sustained investment and population growth. Saudi Arabia, which was already in the process of implementing Vision 2030, was identified as a key market to watch amidst growing demand for real estate in the region.
As a country that was still seen as fairly insular until recent years, Saudi Arabia would need a guaranteed method for capturing the attention of international buyers and building awareness of its real estate potential. The easiest way to do that? Developing residences headlined by internationally renowned brands.
A Branded Residence Boom
In 2024, Dubai was crowned the top city for branded residences in the world, and other emirates in the UAE are starting to establish their own presence with developments like Four Seasons Private Residences at Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Beach and the Wynn on Ras Al Khaimah’s Marjan Island. Saudi Arabia has no intention of being left behind and, at its current pace, may soon outmatch its neighbours in terms of its branded residence offering.
Hospitality brands such as One&Only and Raffles were among the first to launch projects in the Kingdom along with Lebanese fashion icon Elie Saab, following on from his residential ventures in Dubai and London. Riyadh and Jeddah are obvious choices for branded developments, as two of the biggest and most well-known cities. Less obvious is Diriyah, a historical town on the outskirts of Riyadh that is considered to be the birthplace of Saudi Arabia as we know it and has become central to its ambitions for the future.
More recently, The Red Sea, one of the most extensive tourism mega projects in the world, has launched a slew of branded residences from a diverse group of hospitality and lifestyle brands. Over 1,000 properties are expected to be ready by 2030, the vast majority of them branded.
The Most Notable Branded Residences in Saudi Arabia
As highlighted above, Saudi Arabia has ramped up its development of branded residences in a very short span of time, with a new wave of launches expected in 2026. Here are the most distinctive branded residences that are currently being built.
Four Seasons Private Residences Jeddah at the Corniche
One of the newest developments launched in the Kingdom, Four Seasons Jeddah sits along the city’s iconic waterfront and is a gateway to its financial district. Four high-rise towers enclosing a central courtyard give the project a defined silhouette and an imposing presence in the landscape, with lavish waterfalls welcoming you into a space defined by serenity. The interiors, featuring rich oak and marble, immediately create a sense of being home, and the lifestyle is enhanced by the legendary service of Four Seasons.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residence
When it comes to the Red Sea, buyers are spoiled for choice in terms of branded projects. There are a few projects, however, that raise the bar even further in terms of exclusivity, hospitality and lifestyle. Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - one of only 6 such properties across the world - is set on Ummahat Island a few minutes from the western Saudi Arabian coast. It offers just 19 super prime villas encircling a ringed pier that extends out from the island. Residents enjoy a coastal living experience that is comparable to what you might expect in the tropics.
Amaala
This is another part of the expansive Red Sea development which is being developed around a stretch of coastline known as Triple Bay due to its distinct scalloped shape. The first phase of Amaala will contain a community of 11 branded residences, and it is difficult to pick just one to highlight. Four Seasons will establish a presence here, as well as longevity and wellness brands like Clinique La Prairie and Jayasom. Amaala is a destination dedicated to the art of well being, complemented by premium services and a wealth of outdoor activities.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia has taken remarkable strides in positioning itself as a global anchor for investment and lifestyle. Enhancements in infrastructure, strategic legislative changes and a dynamic cultural landscape are the pillars on which it has built its new legacy. Branded residences are a key part of that, enticing buyers from all across the world to invest in recognisable names and inviting them to discover the real treasures of the Kingdom.
