Qatar’s branded residences developments are starting to become a growing force in the country’s luxury real estate sector, supported by a booming real estate market, economic strength, strategic development, and a thriving tourism sector.
Branded residences are residential private homes with hotel style management facilities and services, branded with the finest names in hospitality and luxury industries, they attract international property investors seeking high returns and an exclusive lifestyle.
Qatar currently has 15 branded real estate developments (both completed and pipeline) sitting in 5th position in The Middle East & Africa, The UAE leads thanks to bustling activity from Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco complete the top 5.
In terms of numbers Qatar has a long way to go to become a branded residences hotspot, when compared to say Dubai with 160 projects, however this shows how much potential the country has for growth.
In terms of cities Doha is in 4th position in the region, behind, Dubai, Cairo, and Riyadh.
The Middle East & Africa is expected to see an uplift in projects by as much as 270% over the next 5 years, according to Savills, and we expect Qatar to be one of the countries leading this growth.
This article explores how branded residences in the country are slowly beginning to see strong market growth, and how they are being driven by strong tourism, continued infrastructure development, and overall investor confidence for the country in 2025 and beyond.
Economic and Cultural Drivers of Qatar’s Branded Residences
Qatar’s economy, has a GDP per capita of $69,000 USD (QAR 251,160), among the highest globally.
This wealth draws high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and international property investors to the luxury real estate sector in the region. Vision 2030, Qatar’s diversification strategy, allocates billions to real estate, tourism, and hospitality, creating a foundation for Qatar’s branded residences.
Projects like the $15 billion USD (QAR 54.7 billion) Msheireb Downtown Doha, a sustainable urban hub, enhance luxury property appeal.
Qatar’s location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, paired with Hamad International Airport’s connectivity, positions it as a global hub.
The Pearl Qatar is a man-made island near Doha’s prestigious West Bay District. Featuring Mediterranean style yacht-lined marinas, residential towers, villas, and hotels, the area also offers a luxurious shopping experience with premium designer boutiques and showrooms.
The Island is also home to modern dining spots, from refreshing ice creams to five-star culinary experiences, and stands out for its pedestrian friendly squares and plazas along with its wide range of landscaped gardens.
The Pearl is a popular visitor attraction by virtue of its elegance, inviting descriptions such as the ‘Arabian Riviera’.
Cultural landmarks, such as the Museum of Islamic Art and the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, attract affluent visitors and new residents, which is boosting demand for both traditional luxury properties and branded homes.
Tourism Growth in 2025
According to Qatar National Tourism Council Qatar is seeng incredible growth in 2025, In Q1 2025, the country welcomed over 1.5 million international visitors, a 25% increase from 2024’s record-breaking 5.08 million, with projections estimating 5.3 million arrivals for the full year, a 3.5% rise.
Key market highlights include:
- Source Markets: GCC countries contributed 41% of visitors, led by Saudi Arabia, followed by India, the UK, Germany, and the US, with 59% from other international markets.
- Travel Modes: In 2024, 56% arrived by air, 37% by land via the Abu Samra border, and 7% by sea, with the 2024/2025 cruise season expecting over 430,000 passengers across 95 ship calls.
- Hospitality Performance: The sector recorded 10 million room nights sold in 2024, exceeding the 8.8 million target, with a 77% occupancy rate in 2024 and 71% in Q1 2025, supported by over 40,000 hotel keys.
- Economic Impact: Tourism spending reached QAR 40 billion (USD 11 billion) in 2024, up 38% from 2023, with ambitions to triple visitor numbers and boost tourism’s GDP contribution to 10-12% by 2030.
Growth in Qatar’s Luxury Real Estate Market
Qatar’s luxury real estate market is projected to reach $1.45 billion USD (QAR 5.28 billion) in 2025, with a 6.16% CAGR through 2030.
HNWIs drive demand, with 35% targeting Lusail, The Pearl, and West Bay. Lusail’s Marina District, with waterfront and yacht facilities, attracts 71% of HNWIs with budgets averaging $1.8 million USD (QAR 6.55 million).
Sales data shows strong activity. From May 25 to May 29, 2025, transactions totaled QAR 948,988,281 ($260.7 million USD), with residential units at QAR 132,983,443 ($36.5 million USD).
From June 1 to June 5, 2025, sales reached QAR 911,760,894 ($250.5 million USD), with residential units at QAR 99,348,178 ($27.3 million USD), surpassing QAR 1 billion ($274.7 million USD) weekly.
Transactions spanned Doha (45%), Al Rayyan (20%), Lusail (15%), The Pearl, and Al Wakrah.
Foreign ownership reforms, allowing 100% ownership in The Pearl and Lusail, and a tax-free environment enhance returns.
Q4 2024 recorded 294 mortgage transactions worth QAR 24.8 billion ($6.81 billion USD), up 168% year-on-year.
Developments like Gewan Island, a new mixed-use entertainment and residential island located 350 metres offshore of Doha’s West Bay Coast, offers residential, retail, schools, and wellness facilities, catering to community focused residents.
Qatar’s Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) relies heavily on the real estate sector. The goal is to make Qatar more attractive to investors and businesses.
It aims to create a welcoming environment for both investors and skilled workers and to prioritise economic sectors and ensure a high quality of life for everyone living in Qatar.
Major Projects Among Qatar’s Branded Residences
Qatar’s branded residences, partnered with hospitality and fashion brands, deliver high end living, they include both hotel branded residences and standalone residences. You can read more about branded residences with out Ultimate Branded Residences Guide 2025.
Some key projects include:
Les Vagues Residences by Elie Saab: On Qetaifan Island North, phase one offers 86-389 sqm residences (one- to three-bedroom units), completing in Q3 2026. Designed by Elie Saab, it features Calacatta marble, a 7 km beach, a fitness center, a yacht marina, and private terraces. There are 3 different with each development offering different room types and facilities.
The interiors at Les Vagues offers a spectacular grace where shapes and colors blend harmoniously. Shades of creams and grey, metals with shiny finishes, bronze, marble and premium stone, are considered with a level of exquisite craftsmanship rarely seen.
One that leaves a lasting impression of refined elegance, one that could only come from the world’s leading haute couture designer ELIE SAAB.
Read more about Les Vagues developed by DarGolbal
The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island:
The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island consists of 1 to 4-bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses. Each offer an elegant, classical design but with modern undertones which create a contemporary feeling.
Each residence offers a spacious living area, dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen with breathtaking views overlooking the surrounding marina.
In The Pearl’s Porto Arabia, this project includes 365 branded residences. This exquisite destination consists of The St. Regis hotel along with the first of their kind St. Regis branded residences available for sale in Qatar and exclusively selling through Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty.
Fairmont Residences Lusail & Raffles Hotel & Residences: In Lusail’s Marina District, this 200-unit project (100-450 sqm apartments) completes in Q4 2025. Co-located with a Fairmont hotel, it provides marina views, a spa, concierge services, and proximity to Lusail Stadium. 50% Asian and GCC buyers. Katara & Accor partnership expands with signing of First Fairmont & Raffles Lusail Hotel & Residences in Qatar.
Raffles Hotel & Residences, Lusail, is a six-star ultra-luxury property within the iconic Katara Towers, designed to resemble Qatar’s crossed scimitar swords. Located along Lusail Marina Promenade, it features 132 opulent suites and 49 branded residences with stunning Arabian Gulf and Doha skyline views.
Rosewood Residences Doha: Situated in two striking towers inspired by the coral reefs found in the seas surrounding Qatar, Rosewood Doha and Rosewood Residences Doha will consist of an ultra-luxury hotel with 155 exquisite guest rooms and sumptuous suites, 162 serviced apartments for longer-term stays, and 276 residences available for purchase.
Co-located with a Rosewood hotel, it features rooftop terraces, a wellness center, 24/7 concierge, and private elevators. Rosewood Residences Doha blends high-rise living with world-class interior design and spectacular views over the Arabian Gulf and the dynamic Lusail skyline.
Located in an exclusive tower adjacent to Rosewood Doha, Rosewood Residences are available for extended stays in one, two and three bedroom configurations that offer the ultimate in privacy and sophisticated living, due for opening July 2025.
The Swissôtel Doha Corniche Park Towers Hotel and Residences, a landmark development comprising a 350 room Five-Star luxury hotel and 121 luxury branded residences, all offering unobstructed views of the Arabian Gulf and city old town.
Housed in an architecturally striking tower of 44 floors including 4 podium and Mezzanine levels of luxury retail space and restaurants, interconnected with the 29 floors luxury branded Swissotel Residences
Comparing Qatar’s Branded Residences
Qatar’s branded residences differ in location, amenities, and buyer profiles. Les Vagues by Elie Saab, on Qetaifan Island, emphasizes fashion driven exclusivity, attracting GCC fashion enthusiasts and European HNWIs with its beachfront, marina, and bespoke interiors.
The Residences at The St. Regis Marsa Arabia Island: focuses on hotel backed luxury, ideal for expatriates and investors prioritising concierge services, fine dining, and yacht access.
Fairmont Residences Lusail targets sports and business travelers, leveraging Lusail’s proximity to Lusail Stadium and corporate hubs. Its smaller units (100 sqm) suit younger investors, while larger apartments attract families.
Rosewood Residences Lusail, with its wellness focus, appeals to health-conscious buyers and Asian investors familiar with Rosewood’s prestige.
Lifestyle Benefits of a Branded Home
Branded residences offer residents a premium lifestyle through exclusive amenities and services, and whilst these differ from project to project, what one is normally guaranteed of, is a well appointed, carefully designed, well managed home, due to the association and standards of these world class brands.
For Example: Les Vagues provides access to a private beach, yacht marina, and community events like art exhibitions, fostering a vibrant social scene.
St. Regis residents enjoy 24/7 concierge, in residence dining, and spa treatments, mirroring hotel luxury. Fairmont Lusail offers fitness classes, a rooftop pool, and networking events, appealing to professionals. Rosewood Lusail’s wellness center includes yoga studios and nutrition programs, catering to health-focused residents.
Rosewood Doha has eight different dining options, and complete with bespoke amenities, facilities and services all acessible to residential owners.
These luxury developments also integrate with Qatar’s cultural and leisure offerings, such as The Pearl’s dining scene and Lusail’s waterfront promenades.
Residents benefit from maintenance free, lock and leave living, with professional management handling upkeep, and access to global brand networks, like hotel loyalty programs.
These luxury residential projects create a seamless blend of convenience, exclusivity, and community for residents.
Why Qatar is Attracting International Investors
Qatar’s branded residences offer strong investment benefits. The 44% Middle East price premium, compared to 13% globally, supports higher resale values and rental demand, especially among expatriates.
At the Pearl, branded residences yield 6-8%, outperforming non-branded properties at 4-5%. Qatar’s tax-free environment maximises these returns.
Why Investors Choose Qatar’s Market
Investors are choosing luxury real estate in Qatar due to political stability, booming tourism and tax benefits. Infrastructure investments, like Lusail’s $45 billion USD (QAR 164 billion) smart-city project, Hamad Port ($7 billion USD, QAR 25.5 billion), and the $36 billion USD (QAR 131 billion) Doha Metro, drive appreciation to residential assets .
Vision 2030’s $200 billion USD (QAR 729 billion) in planned projects ensures growth.
Foreign ownership processes are now being streamlined, with approvals in 30 days. Branded residences maintain 85% occupancy vs. 70% for standard apartments, offering steady income.
Qatar’s economic stability, ranked among the top 20 globally, makes it a prime destination for luxury real estate investment.
Tourism Boosts Qatar’s Branded Residences
Tourism supports Qatar’s branded residences. In Q1 2025, 1.5 million visitors arrived, with 36% from GCC countries and 28% from Europe, per Qatar Tourism’s report.
Hotel supply reached 40,787 keys, with five-star hotels at 71% occupancy and QAR 602 ($165.4 USD) average daily rates, strengthening hospitality-linked residences.
In 2024, Qatar hosted 5 million visitors, up 25%, driven by the FIFA World Cup 2022 legacy, Qatar International Food Festival, Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix, and Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition.
The Simaisma Project, an 8 million square meter entertainment district opening in 2027, will attract affluent travelers.
The Pearl Qatar is a fascinating man-made island that sits on four million sqm of reclaimed land. Known for its hotels, variety of charming cafes and restaurants, iconic marina and luxury boutiques, it is a popular residential area, with a lavish community lifestyle.
Visitors staying in luxury hotels contributed around 15% of 2024’s high end property inquiries, per industry data, boosting branded residences demand.
Outlook for Qatar’s Branded Residences in 2025
Competition from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requires Qatar to highlight its tax-free advantage, cultural uniqueness, and Vision 2030 projects.
Strategic development in Lusail and The Pearl mitigates oversupply, with branded residences commanding premium prices and faster sell outs.
Whilst rents have slightly declined this year across the real estate sector, branded residences have remained stable, maintaining an 85% occupancy and higher yields driven by HNWIs and long term expatriates.
Simplified ownership rules and Qatar’s neutral foreign policy enhance foreign investment access.
Qatar’s residential market is projected to reach QAR 245.79 billion ($67.53 billion USD) in 2025, with a 3.18% CAGR through 2029. Tourism will exceed 5 million visitors.
Qatar’s branded residences, aligned with Vision 2030, are poised for growth, the Middle East’s branded residence sector is expected to grow 270% by 2031, and with Qatar’s stability, tax-free returns, and infrastructure, is positioning Qatar as a future potential branded residences hotspot.
Read more branded residences news and industry insight on the BRESI NEWS HUB
