The Ultimate Guide to Penthouse Apartments for Sale in Dubai - 2025 Edition

Dubai's skyline has long been associated with extraordinary achievements, but the ultra-prime real estate market has reached record-breaking heights over the past eighteen months. In September 2024, the emirate recorded its highest apartment sale to date when a five-bedroom home at One at Palm Jumeirah sold for AED 275 million, solidifying Palm Jumeirah's status as the epicentre for trophy penthouse transactions. In April 2025, another significant milestone was reached when the final two sky villas at Bulgari Lighthouse on Jumeira Bay Island were sold for a combined total of AED 282 million, with the more expensive villa setting a new record at AED 146 million.

Why demand is soaring for Dubai penthouses in 2025

Three key factors are driving the boom in Dubai's penthouse market. First, branded residences worldwide typically command an average premium of 30 per cent, but in Dubai, this can rise to as much as 102 per cent. Wealthy buyers are willing to pay more for hotel-quality services, exceptional design, and the associated prestige. 

Second, any property purchase above AED 2 million grants the buyer a ten-year Golden Visa, making residency easier for global investors. 

Third, the supply of luxury properties is minimal. Many iconic towers feature only one full-floor residence, ensuring scarcity is a fundamental aspect of the market from the outset.

Meet the eight penthouses everyone is talking about

Burj Khalifa “Sky Palace”, Downtown Dubai

Situated on the 107th and 108th floors of the world's tallest tower, the Sky Palace covers approximately 21,000 square feet and is priced at around USD 49 million. This duplex serves as a blank canvas, complete with a private indoor pool and a dedicated elevator, allowing the future owner to design a one-of-a-kind living space high above the clouds. Despite the steep price, there has been significant interest from sports stars and tech founders who view this prestigious address as a valuable long-term investment. It's essential to note that service charges in the Burj are approximately AED 72 per square foot annually, the highest in Dubai; therefore, buyers should factor this into their budget early on. 

One at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection

This 25-story landmark on the left trunk of the Palm Jumeirah still holds the title for the most expensive apartment sale in Dubai. Its flagship penthouse occupies over 31,000 square feet and features wraparound terraces with private infinity pools. Residents enjoy the benefits of Dorchester concierge services, equivalent to those of a five-star hotel. Resale asking prices are currently above AED 200 million, and historical data indicate that record transactions in this area often reset the value of properties along the entire shoreline.

Atlantis The Royal Triplex, Palm Jumeirah

When the Royal opened in early 2023, its triplex penthouse quickly sold for AED 163 million. Spanning three stories and approximately 25,000 square feet, the residence boasts two private pools and a sky garden inspired by the hotel’s 90-meter sky-bridge pool. Residents also have access to over 40 celebrity chef venues downstairs, offering an unparalleled amenity experience that is unmatched anywhere else in Dubai.

AVA at Palm Jumeirah by Omniyat

With only seventeen residences in the tower, AVA takes pride in its exclusivity. In June 2023, a shell-and-core "mega-penthouse" sold for AED 220 million; the last four-floor residence is listed at approximately AED 250 million. Residents can expect an internal atrium that soars three stories high, a 360-degree infinity pool, and direct access to a private jetty shared with the sister project, One at Palm Jumeirah. 

Bulgari Lighthouse Sky Villa, Jumeira Bay Island

In April 2025, two significant sales brought the Bulgari Sky Villa to the attention of wealth managers. The larger of the two penthouses, which spans 11,657 square feet, sold for AED 146.6 million, demonstrating that Jumeira Bay, often referred to as “Billionaires’ Island,” can achieve prices that surpass those on the mainland. Villa owners can access a Riviera-style yacht harbour, Bulgari Resort amenities, and exclusive interiors designed by ACPV Architects.

Volante Tower Triplex, Business Bay

Unlike the flashy hotel-branded properties on Palm, Volante offers a unique sense of boutique privacy. This fully furnished triplex spans nearly 20,000 square feet and is listed at approximately AED 185 million. The home is spread across three levels, connected by a sculptural staircase. Additionally, the building features a canal-front clubhouse that includes a private cinema, spa, and restaurant, which is exclusively available for just forty-five owners. 

Cavalli Casa Tower Penthouse, Al Sufouh

Fashion seamlessly merges with real estate in this stunning two-level property, featuring Roberto Cavalli prints and jewel-toned marble accents. The largest layout spans 15,300 square feet and is priced at approximately AED 87 million. Handover is expected in late 2025 under a 90/10 payment plan. The entry price below AED 100 million for investors offers an opportunity to experience the premium of branded residences without the high costs associated with properties in Palm. 

Bugatti Residences “Sky Mansion”, Business Bay

Car enthusiasts are flocking to the world’s first Bugatti-branded homes, where each full-floor “sky mansion” features a lift that parks your hypercar next to the living room. Prices start at around AED 130 million and include a Riviera-inspired beach deck, as well as a 70/30 payment plan, with scheduled completion in 2025.

Cost of ownership: the service-charge reality

Maintaining a penthouse in Dubai is quite expensive. In Downtown, the Burj Khalifa sets a high standard with an annual cost of AED 72 per square foot. A 20,000-square-foot duplex means approximately AED 1.5 million in yearly fees. Other prestigious towers typically charge between AED 60 and AED 72 per square foot, and these rates already include expenses for chilled water, concierge services, and reserve funds for building maintenance. Savvy buyers consider these ongoing costs when calculating potential yields, long before finalising their purchase.

Market momentum and exit strategy

During the last quarter of 2024, the Palm Jumeirah recorded over 110 transactions exceeding AED 10 million, with three transactions surpassing the million-dollar mark. This strong demand gives current buyers confidence regarding exit liquidity, especially when acquiring rare full-floor layouts with globally recognised branding. Research from Knight Frank indicates that branded residences achieve an average premium of 30 per cent over comparable non-branded homes worldwide, with some launches in Dubai seeing premiums exceeding double that amount.

Due diligence checklist before you commit

Before transferring a deposit, ensure that any off-plan unit is registered in the Dubai Land Department’s Oqood system and that your sale and purchase agreement meets the Golden Visa threshold. If you’re purchasing a ready unit, particularly a shell-and-core space like the Sky Palace, consider hiring a professional snagging team to document the fit-out allowances. Lastly, review the brand management contract carefully; if the operator leaves in the future, you will want guarantees regarding service continuity and rights.

The bottom line

Whether you are looking for a blank-canvas duplex half a kilometre above Downtown traffic, a Riviera-themed sky mansion with a private car elevator, or an invitation-only oasis on "Billionaires' Island," Dubai's penthouse apartments for sale are more diverse and sought after than ever. Each residence highlighted here offers investment-grade scarcity, world-class design, and the prestige of an address intertwined with the city's global narrative.

Please reach out today if you would like a personalised shortlist, discreet viewing schedule, or the latest price sheet. Our ultra-prime advisory desk monitors every new release and can arrange everything from private jet transfers to escrow-compliant payment plans. The next record-breaking sale could be yours to achieve.