Nearly 20 percent of the company’s recent high-intent buyer inquiries have come from tech entrepreneurs, startup founders, and digital professionals, a new report suggests. According to Elite Merit Real Estate analytics, their preferences are beginning to shape development strategies throughout the city, prompting a significant shift in the Dubai prime real estate market toward smart homes, flexible live-work layouts, and wellness-focused amenities.
New expectations from the buyer segment
This buyer segment brings with it new expectations—favoring properties equipped for flexible living, integrated with smart technologies, and designed to promote overall well-being. Consequently, Dubai’s prime real estate landscape is adapting accordingly, with a growing emphasis on smart homes, hybrid live-work spaces, and wellness-oriented amenities.
Alignment with broader market dynamics
This shift aligns with broader market dynamics. In the first half of 2024, PropTech startups in the MENA region attracted over $200 million in venture capital across 14 deals—surpassing fintech for the first time. This surge in PropTech investment reflects a rising demand for homes that seamlessly blend innovative technology with lifestyle functionality, data showed.
UAE as a leader in PropTech innovation
Moreover, the UAE is home to 55 percent of all PropTech startups in MENA, underscoring its position as a regional leader in real estate innovation and its growing appeal to the global tech community. Many of the new buyers are relocating from international innovation hubs such as London, Berlin, Bangalore, and Singapore, drawn by Dubai’s business-friendly environment, tax benefits, and elevated standard of living.
Reshaping commercial real estate with wellness focus
The rising demand for smart, wellness-focused living is also reshaping commercial real estate in Dubai. Buyers and tenants increasingly seek spaces that support hybrid work models and holistic lifestyles—driving interest in properties with built-in home offices, coworking lounges, biophilic design, energy-efficient systems, and wellness amenities like gyms, spas, and outdoor retreats. Simultaneously, corporate developments are evolving to prioritize well-being and flexibility, with smart office infrastructure and human-centric design becoming key differentiators in Dubai’s competitive property landscape.
High demand in key areas of Dubai
The report further revealed that high demand is being observed in areas like Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and wellness-focused branded residences on Palm Jumeirah, where homes combine privacy, smart features, and premium health and lifestyle services. Dubai’s evolving real estate landscape reflects a global shift toward purpose-built environments that integrate technology, sustainability, and lifestyle value in equal measure.
