Wellness is the New Luxury: How Dubai’s Real Estate is Evolving Around Wellbeing

In the fast-moving world of Dubai’s real estate, a new blueprint for the future is emerging—one centered not on square footage or skyline views, but on wellness. Once seen as an add-on or a luxury reserved for ultra-high-net-worth buyers, wellness is now becoming a mainstream priority, redefining what homebuyers value in both residential and community living.

Across the city, developers and brokers alike are responding to this shift, creating communities that integrate health, sustainability, and purposeful design. With global lifestyle changes triggered by the pandemic and a growing awareness of the link between environment and well-being, wellness real estate is no longer niche—it’s becoming the standard.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in what homebuyers prioritise,” says Rosa Piro, Senior Business Development Director and Head of Research at Arada. “Wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s now a key factor for a broad spectrum of buyers, including middle-income families.”

Wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s now a key factor for a broad spectrum of buyers, including middle-income families.

Rosa Piro, Senior Business Development Director and Head of Research at Arada 

Arada, one of the UAE’s fastest-growing developers, is betting big on wellness. The company has embedded health-focused living into every aspect of its planning—from walkable master plans and green spaces to amenities that enhance both physical and mental well-being. A testament to this commitment is Arada’s AED1 billion wellness and fitness division, which includes four brands and 15 gyms and studios across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, already serving over 30,000 members.

Piro adds, “We believe wellness real estate will shape the future of how and where we live. We’re preparing to lead this space with both a landmark ultra-luxury wellness development and a large-scale community built entirely around wellness-focused living.”

This trend isn’t just developer-led; it’s being driven by what brokers are hearing directly from buyers. According to Parag Parekh Kumar, Founder & CEO of Property Pro, demand for wellness communities has skyrocketed in recent years. “This trend comes from a greater focus on health and well-being, especially post-pandemic,” says Kumar. “Buyers now want communities that actively support a healthy lifestyle—with gyms, walking paths, in-house doctors, wellness retreats, and even weekly farmers’ markets.”

Buyers now want communities that actively support a healthy lifestyle—with gyms, walking paths, in-house doctors, wellness retreats, and even weekly farmers’ markets.

Parag Parekh Kumar, Founder & CEO of Property Pro

Kumar notes that families with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly drawn to wellness-oriented communities due to the positive impact on recovery and daily quality of life. Mental health, access to healthcare, and stronger social connections are now part of the homebuying conversation, alongside price and location. “People are also looking for eco-friendly materials and sustainable designs,” he adds. “These communities are more than homes—they’re environments that promote active, connected, and conscious lifestyles.”

From a broker’s perspective, this evolution is also reshaping the definition of value in real estate. While amenities such as swimming pools and gyms were once optional extras, they are now central to what makes a community desirable. Wellness is no longer a perk—it’s a priority, believes Zorro Ghura, Associate Director, Aqua Properties, who says buyers in Dubai are gravitating toward wellness-focused developments not just for what they offer today, but for how they support long-term wellbeing. “The COVID-19 pandemic heightened awareness of the importance of a balanced lifestyle,” says Zorro.

Wellness communities now appeal not only for their fitness centers, spas, and green spaces, but also for their energy-efficient designs and mental wellness programs.

Zorro Ghura, Associate Director, Aqua Properties

Remote work has also played a key role in this shift. Homebuyers are seeking environments that blend productivity and relaxation, with dedicated wellness zones, meditation rooms, and natural light becoming increasingly common in new projects.

Developments with cycling tracks, yoga studios, and nature trails are no longer reserved for the luxury market—they’re entering the mainstream. That said, there’s a definite premium aura to these communities, particularly in how they align with global lifestyle trends. “These communities offer a holistic living experience and are seen as long-term investments in both health and property value,” Zorro adds.

As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub, wellness real estate is poised to play a central role in shaping its future. Whether it’s through cutting-edge amenities, community integration, or sustainable infrastructure, the city is laying the groundwork for a new kind of urban living—one that nurtures body, mind, and environment alike.

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