Nearly 20 percent of inquiries come from tech entrepreneurs, startup founders, and digital professionals.
Tech Entrepreneurs and Digital Professionals Drive a New Wave in Dubai’s Prime Real Estate
Almost 20 percent of recent high-intent buyer inquiries have originated from tech entrepreneurs, startup founders, and digital professionals, according to a new report. Elite Merit Real Estate analytics reveal that their preferences are beginning to influence development strategies across the city, triggering a major transformation in Dubai’s prime real estate market toward smart homes, hybrid live-work spaces, and wellness-centric amenities.
Emerging Expectations from a New Buyer Demographic
This new segment of buyers is introducing a fresh set of expectations—prioritizing properties designed for flexible lifestyles, integrated with advanced smart technologies, and focused on supporting overall wellness. As a result, Dubai’s prime property market is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for smart home features, blended live-work environments, and wellness-oriented living spaces.
Changing Trends in Line with Broader Market Shifts
This evolution mirrors wider trends within the market. In the first half of 2024, PropTech startups within the MENA region secured over $200 million in venture capital funding through 14 major deals—outpacing fintech for the first time. This rise in PropTech investment points to a growing desire for residential spaces that merge innovative technology with lifestyle functionality, according to industry data.
UAE’s Position as a PropTech Innovation Hub
The UAE currently hosts 55 percent of all PropTech startups in the MENA region, further reinforcing its role as a leader in real estate technology innovation and strengthening its appeal to the global tech sector. Many incoming buyers are relocating from innovation-driven cities like London, Berlin, Bangalore, and Singapore, attracted by Dubai’s pro-business environment, tax incentives, and elevated lifestyle offerings.
Commercial Real Estate Transformed by Wellness Priorities
The demand for smart, wellness-enhancing living is also redefining Dubai’s commercial real estate sector. Increasingly, both buyers and tenants seek environments that support hybrid work models and holistic living. This trend is driving a surge in demand for spaces featuring home offices, coworking lounges, biophilic architecture, energy-efficient designs, and wellness amenities such as fitness centers, spas, and outdoor retreats. At the same time, corporate properties are shifting toward designs that emphasize well-being and adaptability, with smart office technology and human-centered architecture emerging as major factors in Dubai’s highly competitive commercial property market.
Strong Demand Across Prime Dubai Locations
The report highlighted that areas like Dubai Hills, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and branded wellness residences on Palm Jumeirah are seeing particularly high levels of interest. These neighborhoods offer a unique blend of privacy, smart technology integration, and top-tier health and lifestyle services. Overall, Dubai’s real estate market is undergoing a global-level shift, focusing on environments that equally emphasize technology, sustainability, and lifestyle value.
