Dubai’s property market shifts from investment hub to lifestyle destination

Dubai’s real estate market is transforming as more international investors begin to view the city not just as a place to invest—but as a place to live. Industry experts point to a rising number of global buyers, particularly from Europe, seeking long-term relocation amid ongoing global economic uncertainty. A reported 37% of German investors, for example, are now considering emigration.

This shift is repositioning Dubai from a tax-efficient investment hub to a permanent home for the global elite, Sales Director at QUBE Development, Elio Badr, said:

Dubai’s real estate market has evolved beyond bricks and mortar. It’s now about creating living spaces where people truly feel they belong,

A new real estate mindset

Today’s buyers prioritise lifestyle-focused features—such as sustainability, community, and wellness—instead of purely financial returns. This marks a notable departure from earlier trends where property was often purchased as a short-term asset.

QUBE Development’s latest project, Arisha Terraces, reflects this new mindset. The development integrates smart home systems, a rooftop hydroponic garden, filtered drinking water in all units and communal areas, and solar panels for improved energy efficiency. "Arisha Terraces was designed to offer more than just homes,” Badr added:

It’s about blending nature, smart technology, and community to enhance daily life and foster meaningful connections.

Shared amenities include a two-level community center with co-working spaces, a library, a cinema lounge, and padel courts, catering to a lifestyle-driven clientele.

Industry analysts say this trend reflects a broader evolution in luxury real estate, where buyers are looking for both long-term value and a high quality of life. Dubai, they say, is now offering both.