Residential property development is booming in the United Arab Emirates. With a market size valued at $36.92 billion, that number is set to increase to $49.96 billion by 2033.
Market research company IMARC Group claims that the “We the UAE 2031” national agenda is helping to position the UAE as a global hub. Home upgrades contribute to the broader vision of smart cities and green initiatives.
The region’s arid landscape and climate change challenges are prime considerations for well-heeled homeowners who now choose function over form. That’s not to say aesthetics are an afterthought; far from it.
Luxury is being redefined on a thoughtful level. Every improvement is made with purpose.
Intelligence Over Opulence
Arab homes are envied for their affluence and grandeur, from the ornate fittings to the high-gloss finishes.
The Gilded Age has served its time and is fast being replaced by intelligent living. Advisory firm BlackBrick states that property investors are swapping large homes for villas in gated neighborhoods.
They desire community and homes that are financially and emotionally viable. BlackBrick CEO Matthew Bate describes the trend as a “grounded form of luxury”.
Accessibility
Multi-generational homes are common in the Gulf states. Strong family ties are fundamental in Emirati cultures, and parents typically live with their adult children.
It makes financial sense as well. Rising property prices exclude first-time homeowners from entering the market. With these circumstances in mind, larger families tend to sway towards home upgrades that prioritize accessibility for older individuals.
Home lifts are becoming a common sight in properties with limited space or multiple floors. When customized, lift solutions become a focal point of any public space. When customized, they become a focal point of the space.
For example, a home elevator by Cibes UAE is an ideal choice for homeowners who crave functionality without compromising design style. Skip the staircase and consider sleek, Swedish engineering.
Outdoor Sancturies
A fully functional AC system merely provides respite from the heat. When winter arrives, residents prefer to make the most of it by basking in golden sunsets.
AD Middle East reports that stylish outdoor retreats are major renovations, and balconies serve that very purpose.
They are now an extension of the home and a lifestyle choice. Interior designers are all about balancing comfort with durability. The publication recommends all-weather materials, low-profile lounge seating, and curating pieces with intention.
Penthouse Living
Show us a more incredible view than the Dubai skyline? Those were Sophie and Hamed Ghavidel’s exact thoughts when they purchased their Palm Jumeirah penthouse.
The couple was months away from welcoming the birth of their first child when they moved into the home. Following extensive renovations, the Dh6 million penthouse is now worth Dh17 million ( $4.6 million).
Hamed shares with The National that he overhauled the home’s pipework, infrared sauna, and walk-in closets. Carrera Viola marble, chosen in honor of their daughter’s name, is one of many personal touches.
Besides the view, for the Ghavidels, the allure of buying a penthouse was easy access to the beach, gyms, and nearby malls.
Bathhouses
If your home is your oasis, your bathroom is the inner sanctuary, which is why some homeowners take it literally.
The best ideas are thought up in a retrofitted soaking tub. So, why not go all the way with your bathroom remodel? ELLE Decor is a fan of mindful and creative luxury. Bathhouses are going viral, and for good reason.
Decor experts speak of cave-like stone textures, cold plunges, saunas, and cryo chambers. It’s a full-on choose-your-own-adventure spa moment. For a du jour statement, add an immersive, cocoon-style shower.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is the driving force behind property development in the UAE. The approach is integrated into eco-conscious materials, smart lighting, and energy-efficient solutions.
Homeowners are concentrating on energy-saving lighting systems, responsibly sourced materials, and smart home automation.
Passive design strategies play a huge role in conserving energy. These tactics incorporate natural elements such as sunlight, wind, and shade to keep interiors warm in winter and cool in summer.
The UAE has sun for days. Yet, it’s not just about slapping panels on a roof anymore. Architects are building them into the design from day one.
Luxury, But Make it Thoughtful
There is no blueprint for a perfect remodel. But then again, perfect is boring. Homeowners want a space that enriches their souls, a place far removed from their regular 9-5.
Opulence is no longer the litmus test for wealth. They’re putting thought and intention into renovations that reflect their lifestyle, needs, and wants.
Intelligent design, accessibility, and community are the top desirables, and people are willing to pay top dollar for them.
The Gilded Age has ended. Welcome to the Thoughtful Design Age.
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