A new YouGov study commissioned by Shamal Holding has found that 82 percent of UAE residents plan to move to a waterfront or marina-adjacent home within the next two to three years, underscoring a growing shift in lifestyle priorities across the country.
The survey polled 1,009 UAE residents and revealed that 93 percent are willing to pay a premium for proximity to water, while 99 percent view waterfront locations as a strong driver of long-term property value. Nearly all respondents, 96 percent, said living near water shapes their daily routines, influencing everything from commuting choices to exercise habits and stress levels.
The results form part of a wider white paper titled The Future of Seafront Being, released by Shamal Holding, which pairs the survey data with expert commentary on urban design and wellbeing. The report is intended to support ongoing conversations around community planning, aligning with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
Notably, 88 percent of respondents said waterfront living positively affects their mental and physical health, particularly when supported by walking paths and marina infrastructure that encourage regular activity.
Speaking on the findings, Shamal Holding CEO Abdulla Binhabtoor said the sea has long shaped Dubai’s identity and outlook, adding that waterfront living has grown into a complete lifestyle model spanning work, leisure and community rather than just a place to reside.
He noted that maintaining Dubai’s momentum in quality of life depends on continued research and insight, positioning the white paper as part of a broader effort to align urban design with evolving resident expectations.
The study was carried out in 2025 among UAE residents earning at least AED20,000 monthly, including 393 high-net-worth respondents earning AED50,000 or more, or holding assets exceeding US$1 million.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
