Dubai real estate evolves into dual-track market as homes become lifestyle assets, says Keturah founder
Dubai’s real estate sector is entering a new phase of transformation, shifting toward a dual-track market where homes increasingly serve as lifestyle assets rather than mere housing solutions, according to luxury developer and Keturah founder Talal M. Al Gaddah.
Al Gaddah, CEO and Founder of the Keturah luxury brand, highlighted that developers are now prioritizing quality, wellbeing, and purpose-driven projects over large-scale construction. He noted that this transition marks a critical point for Dubai’s property landscape in 2026, as standard developments face slower sales and reduced profitability, while experience-led, wellness-focused properties gain strong momentum.
“The UAE real estate market in 2026 is entering a phase of maturity, selectivity, and institutional-grade discipline,” said Al Gaddah. “The key trend is a clear shift away from speculative volume toward value-driven, wellness-integrated, and purpose-led developments.”
He explained that homebuyers and investors are increasingly drawn to environments that promote longevity, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. “Wellness is no longer a marketing layer; it is embedded into planning, materials, air quality, acoustics, and community behavior,” he added.
Demand is now clustering around properties that emphasize privacy, land value, and long-term liveability, with scarcity emerging as the new measure of worth.
Al Gaddah pointed to Keturah Reserve, currently under development in Mohammed Bin Rashid City’s District 7, as a prime example of this principle in action. The AED 5.7 billion bio-living community includes 93 townhouses, 90 villas, and 533 apartments — a design that favors exclusivity and community cohesion over high unit counts.
“Dubai is no longer viewed as a short-term trading market,” Al Gaddah noted. “Global investors — particularly from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — are focusing on capital preservation, legacy planning, and lifestyle integration.”
He added that today’s buyers are more discerning, favoring brands with strong vision, proven execution, and ethical foundations. The UAE’s stable regulatory environment continues to attract institutional capital, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals seeking transparency and predictable returns.
“Effectively, the real estate sector is transitioning into a dual-track market,” said Al Gaddah. “Standard supply will see reduced profits and slower sales, while purpose-built, experience-driven developments will outperform in both yield and resilience.”
He predicted that residential properties will increasingly be viewed as lifestyle assets, while commercial real estate will evolve into human-centric, wellness-aligned spaces. Investment properties, meanwhile, will be assessed based on long-term stability and risk-adjusted returns rather than short-term appreciation.
Launched in 2022, the Keturah brand portfolio includes Keturah Reserve, Keturah Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Residences at Al Jaddaf, and Stabio Garden Living by Keturah in Switzerland — all reflecting the company’s philosophy of integrating luxury, wellness, and sustainability.
