UAE's next real estate frontier: AI-driven ‘longevity communities'
Dubai's real estate market boasts it all - from penthouses in the world's tallest skyscrapers, multi-million-dollar beachfront properties and even luxury mansions on man-made private islands.
Some may ask, what is next for the city's booming property market? The answer, according to experts, is a new wave of 'longevity' homes and communities; a residential ecosystem centered on AI, designed to sustain well-being at every stage of life.
Longevity-focused communities
The UAE is witnessing a fundamental shift in urban development, moving beyond traditional mixed-use projects toward communities designed to enhance residents' lifespans, experts have told Al Arabiya English. This transformation comes as the Dubai Health Authority projects a 29 percent increase in the population over 60 by 2050.
'Urban landscapes are entering a new era across major cities around the world. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, residences, offices, and leisure facilities, cities are gradually transforming into longevity ecosystems designed to sustain well-being at every stage of life,' Dmitry Kaminskiy, general partner at Deep Knowledge Group, told Al Arabiya English. 'The future points to environments engineered to optimize physical, mental, and cognitive health, extending lifespans while enhancing quality of life.'
This shift in urban development reflects a broader change in consumer mindset.
'In recent years we've seen a significant re-evaluation of health and well-being on a global scale where people are now adopting a proactive approach to health.'
According to KASCO Developments CEO, Issa Abdul Rahman, 'this has created a demand for communities that support longevity.'
'Real estate was one of the first industries to take note of the shift, providing buyers and tenants with the possibility of residing in communities that support their health-focused goals.'
Key global cities elsewhere, such as Singapore, Tokyo, and Miami, have begun moving beyond traditional mixed-use developments toward integrated longevity communities where every element of urban design serves a health-centric purpose, said Kaminskiy, adding that Dubai is the latest major city to follow suit.
'It means innovations in AI, biotechnology, and preventive healthcare are merging to shape environments that do more than accommodate human life – they actively sustain it.'
The trend gained momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic, which dramatically altered perspectives on health and wellness.
'The COVID-19 pandemic marked a notable global shift in how we view health and wellness. This unprecedented event led people to become more proactive about their well-being and more aware of how their environment impacts their health,' Wissam Breidy, CEO of HRE Developments, also told Al Arabiya English.
AI and technology
The integration of artificial intelligence stands front and center of this evolution.
These communities are being designed to leverage AI for everything from urban planning to personal health monitoring.
'In the near future, data analytics and predictive modelling will no longer be confined to commercial or industrial applications,' said Kaminskiy. 'Urban planning infused with AI-driven insights will anticipate residents' needs, mitigating environmental stressors and ensuring access to optimal conditions for longevity.'
'Traffic flows will adjust dynamically to reduce pollution and noise, while air quality sensors will drive real-time interventions, minimizing respiratory risks.'
The vision extends to smart homes that actively participate in health management.
'We are heading toward a future where Smart Homes will get smarter – and healthier, and where residences will no longer be passive structures but active participants in health management,' Kaminskiy explained. 'Homes embedded with biosensors will continuously monitor vital signs, sleep quality, and metabolic markers. AI-driven assistants will analyze patterns, offering real-time recommendations for nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. Emergency response mechanisms will activate automatically if anomalies are detected, ensuring medical assistance reaches those in need before crises escalate.'
This level of integration will fundamentally alter the approach to healthcare, said Kaminskiy.
Rather than react to illness, smart homes will create environments that prevent disease onset, helping residents maintain 'peak wellbeing.'
'With increasing adoption, hospitals may evolve from treatment centers to advisory
hubs, guiding residents in personalized longevity strategies rather than merely addressing acute conditions.'
While AI will play a crucial role in this transformation, industry leaders emphasize the importance of human insight.
'Although human touch is irreplaceable when it comes to urban planning, professionals can be supported by AI during the process – from understanding pain points to suggesting solutions tailored to each area,' Abdul Rahman explained. 'Real time information and smart technology can be helpful, but humans need to be at the forefront of this field to provide real answers to day-to-day issues.'
Buyer preferences
The demand for longevity-focused communities spans various demographic groups.
'Affluent, health-conscious individuals are most likely to invest in wellness-focused communities. Ages vary significantly, from older adults seeking a serene space to younger families looking for a healthy environment for their children to thrive in,' Breidy said. 'We also see a large percentage of expatriates showing interest in these communities, likely due to the sense of belonging and support that they offer.'
According to the experts, buyers are increasingly willing to pay over-the-odds for such 'longevity developments.'
Abdul Rahman said the main demographic of these developments are 'health-conscious people who are able to afford a premium lifestyle.'
'The ages can vary, with older adults and younger families looking to secure their spots in these sought after communities,' he added. Meanwhile, investors are also looking into buying these properties due to the high rental returns and lucrative opportunities.
Breidy agreed, saying: 'Buyers are willing to pay a significant premium for homes in wellness-focused communities, recognizing the exceptional value these carefully curated spaces offer.'
Features, amenities
These communities prioritize both physical and mental well-being through various amenities, Breidy says.
Kaminskiy said the integration of nature also plays a crucial role.
'Access to nature is an imperative for longevity. Scientific research underscores the profound effects of greenery on cognitive function, stress reduction, and immune resilience. Vertical forests, green rooftops, and AI-maintained urban farms will replace sterile concrete landscapes,' Kaminskiy said.
'Neighborhoods will prioritize pedestrian pathways over vehicle congestion, ensuring mobility remains an active, rather than passive, pursuit.'
The success of longevity communities relies heavily on government support and policy frameworks.
'The role of governance in shaping longevity cities is paramount. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to facilitate health-first urban design, incentivizing developers to integrate longevity principles rather than treating them as optional enhancements,' Kaminskiy said, adding that the shift toward longevity communities represents significant economic opportunities.
The transformation of UAE's real estate sector reflects a broader shift in how residents' view urban development and human wellbeing.
'We expect a fundamental shift in buyer priorities, moving beyond traditional desires like a spacious living room or private pool to a deeper focus on features that enhance physical and mental well-being,' Breidy predicts.
Kaminskiy agrees, saying: 'For centuries, cities have remained largely unchanged - clusters of structures housing populations, interspersed with commerce and recreation. However, the next phase of urban evolution will redefine this paradigm.'
The economic incentives for developers are becoming increasingly clear.
'Almost weekly, we see a new project launching to market promising premium amenities centered around holistic wellness - a trend that we expect will continue over the coming years,' added Abdul Rahman. 'As longevity and well-being focused communities continue to take off, we expect buyers and investors to look deeper into the property features and value the detail-oriented approach behind each development.'
Kaminskiy predicts that cities will no longer be static entities but dynamic, living ecosystems designed to sustain human longevity.
'Health is the new wealth, and discerning buyers will prioritize wellbeing when investing in real estate. The future of real estate will go beyond location, seamlessly integrating smart environments that enhance longevity, quality of life, and overall wellbeing.'
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