82% of the UAE population plans to live on waterfronts

A recent study conducted by YouGov for Shamal Holding Company revealed a significant trend towards properties overlooking water bodies, as 82% of the UAE population plans to live on waterfronts or near marinas within the next two to three years.

The study, which included 1,009 people, showed that 93% of participants were willing to pay an additional price for living near the water, while 99% of them believed that this location enhances the long-term investment value of the property, while 96% confirmed that proximity to bodies of water has a direct impact on their daily decisions, starting from travel and exercise to managing stress.

These results and indicators came within a technical report “white paper” issued by “Shamal Holding” under the title “The Future of Life on the Waterfront,” based on the results of the survey and expert analyses.

The report aims to enrich discussions about designing future communities and improving the quality of life, in line with the strategic objectives of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, especially after 88% of participants explained that life on the waterfront contributes to enhancing their psychological and physical health, and pushes them to change their exercise habits for the better when walking paths and marinas are available.

Abdullah bin Habtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, stressed that Dubai’s connection to the sea represents an integral part of its identity and ambition, explaining that the concept of life on the waterfront is no longer limited to the location, but rather has become an integrated experience that combines work, entertainment, well-being and a sense of belonging, which requires careful planning and design.

He said that Dubai’s continued improvement of quality of life requires the production of knowledge and support of scientific research, noting that the white paper contributes to formulating a broader dialogue on how to design cities that meet the lifestyles that residents aspire to.

It is noteworthy that the survey on which the study was based was conducted during the year 2025, and targeted a segment of the country’s population whose monthly income is not less than 20 thousand dirhams. The sample included 393 people whose monthly income is 50 thousand dirhams or more, or who have a net wealth exceeding one million US dollars.