Dubai Redefines Ultra-Luxury Living with Wellness-Centric Designs as Millionaires Flock to the City
DUBAI – The ultra-luxury property market in Dubai is undergoing a significant transformation, with wellness now regarded as a fundamental design principle rather than a mere lifestyle enhancement. This shift is reshaping the conception, marketing, and sale of high-end homes. Dubai has emerged as the leading destination for high-net-worth individuals, defined as those possessing liquid investable wealth of at least US$1 million (approximately S$1.3 million).
A Surge in Super-Prime Properties
The most noticeable changes are occurring in the super-prime segment, which typically includes properties priced above US$10 million. In Dubai, the average price for such homes has escalated to around US$15 million. Developments are increasingly characterized by health and wellness-oriented designs, moving away from traditional indicators of wealth such as chandeliers.
Prominent projects like the Six Senses and SHA developments are at the forefront of this trend, integrating health and longevity clinics and medi-spas directly into residential towers and private islands. Facilities once considered niche—such as hyperbaric oxygen chambers, cryotherapy suites, and infrared saunas—are now standard features sought after by affluent buyers.
Innovative Wellness Features
Architects and designers are embedding wellness principles into the very fabric of new homes. Features include circadian-friendly lighting, mould-resistant and radiation-shielding walls, and advanced air and water purification systems. One notable example is the Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, designed with a focus on sustainability and holistic health. Scheduled for completion in 2028, this tower will stand at 522 meters over 122 storeys, offering 251 residences ranging from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom triplex “sky mansions.”
The amenities are extensive, occupying 61,250 square feet (5,690 square meters) of a total gross floor area of 116,000 square meters, spread across four levels. Residents will have access to indoor and outdoor cinemas, a climate-controlled wine lounge, and a skydeck featuring a pool and gardens on the 109th floor, providing panoramic views of Dubai.
Comprehensive Wellness Offerings
The wellness provisions in these developments are extensive. Residents can expect access to infrared and Finnish saunas, ice baths, crystal sound-healing rooms, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers. An on-site clinic will offer supervised pro-longevity treatments, including plasma-based rejuvenation therapies. Georges El Hachem, commercial director at Select Group UAE, emphasized that this project offers a unique product not available elsewhere. He noted that buyers understand they are investing in a wellness-focused building, which serves as a sanctuary for relaxation and serenity.
Prices for residences in this tower start at 5.8 million United Arab Emirates dirham (approximately S$2 million) for a two-bedroom, 2,000 square foot apartment, and rise to 66.2 million dirham for a five-bedroom, 9,000 square foot “sky mansion.” Some wellness treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cryotherapy, will be complimentary for residents.
Environmental Health Considerations
The building also prioritizes environmental health. Walls are specially designed to shield residents from electromagnetic fields and radiation, which some believe can disrupt sleep and overall health. El Hachem stated that all bedrooms and internal rooms are isolated from harmful frequencies, allowing residents to maintain connectivity while minimizing radiation exposure.
Mould prevention and air quality are also critical design considerations. The walls and ceilings are sealed with rubber to prevent mould growth, benefiting respiratory health. Additionally, air-conditioning ducts are designed for easy filter replacement, ensuring optimal air quality.
SHA Residences: A New Paradigm for Healthy Living
Another innovative project is the SHA Residences Emirates Island, set to be completed in 2027. Marketed as the world’s first private island dedicated to healthy living and longevity, this development will be part of the AlJurf coastal enclave between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Michal Hansen, partner at Knight Frank MENA, noted that today’s high-net-worth buyers prioritize health, seeking proximity to medical facilities and natural landscapes.
Nestled between sandy beaches and lush mangroves, the island will feature an on-site wellness clinic offering advanced diagnostics and personalized therapies. Restaurants will focus on healthy cuisine, with in-residence catering available. Homes will start at 4.6 million dirham for an apartment and 29.9 million dirham for a villa, designed with open-plan layouts that maximize natural light.
The Role of Smart Technology in Wellness
Interiors will utilize natural materials such as wood and stone, complemented by advanced lighting and air purification systems. Hansen explained that smart technology will continuously monitor air quality and adjust filtration as needed. The lighting will be circadian-friendly, aligning with the natural light-dark cycle to promote overall health.
The growing emphasis on wellness has caught the attention of leading architects and designers. Will Plowman, head of the Dubai office at Foster + Partners, indicated that wellness has become a key aspect of high-end residential development briefs. He noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly influenced design trends, with home offices and wellness amenities like gyms and saunas becoming standard features.
Evolving Buyer Expectations
Leigh Williamson, managing director at Sotheby’s International Realty in Dubai, has observed similar shifts in buyer expectations. For ultra-high-net-worth individuals—defined as those with a net worth of US$30 million or more—design and architecture are crucial, especially for off-plan purchases. Buyers increasingly seek properties designed by renowned architects and high-end interior designers, with a strong focus on health-related amenities.
Biohacking amenities, such as cold-plunge tubs and infrared saunas, have emerged in super-prime homes over the past few years. Williamson anticipates this trend will continue, citing a developer planning a project on Dubai’s World Islands with a biohacking theme.
Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into the built environment, is also gaining traction. This approach aims to enhance health, well-being, and productivity, particularly in urban areas like Dubai, which face challenges related to heat and air quality.
The Future of Luxury Living in Dubai
The Lana hotel and The Lana Residences, part of the Dorchester Collection, exemplify this trend. Their design incorporates deep recessed balconies to reduce heat gain, enhancing both comfort and air quality. Plowman highlighted the importance of integrating greenery into buildings, noting that it enhances the quality of living spaces and promotes calmness.
As reported by www.straitstimes.com, a record 142,000 millionaires were projected to relocate internationally in 2025, marking the largest global wealth migration in a decade. The United Arab Emirates, particularly Dubai, has emerged as a top destination for these individuals, drawn by low taxes, long-term residency programs, and a high-end lifestyle.
The report also indicated that Western Europe is experiencing a decline in high-net-worth individuals, with the UK projected to see a net outflow of 16,500 millionaires in 2025. In contrast, the UAE and the US are gaining wealth, with Dubai leading the way in attracting affluent residents.
The evolving landscape of luxury living in Dubai underscores a broader trend toward wellness-centric design, reflecting the changing priorities of today’s affluent buyers.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2026-01-16 12:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk