SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Energy-efficient buildings, climate-responsive design, artificial intelligence and communities designed for long-term residents are becoming increasingly important to the UAE property market, according to real estate experts.
Sustainability is moving beyond environmental certification to encompass energy and water efficiency, lower operating costs, connectivity, wellness and the long-term liveability of communities.
Rohit Bachani, Co-Founder of Merlin Real Estate, said more than 150,000 new homes were expected to be delivered across the UAE between 2025 and 2027, increasing the importance of quality and liveability as new supply enters the market.
“Sustainable development now means building for the resident who stays 10 years, not the speculator who exits in 10 months,” Bachani said.
He identified Abu Dhabi as a standout market, supported by limited availability in key locations and selective high-quality launches.
Sarah Serhan, a Dubai-based luxury real estate expert, said sustainability was also increasingly influencing luxury property, with developers incorporating lower-carbon construction, predictive AI, greenery and natural cooling strategies.
“Ultimately, the market is proving that high-end luxury and absolute environmental responsibility now go hand in hand,” she said.
Serhan said buildings accounted for roughly 40% of global emissions, encouraging developers to adopt lower-carbon materials and environmentally certified construction. She said green certification could support premiums of between 20% and 35% on resale values.
Predictive AI could reduce utility bills by up to 40%, while native trees and architectural shading could lower outdoor temperatures by as much as 5°C, according to Serhan.
She cited Ghaf Woods, Al Barari, Expo City Dubai and The Oasis by Emaar as examples of projects incorporating environmental and liveability features. The Oasis dedicates 25% of its footprint to waterways and greenery, she said.
In Abu Dhabi, Serhan highlighted Ramhan Island, where luxury waterfront villas are being developed around natural mangroves and advanced solar technology is being incorporated.
Abhishek Jalan, CEO of Grovy Developers, said sustainability was moving from an additional feature towards a fundamental requirement.
“In the near future, property development will be characterised by energy-efficient buildings, smart technologies, wellness-oriented communities, and transit-oriented developments,” Jalan said.
Taimur Khan, Head of Rently UAE, said the definition should also encompass the sustainability of tenancies, as frequent tenant turnover and prolonged vacancies created inefficiencies.
“Financial and environmental sustainability are not separate conversations anymore; the next phase of development in the UAE will have to treat them as one,” he said.
Changing working patterns are meanwhile influencing residential design, with hybrid work increasing demand for homes and communal areas that can serve several purposes.
Bachani said tenants were increasingly looking beyond the traditional considerations of location, size and price.
“Hybrid work has made the home a workplace, so co-working lounges, high-speed connectivity, and adaptable layouts are no longer amenities, they are essentials,” he said.
Serhan said professional co-working facilities were consequently moving directly into residential developments.
“Bringing the office into the residential building is transforming UAE neighbourhoods into highly productive, self-sustaining, and eco-friendly communities,” she said.
The model could reduce commuting while supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses, according to Serhan.
Technology could tie many of these developments together by increasing transparency, reducing operating costs and improving the performance of buildings.
Serhan said AI was increasingly being used to analyse property data, support valuations and identify potential growth areas. Smart building systems could also reduce electricity and water consumption.
“In real estate, technology is no longer a luxury, it is a tool that guarantees profit and safety for property investors,” she said.
Advanced building technology, including smart sensors, could reduce running costs by up to 30%, potentially improving net rental returns, according to Serhan.