Nearly seven in 10 Dubai residents plan to remain in the city for at least another decade, while 67% say their confidence in Dubai has either increased or remained unchanged following recent regional developments.
45% of residents more confident in Dubai
The findings come from betterhomes’ Future Living Report 2026, which surveyed 1,714 residents from 63 nationalities between June 17 and July 19, 2026.
Asked how recent regional developments had affected their confidence in Dubai as a place to live and invest, 45% said they felt more confident, while 23% reported no change in their confidence.
Meanwhile, 27% said they had become slightly more cautious, and just 6% said they were reconsidering their longer-term plans in the region.
The results suggest that confidence in Dubai’s long-term prospects remains strong among the residents surveyed.
69% plan to remain in Dubai for another decade
Long-term residency intentions were another key finding of the report.
Around 69% of respondents said they intended to stay in Dubai for at least another 10 years, compared with 59% in the 2025 survey.
Among residents who have already lived in Dubai for more than a decade, the figure was even higher, with 75% planning to remain for at least another 10 years.
Confidence in the city’s economic growth and property market also remained strong. Around 70% said they were confident or very confident about Dubai’s long-term economic and real estate prospects, including 32% who described themselves as very confident.
Some residents are taking more time over property decisions
Despite the positive confidence figures, the survey found that some residents are taking a more cautious approach to property decisions.
Around 36% said recent regional developments had not affected their property plans, while 21% said they had become more committed to Dubai.
However, 25% reported pausing or slowing down a property-related decision.
Richard Waind, CEO of betterhomes, said confidence in Dubai did not necessarily mean residents would make immediate property purchases.
“You can feel confident about Dubai and still decide to take more time over a property purchase. That’s something we’ve seen in the market this year, and it’s reflected in what residents are telling us. People have become more considered about their decisions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re questioning their future here. For many, Dubai remains the place where they want to build their lives.”
Survey reflects residents from 63 nationalities
The Future Living Report is now in its third year and examines residents’ views on Dubai’s future, including their decisions about renting, buying homes and investing in property.
The latest findings are based on responses collected over a one-month period in June and July 2026.
Betterhomes, which has operated in Dubai since 1986, said the report aims to understand how residents’ long-term plans and confidence influence their housing and investment decisions.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
