United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is a federation of seven territories in the Middle East located on the Persian Gulf and bordering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah each play a unique role in defining the region’s identity, from high-end retail and branded residences in Dubai to luxury beach resorts in Ras Al Khaimah to museums and galleries in Sharjah. UAE’s Vision 2031 strategy aims to reduce reliance on oil and target tourism, tech, sustainability, and culture. As such, it is a fast-evolving hub for global investments that integrate leisure, retail, and wellness into lifestyle ecosystems and communities. The country’s “Golden Visas” have attracted entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and digital nomads — expats account for almost 90% of the region’s population — driving demand for new types of residential anchored mixed-use development across the country.
What’s Next

Hospitality design shifts toward digital nomads and experiential tourism.

Hospitality pushes into new models that serve digital nomads and experience-driven travelers with a focus on wellness ecosystems, extended-stay options, and curated cultural and entertainment experiences.

Branded residences, co-living, and lifestyle communities redefine residential.

Residential developers bet on branded living, wellness-driven communities, and large-scale mixed-use with fitness, F&B, coworking, and leisure at the center. Co-living — once off-limits — emerges as a viable model for remote workers and younger generations, particularly in Dubai’s creative zones.

Modern, experience-driven workplace infrastructure has room to grow.

Workplace infrastructure in the UAE is still catching up to demand as organizations seek to attract top talent. In Dubai, where there is a strong Class-A office market, investments flow to creative campuses, coworking hubs, and adaptive reuse of industrial spaces that are integrated with lifestyle districts and cultural amenities.
Notable Projects
A man and woman walking through a fish tank.
The View at The Palm, Dubai, UAE
A room with stools and a tree.
Emaar Properties Dubai Headquarters, Dubai, UAE
A room with a table chairs and a laptop.
Future Digital Data Systems Data Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE
insights from the Gensler Research Institute

Global Connectivity Meets Everyday Comfort in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Residents in the two most populous cities in the UAE report high satisfaction with their quality of life, underscoring the country’s success in combining global connectivity and cultural vitality. Design and development opportunities exist to enhance everyday livability alongside a reputation for luxury.
How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your city?
  • Supports overall wellbeing
  • Offers a great experience
  • General cost of living
Source: Gensler City Pulse 2025
Notable Areas of Expertise
Offices
Thought Leadership
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Blog

Designing Tomorrow’s Shopping Centers: Global Ideas From Kuwait, Costa Rica, and Beyond

Around the world, developers are experimenting with new models that expand the meaning of “retail.” For U.S. retail designers, these examples offer valuable lessons for an era defined by shifting consumer behavior, climate pressures, and the need to create authentic community experiences.
A man and woman walking in a large room with tables and chairs.
Blog

The Future of Real Estate Metrics: Human Connection

The places that thrive in the years ahead will be designed to build relationships, inspire belonging, and foster togetherness.
A group of people at a park.
Blog

Climate Change Is Threatening What We Love About Cities

If cities hope to thrive in the face of climate change, they’ll need to balance emotional connection with environmental resilience.
A person standing in a room.
Blog

Unlocking Value in Class A High-Rises: The Strategic Advantage of Spec Suites

In Class A commercial towers, spec suites are becoming a go-to strategy for converting vacancy into value.
A city with a sunset.
Blog

Reenvisioning Retail Centres: Lessons From China for the Middle East

We explore how key lessons from China’s retail evolution can reshape the future of retail centres in the Middle East.
A city with tall buildings.
Blog

The 20 Cities Attracting the Most Newcomers

New city residents often leave within five years. To remain successful, these magnetic cities must also engage and retain their new populations.
The Gate Building in Dubai financial district at night
In The Media

Design Middle East Highlights Gensler’s City Pulse 2025 with Insights on UAE Urban Life

City Pulse 2025 surveys urban residents in 65 cities, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The findings reveal that “UAE cities are some of the most admired globally for their quality of infrastructure and ambition.”
Design Middle East
A large building with many windows.
Blog

What Draws People to Cities — and What Makes Them Stay?

Gensler’s City Pulse 2025 research offers insights into the factors attracting people to cities and compelling them to stay.
Chart, radar chart.
Research

City Pulse 2025

Gensler surveyed 33,000 people across 65 cities to uncover what makes a city magnetic — how it attracts new residents and keeps them wanting to stay.
A man and a woman sitting in a room with a tv and chairs.
Blog

The New Workplace Experiences That People Crave

Employees want to move past the corporate workplace experience to more creative, natural, and residential environments.
A person walking up a staircase.
Research

Global Workplace Survey 2025

Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025 reveals the importance of in-person work and insights on how workplaces can be better designed to support all forms of work for individuals and teams.
A group of people sitting at a table overlooking a city.
Blog

Designing a New Future of Cities Through Wellness and Experience Design

How cities can take an active role in fostering healthier, more fulfilling urban lives for residents and visitors.
A woman and man standing in front of a hot pink James Turrell exhibit
Research

Evolving Immersive: The 2025 Immersive Entertainment & Culture Industry Report

Explore the most comprehensive evaluation of the state of Immersive Experience available today, published in partnership by Gensler and the Immersive Experience Institute.
A group of people in a room with tables and chairs.
Blog

How Immersive Food and Beverage Experiences Are Redefining Hospitality

Food and beverage spaces have unique potential as experiential destinations that authentically convene community in a way that is familiar, universal, and transformative.
A group of people playing ping pong.
Blog

The Powerful Influence of Experience Design in Transforming Retail

The intersection of retail and experience design yields curated atmospheres that foster community connection and strengthen brand loyalty.
A group of people walking around a city at night.
Blog

Regional Revitalization: Designing for Impact in the Middle East

Tim Martin, former Gensler Middle East Managing Director and Steven Velegrinis, Gensler Middle East Design Director, discuss designing for the region’s revitalization opportunity.
Father and son viewing Jackie Robinson Museum display
Blog

Beyond the Screen: Exploring the World of Museums and Experiential Technology

Digital experiences in museums, exhibits, and other interpretive spaces go beyond the screen for dynamic and memorable storytelling.
A room with a large window and a couch and chairs.
Blog

Luxury + Convenience: Why Branded Residences Are in Demand Across the Globe

In the residential sector, we’re seeing an increased demand for high-end, branded residences that offer hotel-style services and amenities.
Saudi Arabia
India
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Explore architecture and design trends in Design Forecast 2026.
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