Dubai residents are planning to stay longer: 69% of those surveyed now expect to stay 10+ years

A move to Dubai can begin as a short-term plan, but career advancement or a settled lifestyle can make people want to stay longer. The betterhomes Future Living Report 2026 found that 69% of respondents planned to live in Dubai for at least another ten years, up from 59% in 2025. Since each survey involved a different group, the increase does not mean the same people changed their plans. The latest results suggest that more participants picture themselves building a future in the city.

Key takeaways

• 69% of respondents plan to live in Dubai for at least another ten years.
• Familiarity with the city seems to go hand in hand with plans to stay longer.
• Better pay and career growth could persuade residents who plan to leave to reconsider.
• Rising living costs remain a concern, even among people who hope to stay.

What changed between the 2025 and 2026 surveys?

The betterhomes Future Living Report 2026 surveyed 1,714 Dubai residents and asked how long they had lived in the city and how much longer they hoped to call it home. The figures below summarise the results from both years.

Source: betterhomes Future Living Report 2026. These figures describe the people who took part in each survey, not everyone living in Dubai.

In the 2026 group, 73% had lived in Dubai for over ten years, compared with 52% in the previous survey. The share of respondents expecting to spend at least another decade in the city also rose to 69%.

The latest group also had a higher proportion of married residents and families. 80% were married, while 59% lived with a partner and children. This points to a respondent base that is more established in Dubai and hence more likely to make housing decisions around family.

What keeps long-term expats in Dubai?

After several years in a city, people know their way around and have established work routines. Daily life can feel familiar, and moving elsewhere might seem less appealing. For some residents, Dubai is no longer just a place to work; it is home.

The survey found a noticeable difference between people who had lived in Dubai for over ten years and those who arrived within the past decade.

Three-quarters of respondents with over ten years in Dubai expected to live there for at least another decade. Among those who arrived during the past ten years, 55% had the same intention. This 20-point gap shows that deeper roots in the city strongly correlate with longer-term commitments. As households settle in for the long haul, priorities naturally shift toward neighbourhood stability and proximity to essential family services.

Does homeownership shape long-term plans?

Owning a home creates a financial link to a city, but it does not guarantee someone will live there indefinitely. The survey showed a 6% point gap between homeowners and renters who planned to live in Dubai for another decade.

Renting can suit people who prefer flexibility, while ownership gives buyers a property of their own. Both options have practical advantages, depending on a household's circumstances. A homeowner might relocate for work or family reasons, just as a renter might build a life in Dubai for decades.

People interested in apartments for sale in Dubai can treat the survey as background information, while their own finances guide the purchase. Mortgage payments and building service charges affect the full cost of ownership. The expected length of residence can also guide which home makes financial sense.

What could encourage residents to build a future in Dubai?

A long-term future in Dubai depends on work prospects and everyday expenses. A promising job makes life in the city appealing, while rising costs may prompt households to rethink their plans.

The report asked residents who expected to leave within three years what could persuade them to reconsider. Here is what they said:

Source: betterhomes Future Living Report 2026. Figures come from an optional free-text question. Some responses matched multiple themes.

Career growth and higher pay ranked first, at 28%. The results show how much work opportunities can matter when people think about building a future in Dubai.

Housing expenses also appeared in the answers. 14% mentioned lower rent or housing costs, and 9% wanted a lower overall cost of living. The report also found that roughly one-third of respondents had made lifestyle changes because of rising costs, while 14% had seriously thought about leaving Dubai.

Here is an interesting detail:

61% of those who had seriously considered leaving expected to live in Dubai for at least another ten years.

The figures suggest that concerns about expenses do not always erase hopes for a future in the city. Residents can worry about Dubai's cost of living while still hoping to build a life there if their finances allow.

What do the findings mean for Dubai's housing market?

The survey shows what residents hope for. It cannot predict future property prices or sales. However, it does offer context about the housing needs of people who expect to live in Dubai for years. Families interested in villas for sale in Dubai might want additional space as their household grows. Apartment buyers could place greater value on commute times or annual service charges.

These insights can help shape the kind of homes being built. However, survey figures cannot describe every buyer's circumstances. Someone with young children will have different requirements from a professional buying a home for personal use.

People buying or renting can speak with real estate agents in Dubai about different neighbourhoods and suitable homes. Good advice should reflect the person's budget and the details of the property.

Long-term intentions offer one clue about future housing needs, but the supply of suitable homes and what households can afford also matter.

Conclusion

The betterhomes Future Living Report 2026 suggests that a large number of respondents regard Dubai as a long-term home, especially those who have lived there for over ten years. Career opportunities and living costs shape these intentions, although the survey captures plans at one point in time. Renters and buyers can start with a home that suits their budget and everyday needs. Each household has its own reasons for building a future in Dubai, and those personal experiences make the city feel like home.

Settled in Dubai but not sure where to buy? Explore betterhomes Dubai area guides to compare communities and find a home within your budget.