Confidence in Dubai as a place to live and invest either held or increased for 67 per cent of residents surveyed in the months following a spell of heightened regional instability, according to the Future Living Report 2026 published by Betterhomes.
The annual report, now in its third year, surveyed 1,714 residents representing 63 nationalities between June 17 and July 19, 2026. When asked directly how regional developments had affected their outlook, 45 per cent said they felt more confident about Dubai, with a further 23July reporting no change. Only 6 per cent said they were reconsidering their longer-term plans in the region.
Confidence does not appear to have translated into immediate property decisions for everyone, though. A quarter of respondents said they had paused or slowed a property-related decision, while 36 per cent reported no change to their plans and 21 per cent said they felt more committed to buying or investing.
“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,” Richard Waind, CEO of betterhomes said in a statement.
Looking beyond the near term, 70 per cent of respondents expressed confidence or strong confidence in Dubai’s long-term economic growth and real estate prospects, with 32 per cent describing themselves as very confident.
The share of residents planning to stay for at least another decade rose to 69 per cent, up from 59 per cent in last year’s edition. Among those who have already lived in Dubai for more than ten years, 75 per cent said they intended to remain for at least a further decade.
