Real estate special: Wellness, wonder and the will to move

For decades, the UAE has been synonymous with architectural marvels, luxury retail, and high-end hospitality. But a new narrative is taking shape; one that places wellness, movement, and meaning at the heart of travel. From the serene desert shores of Zulal Wellness Resort to the adrenaline of a packed Formula 1 grandstand in Abu Dhabi, the country is reimagining tourism as more than just escapism. It’s now about transformation.

As global travellers shift their priorities toward personal well-being, purposeful experiences, and immersive environments, the UAE is leading the charge, blending ancient healing traditions with futuristic infrastructure, elite sporting events, and family-focused entertainment.

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A nation built for wellness

Few places capture the spirit of transformation better than Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, located in the northern tip of Qatar but drawing wellness tourism from across the GCC. This sanctuary is the Middle East’s first full-immersion wellness destination and a proud ambassador of Traditional Arabic and Islamic Medicine (TAIM). Zulal’s new Body Transformation Retreat, for example, fuses colonic hydrotherapy, infrared slimming, dry cupping, and modern physiotherapy, all under one bespoke wellness journey. From detoxifying meals to body contouring tech and traditional massages, it’s less of a vacation and more of a physical and spiritual reset.

Such retreats reflect a larger movement toward travel that heals, both literally and figuratively. It’s no longer just about “getting away”; it’s about “coming back better.”

The rise of sport-led travel

But wellness isn’t confined to spas and retreats. In the UAE, it runs the track, dives in the pool, and roars from the bleachers. According to a recent Hyatt-commissioned survey, nearly 45% of UAE travellers would plan an entire holiday around a major sporting event. With iconic venues like Yas Marina Circuit and Al Wasl Sports Club, and mega-events like UFC Fight Island and Formula 1, it is no longer just about where you stay, but what you experience.

“Sports-tripping is reaching fever pitch, and we are increasingly seeing more travellers, with a passion for building their holidays around watching live sporting events, stay in Hyatt properties,” says Stephen Ansell, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa at Hyatt. “Whether people are discovering a new destination or revisiting a firm favourite, travelling to watch sporting events offers the perfect opportunity for fans to enjoy a unique event as well as the wider experiences a city has to offer.”

The numbers don’t lie. Nearly 30% of UAE respondents said they’d travel thousands of miles for a match, and over 50% prioritise proximity to sporting venues when booking their hotel. Whether it’s staying at a Hyatt near a cricket stadium in Dubai or a hotel offering paddle courts and yoga in Sharjah, guests aren’t just looking for rest — they want recovery, routine, and recreation.

A new type of community

Developers, too, are picking up on the pulse. Haven by Aldar, a masterplanned wellness community in Dubai, is a testament to this shift. With over 2,280 residences set around a central park, Haven features not just green trails and exercise stations, but a Zen pavilion, infrared sauna pods, and a wellness concierge, the kind of amenities once reserved for luxury retreats, now embedded in everyday living. By achieving the Fitwel 3-star rating and LEED Gold pre-certification, the community isn’t just building homes; it’s cultivating wellbeing. It’s a sign that wellness is no longer niche; it’s foundational.

Entertainment meets endorphins

Nowhere is this fusion of leisure and lifestyle more exciting than the newly announced Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the first Disney park in the Middle East, set on Yas Island, the UAE’s rising entertainment capital. While Disney parks worldwide have long driven tourism and real estate growth, Abu Dhabi’s version promises more: a uniquely Emirati twist on the classic experience, with cultural architecture, immersive indoor-outdoor attractions, and a waterfront setting.

But beyond the fairytales, this mega-development is already shaping the real estate landscape. According to Bayut, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi triggered a 163% increase in property search demand for Yas Island after its 2023 launch. Analysts now predict a 30–50% rise in property values near Disneyland within five years of its debut.

“Disneyland’s arrival in Abu Dhabi isn’t just an entertainment story; it’s an economic turning point. For the real estate market, it signals the start of a new investment era, where lifestyle and legacy intersect,” says a real estate expert. 

Families drawn to Disney magic aren’t just staying for a week, they’re increasingly buying into a lifestyle, where wellness, community, and convenience converge.

Movement as medicine

Wellness tourism isn’t just about the polished spa menus or yoga schedules. Increasingly, it’s about the freedom to move; to cycle, swim, hike, or dance without interruption. The Hyatt survey revealed that 40% of UAE travellers prioritise maintaining fitness routines on the road, while 33% travel to develop discipline or achieve a personal goal. This mindset is bleeding into business travel, too: nearly 42% of respondents said access to sports facilities makes or breaks a work trip. This explains why more hotels are investing in performance-enhancing amenities; think recovery suites, personalised nutrition options, even smart tech that syncs with your sleep or training habits. The UAE is positioning itself not just as a place to relax, but a place to perform.

The hybrid future

As the UAE continues to invest in mega projects, from wellness sanctuaries to hyper-connected sporting cities, it is also subtly reshaping what future can look like. Hyatt’s findings show that guests now want both: the thrill of a stadium and the stillness of a spa. They want to eat well, sleep better, train harder, and return home changed.

And brands across hospitality, real estate, and tourism are listening. Whether through Zulal’s TAIM-inspired therapies, Aldar’s green-living communities, Emaar’s $15 billion wellness-centric developments, or Disney’s global debut in the Middle East, the message is clear: the future of welness lies in purpose.

It’s about motion and meaning. About how a place moves you. For those seeking more than just a getaway, the UAE offers something deeper: a place where transformation isn’t just encouraged; it’s built into the landscape.

Sana Eqbal

Sana Eqbal is a journalist and media strategist specialising in corporate communications, PR, digita...Read More

sana@khaleejtimes.com