Dubai’s shift from a temporary base to a long-term home is becoming increasingly clear. According to betterhomes’ Future Living Report 2025, the average length of stay across the city has risen to 10.5 years, up from 7.5 years in 2024, underscoring a clear shift in how residents view life in Dubai.

This increase reflects a growing sense of permanence across both tenants and homeowners, as more people commit to building their lives in the city for the long term. In 2024, tenants reported an average residency of 6.7 years. By 2025, that figure has climbed significantly to 9.9 years. Looking ahead, tenants now expect to remain in Dubai for an average of 10.7 years, compared to just 7 years the previous year. Nearly 60% of residents now plan to stay in the city for more than a decade, signalling a broader shift toward long-term living, stability, and confidence in Dubai’s future.

Commenting on these findings, Louis Harding, CEO of betterhomes, said, “With 59% of tenants committing to Dubai for the long term, it’s evident that people are planning their lives here with far greater confidence and clarity than we’ve seen before. This shift reflects Dubai’s continued appeal as a stable, liveable city for both families and professionals.”

From Short-Term Plans to Long-Term Commitment

The rise in both actual and expected length of stay points to a deeper sense of belonging taking hold. Tenants are planning further ahead, setting roots, and aligning their lives around the city with greater certainty than in previous years.

Rupert Simmonds, Director of Leasing at betterhomes, added, “The growth in tenant residency is one of the clearest indicators of Dubai’s evolution. People are choosing to stay longer, not out of necessity, but because the city supports long-term living, stability, and progression.”

Together, the findings underline a clear narrative: Dubai is no longer seen as a temporary chapter for tenants, but as a long-term destination where people are choosing to settle, plan, and grow.