Lifestyle Infrastructure: Building A Billion Dollar Wellness Economy

Accelerating beyond conventional growth trajectories, the lifestyle and wellness sector is projected to reach $7.4 trillion by 2025 and surge to $8.5 trillion by 2027, as consumer priorities shift toward health-optimised environments, preventive care, and wellness-integrated lifestyles. While premium developments represent one end of the spectrum, wellness principles are increasingly being democratised across market segments. The UAE's wellness real estate market exemplifies this ambition, with projections showing nearly sevenfold growth from $137 million in 2024 to $8.4 billion by 2027. Abu Dhabi's flagship developments demonstrate this commitment. The pioneering SHA Emirates, scheduled to open in 2026, will create the world's first "healthy living island" integrating AI-driven wellness solutions. 

As wellness becomes integral to urban infrastructure globally, several trends are shaping development across all markets. The polarisation between ‘hardcare’ and ‘softcare’ is widening, creating diverse market opportunities. Simultaneously, developers worldwide are recognising that wellness features must extend beyond amenities to become fundamental architectural and operational principles. The wellness real estate revolution is increasingly informed by evidence-based design. Research demonstrating how built environments affect physical and mental health is driving innovation—from circadian lighting systems that regulate sleep quality to biophilic elements that reduce stress and enhance cognitive function. As wellness evolves from amenity to necessity, cities and developers that successfully integrate health-optimised infrastructure will gain significant competitive advantages in attracting investment, residents, and visitors.