As the UAE’s real estate sector rapidly evolves towards sustainability and human-centric design, wellbeing has emerged as a defining pillar of future-ready development. In this interview, Dr. Majid Jack Hsiung, General Manager of Source of Fate, shares insights into how wellness-led planning, environmental responsibility, and sustainable luxury are reshaping residential communities across the Emirates.

From low-density, nature-integrated design to responsible coastal development and Ras Al Khaimah’s forward-looking vision, Dr. Hsiung explains why harmony between people, place, and planet is no longer optional—but essential for long-term value and resilience in the Middle East’s real estate landscape.

1. Wellbeing is increasingly being framed as a sustainability metric in real estate. Why has wellbeing-focused design moved from being a premium feature to a core requirement for future-ready developments in the UAE?

Ans. Wellbeing-focused design has become a core requirement primarily due to changing buyer preferences over the years. Earlier, investors and homebuyers had limited choices and often had to prioritise financial return, quality of life, or environmental responsibility when purchasing a property. Today, this has shifted significantly. People have become more environmentally conscious, health has taken on greater importance, and in increasingly busy lifestyles, clutter-free and wellness-led spaces have gained prominence. There is also a growing awareness that society is losing touch with the natural environment, and that future generations may experience a very different world if sustainability is not prioritised. Buyers today are looking beyond luxury finishes. The are seeking homes and communities that actively support their health and way of life. At Source of Fate, wellbeing is embedded into every aspect of design, from abundant natural light and green spaces to carefully planned layouts that foster comfort and balance. This approach not only elevates everyday living but also reinforces long-term value and investor confidence. According to a Survey Report, 90 per cent of UAE residents consider health and wellbeing a top priority when choosing a home. Further UAE-specific data surveying 1,006 residents shows that physical fitness remains the most popular goal for 2025, with 58 per cent selecting it as their top priority. In parallel, the UAE government has made environmental sustainability a key focus to support long-term economic and social development. Developers have recognised that health, comfort, and quality of life directly influence demand, pricing, and long-term asset value. Wellbeing has moved from a premium add-on to a core requirement, driven by shifting consumer expectations, policy alignment, and clear returns for investors and developers. In the post-pandemic UAE market, nearly 90% of residents consider a healthy home environment essential, with over 80% willing to pay a premium for features such as clean air and water, natural light, and green views. At the same time, national frameworks including UAE Vision 2031, Dubai Green Building Regulations, and Estidama have embedded wellbeing into urban planning, aligning real estate with broader sustainability and goals. This convergence has made wellness-led developments more attractive from a commercial perspective, with such projects consistently delivering higher rents, stronger occupancy, and better resale value, positioning longevity-focused and biophilic design as key drivers of resilience and long-term value.

2. Low-density planning, privacy and access to nature are often cited as critical to healthier living. How are developers like Source of Fate translating these principles into practical design decisions without compromising luxury or commercial viability?

I have always believed that a home should function as a true sanctuary. Creating healthy, high-quality communities is fundamentally about achieving balance. At Source of Fate, these values are translated into tangible design choices, thoughtfully planned community clusters, integrating green and open spaces, and layouts that feel both expansive and private, while preserving a sense of luxury and exclusivity. This balance is achieved through low-density master planning that limits unit counts, protects open space, and creates cooler microclimates; reduces heat gain, biophilic design elements such as courtyards, sky gardens, and natural materials that seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living; and privacy-led architecture with private entrances, sound-insulated interiors, and layered landscaping that ensures visual and acoustic seclusion without isolation. Wellness amenities are positioned as core components, reinforcing commercial viability while attracting long-term residents and investors. The result is a community where nature and privacy elevate luxury, rather than compete with it.

3. Coastal developments carry both opportunity and responsibility. When designed responsibly, how can waterfront communities contribute to mental wellbeing, mindfulness and social connection while protecting fragile marine ecosystems?

The connection between nature and wellbeing is not new. Historically, people have always associated fresh air, gardens, and proximity to the sea with healing and recovery, and this connection is embedded in our sensory system. Studies have demonstrated that blue spaces provide health benefits through multiple pathways, including perceived preference, landscape design, emotional interaction, and restorative activities. These benefits range from reduced fatigue and improved mood to lower stress levels and the alleviation of depressive symptoms, supporting mental wellbeing and helping prevent mental illness. Today, modern technology and advanced construction methods allow developers to integrate exposure to green and blue spaces within urban environments, either through design or by leveraging coastal locations such as Marjan Island. Living in such environments naturally encourages healthier lifestyles and greater mindfulness towards the surrounding environment. We at Source of Fate integrate sustainable water management, natural landscaping, and sensitive coastal planning to ensure the environment flourishes alongside the community. By embracing the principles of blue space therapy, waterfront promenades, thoughtfully designed beach access points, and serene platforms for activities such as yoga are created to encourage daily engagement with water, supporting lower stress levels and greater mindfulness. Shared waterfront amenities, including cafés, kids’ splash zones, and open-air cinemas, are strategically positioned to encourage social interaction, while dedicated quiet zones for meditation or nature observation harness the calming qualities of water to offer spaces for reflection and mental restoration.

4. Ras Al Khaimah is emerging as a hub for wellness-led, sustainable living. How do the emirate’s vision, planning frameworks and regulatory support enable developers to deliver long-term environmental and community value?

Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a hub for wellness-led, sustainable living is driven by strategic government planning and strong regulatory support. Sustainability is embedded into public policy through initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent, cut water usage by 20 per cent, and generate 20 per cent of energy from renewable sources. Strong regulatory support, combined with a clear commitment to environmental stewardship, enables developers like us to create projects that deliver enduring value for both communities and investors. By aligning our developments with the Emirate’s sustainability agenda, we ensure that each project is not only defined by luxury, but also by social and environmental responsibility. This is reinforced through clear regulatory frameworks such as green building codes, energy efficiency standards, and waste management requirements, which establish a level playing field and are further supported by incentives like faster approvals for LEED or Estidama-aligned developments. At the same time, strategic infrastructure investments, including expanded public transport, cycling networks, and upgraded water treatment facilities, enable the growth of low-carbon, wellness-led communities. Programs like Responsible RAK unite developers, local communities, and environmental organisations further strengthen this approach, ensuring that development supports conservation efforts while contributing to long-term economic and ecological resilience.

5. Looking ahead, what should “sustainable luxury” realistically mean in the Middle East over the next decade, and how do projects like Miraggio on Al Marjan Island reflect this shift away from excess towards harmony and human-centric living?

Sustainable luxury in the Middle East is evolving from a focus on excess toward one of balance, intention, and long-term impact. Over the coming decade, it will be defined by spaces that are refined and elegant, yet fundamentally human-centric, wellness-led, and environmentally responsible. No longer merely an aesthetic choice, sustainable luxury has become a philosophy, one that prioritises quality over quantity through the use of durable natural materials, energy-efficient systems, and spaces designed with a clear purpose for wellbeing. This shift is reinforced by circular design principles, where lifecycle thinking is embedded into developments through features such as solar-ready infrastructure, modular construction, and low-waste operations, ensuring reduced environmental impact alongside enduring value. At the same time, a renewed emphasis on cultural and community roots is shaping projects that blend local architectural elements, such as courtyards and wind towers, with modern sustainability to create a strong sense of place. Miraggio on Al Marjan Island exemplifies this evolution, with low-rise architecture, expansive balconies, and design elements focused on comfort, acoustics, and emotional wellbeing rather than overt display. Its sustainability measures, including solar-ready systems, greywater irrigation, and a central water filtration plant that significantly reduces plastic use by 90 per cent, integrate responsible living seamlessly into everyday life, while its community-focused planning balances private beachfront living with shared wellness and family-friendly spaces. Together, these elements demonstrate that sustainable luxury today is about harmony, between people, nature, and the planet.