Development-led low-rise housing in Dubai: translating resident satisfaction into design and planning insights

Introduction In a globalizing world, countries continuously strive to enhance quality of life (QoL). This study focusses on the well-being of residents in gated communities in the UAE, focusing on satisfaction with residential units and their communities. QoL, often seen as subjective, is quantified here by transforming qualitative perceptions into measurable data. Methods An online survey assesses satisfaction based on indicators like residential unit features and community amenities. Using linear regression analysis with SAS 9.4, two models are developed: one for residential unit satisfaction and another for community satisfaction. The study also considers demographics such as gender, income, and unit size. Results Results reveal kitchen and bedroom sizes significantly impact residential unit satisfaction, with p-values of 0.03 and 0.05, respectively. For community satisfaction, facility availability is the most influential factor, with a p-value of 0.03. Comparative analysis shows residents of communities like Motor City Green and Arabian Ranches report higher satisfaction due to larger built-up areas and abundant community facilities. Discussion These findings provide practical guidance for developers and urban planners by identifying priority design and community attributes that can enhance residents’ quality of life while supporting evidence-based decision-making in development-led residential projects aligned with Dubai’s 2040 vision.