Gensler has unveiled its much-anticipated Design Forecast Report 2025. The publication identifies the top global design trends that will impact the real estate and built environment in 2025, emphasizing a new age of city center design that is human-centered to include adaptable spaces. With forward-thinking research and strategic advice, the trend report empowers clients and industry partners to tackle today’s critical challenges and create a positive impact in their communities.
Tim Martin and Tariq Sheikh, Co-Regional Managing Directors and Principals at Gensler Middle East, said: “This year’s Design Forecast demonstrates how bold, visionary design can address global challenges and make a tangible impact. We are at a transformative moment in our industry, one that demands groundbreaking ideas and innovative solutions to enhance the human experience. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about design’s potential to shape a sustainable future that inspires and positively impacts people in meaningful ways.”
The report highlights five key trends shaping the future of cities, from reimagining urban centers as community-centric hubs to the global surge in sustainable design, driving the built environment across the Middle East in 2025.
1. Experience-Driven Lifestyle Districts Reignite Global Cities
Mixed-use lifestyle and entertainment districts will take center stage in 2025 as the new anchors for cities looking to drive community engagement and bring people together around visceral shared experiences. Hospitality, retail, sports, and residential spaces make up the mix of these experience-driven areas, the rise of which is also driving demand for safe streets and reliable transit options.
The Diplomatic Quarter project in Riyadh showcases a recent Gensler example. Spanning a 38,000 square meter site, this development integrates retail, food and beverage, and entertainment spaces tailored to young professionals and families, creating a vibrant hub for urban living.
2. Demand for Sustainable Design Supercharges Innovation and Value
With organizations everywhere increasingly aware of climate risk, buildings designed with resilient and sustainable strategies are trading at premium values. This sustainable surge is also driving demand for game-changing innovations in construction processes and the materials industry. Adaptive reuse of old buildings, energy-efficient designs, weather-scenario planning, and other green techniques are anticipating local climate challenges while reducing waste and carbon emissions. Solutions such low- or no-carbon interior finishes and furnishings, and zero-carbon cement are leading the materials revolution. ENVI Al Nakheel, a boutique resort in Al Ahsa, KSA, exemplifies biophilic design that seamlessly blends built environments with nature. With eco-friendly pods, private pools, and lush greenery, the project demonstrates Gensler’s commitment to creating sustainable tourism experiences that resonate with modern travelers.
Since 2013, Gensler’s trend report has spotlighted key factors influencing the future of the built environment
3. Deeply Discounted Buildings Drive a Conversion Boom
On a global scale we are seeing aging office buildings and other devalued assets trading at deeply discounted rates, the adaptive reuse boom is poised to create valuable new real estate beyond just office to residential conversion. As the cost of capital comes down, 2025 will usher in a new financial environment that will inspire developers to seek out creative conversions of all types. Specific to the Middle East region we expect to see conversion from hospitality to healthcare, sports to retail, office to residential and more. The Al Faisaliah redevelopment project in Riyadh reimagines traditional retail and office spaces into a dynamic mixed-use environment. With retail, entertainment, hospitality, and residential offerings, the project is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative.
4. The Workplace of the Future Has Arrived
The future workplace is here now, and it’s all about employee experience, inspiration, and the value proposition realized by building owners and developers. In 2025, tenants will continue to search for workplace experiences that motivate employees and meet their professional aspirations. Landlords looking to compete must be laser focused on transforming their spaces into fully amenitized, Class A buildings close to transit and within the 20-minute lifestyle mix. In Abu Dhabi, Gensler’s design for a leading cybersecurity firm applies urban design principles to create a multifunctional workspace. Key zones such as The Harbour, The Neighborhood, and The Oasis offer tailored spaces for interaction, focused work, and relaxation, creating a balanced and productive environment.
5. Luxury Housing Meets Growing Demand
Attainable market-rate housing becomes the number one priority for cities around the world in 2025 as new financial incentives and lowering interest rates converge with changes to zoning laws and building codes to create an attractive market for housing developments of all types.
Across the Middle East, the UAE and KSA are responding to different shifts in ways that reflect their unique market priorities. In the UAE, the focus is on meeting the growing demand for luxury residential properties, fueled by an influx of high-net-worth individuals, financial incentives, and a thriving expatriate community. Developers are increasingly integrating advanced technologies and sustainable designs to cater to residents seeking bespoke living experiences. Dubai’s luxury developments demonstrate a trend toward world-class amenities, privacy, and convenience, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a luxury destination.
Meanwhile, in KSA, the housing market reflects broader Vision 2030 goals, emphasizing the creation of vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. Mixed-income developments are gaining traction, with affordable housing projects balancing rapid urban expansion in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. These initiatives aim to address the needs of a growing middle class while supporting government ambitions to improve homeownership rates. The integration of smart city concepts, cultural heritage preservation, and green infrastructure is redefining housing in the Kingdom, aligning with its aspirations for a more liveable and sustainable urban future.
As cities worldwide face evolving challenges, Gensler’s 2025 Design Forecast offers a blueprint for building adaptable, sustainable environments that put people at the center. By advancing adaptive reuse, setting new standards in sustainable materials, and championing mixed housing solutions, our global teams are reimagining how design can shape the vibrant, flexible communities of tomorrow.