As the wellness real estate sector evolves, a significant shift in architectural design is prioritizing unseen environmental factors that impact human health. This change is exemplified by projects like EYWA Way of Water in Dubai, which aims to achieve EMFIS® Certification to create a living environment characterized by low electromagnetic frequency.

Innovative Design for a Healthier Living

Situated along the Dubai Water Canal in Business Bay, EYWA Way of Water is designed to minimize exposure to electromagnetic fields originating from various sources such as electrical wiring, Wi-Fi networks, and even external 5G infrastructure. The project goes beyond conventional wellness certifications by analyzing and addressing electromagnetic hygiene, a concern that has largely been overlooked. While the World Health Organization considers radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as potentially carcinogenic, public awareness and institutional regulations are beginning to catch up. For instance, France has prohibited Wi-Fi in daycare centers, while Switzerland has established strict exposure limits for schools and healthcare facilities.

The architectural team behind EYWA, including OAD (led by Zane Tetere-Sulce) and consultant John R Harris, is focusing on shielding techniques within the home’s foundational design. The development will feature around 65 ultra-luxury residences, including two- to five-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and a penthouse, scheduled for completion in 2028. This thoughtful integration of shielding not only enhances aesthetic values but also significantly reduces radiation levels.

Effective Radiation Reduction Techniques

The innovative measures being implemented at EYWA Way of Water aim to achieve substantial reductions in both low and high-frequency electromagnetic fields through precise architectural design.

• Low-Frequency Fields: The design promises an impressive reduction of up to 98.7% in electric fields, validated through third-party testing.
• High-Frequency Fields: Anticipated reductions of up to 81.8% in electromagnetic fields from wireless sources will enable a more health-conscious living situation.
• Restorative Focus: Special shielding in bedrooms is specifically curated for optimal nervous system recovery and overall vitality.
• Scientific Basis: The standards guiding this project have emerged from research conducted at EPFL and recognized by Switzerland’s national standardization body.

Growing Market for Wellness Real Estate

The commitment to wellness-oriented living environments aligns with significant growth within the global wellness real estate market. The Global Wellness Institute anticipates an increase from $876 billion to $1.8 trillion by 2030. Notably, the UAE’s wellness sector alone is expected to balloon from $3.3 billion in 2017 to $14.6 billion by 2025, reflecting an annual growth rate of 21%.

As buyers become more selective about wellness properties, they increasingly seek verified metrics over mere marketing claims. EMFIS® benchmarking illustrates that properties with authorized low-EMF certification can command an average price increase of around 14%. As awareness of the importance of electromagnetic hygiene rises, projects like EYWA Way of Water are well-positioned to stand out in a competitive market.

Future Perspectives in Design and Well-being

Industry leaders are recognizing the significance of addressing electromagnetic exposure as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness. Federico Marangoni, Founder and CEO of EMFIS®, emphasizes the shift in focus from how buildings interact with the external environment to their influence on inhabitants’ well-being. Mariska Stoffel, Director of Design & Development at R.Evolution, notes that as people spend most of their lives indoors, it is essential to create environments conducive to sleep and recovery.

Additionally, Shailesh Bhandari of John R Harris & Partners illustrates that sustainability now extends to how electromagnetic factors impact daily living. With EMFIS® at the forefront, EYWA Way of Water represents a pioneering effort in the region to integrate electromagnetic hygiene into architectural design, making it a standout example for future developments across the GCC and beyond.