Many studies have investigated the livability assessment of urban areas; the increasing demands for products and services have led to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Governments and decision-makers have dedicated considerable attention to these issues, affecting cities’ livability and sustainable development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced significant urbanization and demographic changes, leading to an increasing demand for residential areas that meet its residents’ preferences. In this context, the livability assessment of the residential area becomes paramount to guarantee the well-being and satisfaction of its residents. The previous studies showed an urgent need to answer how we can assess the livability of urban areas based on people's preferences. This study applies the integrating approach of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an innovative approach to evaluate the livability of residential areas in the UAE by integrating social preferences within the urban design and planning processes. This research aims to improve the quality of life and standard of living of UAE residents. The data is collected via surveys across the UAE targeting different demographics. The data gathered was investigated using the BIM platform, which effectively represents the varied preferences of the UAE population. Utilizing a model-based methodology in this context facilitates a means to visualize and assess different design possibilities effectively. This enables planners, architects, and policymakers to make well-informed decisions based on data concerning the development of residential areas and optimizing user preferences. The research findings showed that the UAE urgently needs an index to measure the livability of residential areas based on people’s preferences.