Dubai Launches Dedicated Authority for Health and Longevity, Reinforcing Vision to Become Global Wellness Hub: In a landmark move that underscores the emirate’s ambition to become a global leader in preventive healthcare and healthy ageing, Dubai has launched a dedicated authority focused on health and longevity, placing wellness, disease prevention, and quality of life at the center of its future healthcare strategy.
The initiative reflects a growing shift in healthcare worldwide from simply treating disease to extending healthspan—the number of years people live in good health—through innovation, technology, precision medicine, and preventive care. Dubai has increasingly positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation through a series of healthcare and wellness initiatives aimed at improving population health and attracting global expertise in longevity science.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (17) of 2026, establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA), a new entity that aims to develop the emirate as the world’s leading hub for regulated longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare offerings, and forge paths for investment flows.
According to Decree No (14) of 2026, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, will serve as President of DLA. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has been appointed as its Chairman, according to Decree No (15) of 2026.
Leveraging cutting-edge innovation, robust governance, and strategic partnerships, the establishment of DLA will support the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aim respectively to position Dubai among the top three cities globally for quality of life and achieve a leading position in healthy life expectancy.
Focus on Healthspan Rather Than Lifespan
Health experts globally are emphasizing that living longer is no longer enough; the focus is now on ensuring that people remain healthy, active, and productive throughout their lives. Dubai’s new health and longevity framework aligns with this international trend, integrating advances in personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, genomics, biomarker analysis, and preventive healthcare.
The launch comes as Dubai continues to invest heavily in healthcare innovation, smart health systems, and wellness infrastructure, strengthening its reputation as a destination for advanced medical care and healthy living. Recent initiatives have included AI-powered healthcare solutions, integrated health screening systems, and expanded longevity-focused healthcare programs.
Growing Global Longevity Ecosystem
The establishment of a dedicated authority reflects the rapid growth of the longevity sector, which combines medical science, biotechnology, preventive health, nutrition, fitness, mental wellbeing, and digital health technologies.
Dubai has already witnessed significant investment in this area, with healthcare providers, wellness companies, and research organizations expanding services focused on preventive medicine, healthy ageing, and personalized healthcare. The emirate has also become a regional hub for discussions on healthspan and longevity, hosting international conferences and attracting leading experts in the field.
Industry analysts view the move as part of a broader strategy to position Dubai as a global destination for healthcare innovation, medical tourism, and wellness-focused living.
Supporting Dubai’s Economic and Social Vision
The new authority is expected to play a key role in advancing Dubai’s long-term economic and social development goals by promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing the burden of chronic diseases, enhancing healthcare outcomes, and supporting innovation in medical research and technology.
By bringing together healthcare providers, researchers, technology companies, investors, and policymakers, the initiative aims to create an ecosystem that encourages collaboration and accelerates breakthroughs in longevity science and preventive healthcare.
A Global Destination for Future Healthcare
As populations worldwide continue to age, governments and healthcare systems are increasingly prioritizing healthy ageing and disease prevention. Dubai’s decision to establish a dedicated authority for health and longevity signals its intention to lead this emerging sector and become a global center for next-generation healthcare solutions.
The initiative further strengthens the emirate’s reputation as a city that embraces innovation, technology, and forward-thinking policies to improve quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By focusing on healthspan, wellness, and preventive medicine, Dubai is not only preparing for the future of healthcare but also helping shape it.
