Dubai Approves New Longevity Strategy With AED 35 Billion Economic Target

Dubai has approved a new strategy for the Dubai Longevity Authority, setting an annual growth target of around 31% and aiming to contribute more than AED 35 billion to the emirate’s economy over the next decade.

The strategy and operating budget were approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, following the inaugural board meeting of the Dubai Longevity Authority.

As Hamdan bin Mohammed stated “Dubai’s development model places people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life at the heart of its priorities. Guided by this vision, the Dubai Longevity Authority’s strategy sets a clear path towards establishing Dubai as a leading global hub for longevity, wellness and advanced health. We aim to create an ecosystem that brings together innovation, talent, investment, and regulation to foster new scientific discoveries and translate them into solutions that help people live longer and in better health”.

Dubai created the Authority in June 2026 under Law No. 17 of 2026. It is the emirate’s dedicated regulator for what the government calls the Longevity, Wellness and Advanced Health sector, covering the full chain from research and clinical trials to manufacturing, market delivery and commercialisation. Government of Dubai Media Office.

Dubai plans to develop an ecosystem combining life sciences, biotechnology, medical innovation, investment and regulation, while attracting companies and specialised talent to the emirate.

The Authority is now developing an activity-based licensing system, minimum standards and enforcement mechanisms for businesses operating in the sector. It is also designing a Minimum Viable Product programme, which will allow selected companies and innovators to test new technologies and business models in a controlled environment under regulatory supervision.

The next stage will include regulatory development, pilot projects and market activation. The DLA will also work on strategic partnerships, investment, intellectual property, talent and infrastructure, as well as frameworks for health data and IP that can operate internationally.

The Authority is chaired by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. Its board also includes representatives from the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation.

Dubai’s move reflects the growing commercialisation of longevity medicine. What has largely developed through private clinics, diagnostics companies, biotech startups and wellness providers is now being treated by the emirate as a regulated economic sector with its own licensing structure, investment strategy and route to market.

The approved strategy represent the next phase in the Dubai Longevity Authority’s development, moving it from establishment to implementation as the world’s first dedicated regulator for the Longevity, Wellness and Advanced Health (LWAH) sector, advancing a sector defined not by how long people live, but by how long they live in good health.