Dubai creates new authority to become global longevity and wellness hub

Dubai has established a new government authority dedicated to making the emirate the world's leading hub for longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare. The Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA) will regulate everything from research and clinical trials to manufacturing and patient care in the rapidly growing sector.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Dubai's ruler, issued the law creating the authority in June 2026. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Dubai's Crown Prince, will lead the new entity as president, while Helal Saeed Almarri from Dubai's tourism department will serve as chairman.

How will it work?

The DLA will create and enforce regulations for longevity-related therapies and innovations across the entire value chain. This includes:

• Licensing research and development activities
• Overseeing clinical trials
• Regulating manufacturing processes
• Supervising delivery and patient clinics

The authority will work alongside existing Dubai government bodies including Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation. It aims to align with international standards while offering regulatory certainty for companies operating in the space.

Key focus areas include creating frameworks for safe experimentation, attracting high-potential companies, and hosting international events to drive collaboration in the field.

Why does it matter?

The longevity and wellness sector represents one of the fastest-growing economic frontiers globally. Dubai is positioning itself early to capture investment and talent in this emerging field, which combines biotechnology, life sciences and medical innovation.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that "every scientific breakthrough should deliver tangible benefits to people's lives" and positioned the initiative as part of Dubai's broader investment in human health and quality of life.

For Dubai's economy, the authority could attract significant investment flows, industrial capability and specialized talent. It also supports the emirate's D33 economic agenda, which aims to position Dubai among the top three cities globally for quality of life.

The context

The creation of DLA reflects Dubai's strategy of establishing specialized regulatory frameworks to attract emerging industries. The emirate has previously created authorities for sectors like space, artificial intelligence and virtual assets, often ahead of other jurisdictions.

The longevity sector has gained momentum globally as advances in biotechnology and life sciences offer new possibilities for extending healthy lifespan. However, many jurisdictions lack clear regulatory frameworks for these emerging therapies, creating an opportunity for Dubai to establish itself as a regulated hub.

The initiative aligns with Dubai's broader vision to become a global center for innovation and advanced industries, while also addressing the practical goal of improving health outcomes for its population as outlined in the Dubai Social Agenda 33.