The traditional healthcare system offered a reactive model: when you fall ill, you visit a medical center for treatment. The coronavirus era provided us with a telemedicine system, which added a digital health option to a traditional one. However, a new trend is gaining momentum — longevity clinics, which aim to completely transform the way people engage with their health by encouraging them to take a proactive approach and live more consciously in the present.
A recent study by A/B Consulting reveals that 80% of higher-income Americans are willing to invest both time and money to maximize their lifespan. Many envision a future where prioritizing sleep, adhering to strict diets, having regular health checkups, and managing stress become essential components of their daily routines.
This growing focus on longevity coincides with the fastest-aging global population on record, according to the UN. As of 2021, the number of people aged 65 and older reached 761 million, with projections indicating that figure will double to 1.6 billion by 2050.
In the UAE, the demographic shift is similarly notable: only 1% of the population was aged 60 and above in 2021, but by 2050, this proportion is expected to increase to 16%.
Longevity medicine, an emerging field, focuses on extending the healthy human lifespan through science-driven, preventative strategies. The region is becoming a home to a cutting-edge technologies and newly opened longevity clinics, fostering the new approach.
The growing prominence of longevity medicine was highlighted during the Abu Dhabi Healthcare week (April 2025), where the UAE announced the launch of a new Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster.
The HELM cluster aims to be a central platform for the research and development of biotechnology and next-generation health solutions, positioning Abu Dhabi as a leader in the burgeoning longevity medicine industry.
This initiative comes as the UAE witnesses the rise of longevity centers, with both local and international companies eager to enter the field. Pharmaceutical giants like Lilly are already exploring collaborations with the government to develop long-term solutions for issues such as obesity.
One more trend should also be mentioned here: longevity tourism. It offers a unique opportunity for the UAE to position itself as a global pioneer in a dynamic and fast-growing sector. By merging cutting-edge medical innovation with luxury wellness experiences, this niche attracts high-net-worth travelers eager to enhance their health and prolong their vitality. With its world-class infrastructure, forward-thinking strategy, and commitment to excellence, the UAE is perfectly poised to lead and define the future of this emerging industry.
Longevity tourism is an emerging frontier in travel, designed for those who prioritize their health and are willing to invest in tailored, science-backed interventions. Treatments span from genomic testing and regenerative therapies to comprehensive wellness programs. This blend of cutting-edge science and lifestyle offerings attracts individuals seeking transformative, health-focused experiences. The UAE’s expertise in combining medical excellence with luxury hospitality positions it as an ideal destination for these health-conscious travelers.
A High-Potential Economic Driver
Longevity tourism presents a valuable economic opportunity for the UAE. As a growing segment within the $1.3 trillion global wellness tourism market, targeting affluent, health-focused travelers can unlock substantial revenue. Beyond direct spending, this niche fuels innovation, stimulates job creation, and drives growth across multiple sectors—from biotechnology and healthcare to luxury hospitality and wellness services.
To foster the growing trend of longevity, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) introduced a pioneering Declaration on Longevity and Precision Medicine at the Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the global effort to revolutionize healthcare delivery and research. The signing brought together a powerful coalition of global and local leaders, including M42, Masdar City, PureHealth, Illumina, NYU Abu Dhabi, the University of Pennsylvania, Aldar, Children’s National Hospital, Burjeel, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and the Institute for Healthier Living Abu Dhabi (IHLAD).
The declaration comes at a pivotal moment, as the World Health Organization forecasts the global population aged 60 and over will surge to 2.1 billion by 2050. At the same time, the precision medicine market is on a steep upward trajectory, expected to grow from US$81 billion in 2023 to over US$175 billion by 2030.
Positioned at the forefront of this transformation, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as both a regional and global leader in the longevity sector. This leadership is fueled by forward-thinking regulatory frameworks, robust investments in precision medicine, and bold initiatives—such as the establishment of the world’s first licensed Healthy Longevity Medicine Centre. The UAE’s longevity market is projected to soar from US$19 billion in 2020 to US$32 billion by 2026.
