Dubai establishes a dedicated longevity authority to regulate advanced healthcare and attract global investment, aiming to lead innovation in life sciences, wellness and healthy life expectancy, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Dubai has moved to cement its ambitions in next-generation healthcare with the creation of a new regulatory body dedicated to longevity science, wellness and advanced medical innovation.
His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has issued Law No. (17) of 2026 establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA), a specialised entity designed to position the emirate as a global hub for regulated longevity and advanced healthcare services.
The move forms part of Dubai’s broader economic and social transformation strategy, with authorities seeking to tap into one of the fastest-growing global sectors: longevity and preventive healthcare. The newly created authority will oversee the development of a comprehensive ecosystem spanning research, clinical innovation, manufacturing and patient care, while ensuring regulatory oversight across the full value chain.
Under Decree No. (14) of 2026, His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has been appointed President of the DLA. Meanwhile, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, will serve as Chairman under Decree No. (15) of 2026.
The authority is expected to operate at the intersection of science, policy and investment. It will establish a regulatory framework that is both science-driven and risk-proportionate, aimed at governing emerging therapies and innovations linked to longevity. This includes licensing and supervising activities ranging from early-stage research and development to clinical trials, manufacturing processes and the delivery of advanced treatments through specialised clinics.
Officials say the initiative aligns closely with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Social Agenda 33—flagship strategies that seek to position Dubai among the world’s top cities for quality of life and to enhance healthy life expectancy among its population. By focusing on longevity science and advanced healthcare technologies, the emirate aims to build a future-ready health ecosystem that not only treats illness but also prioritises prevention and life extension.
In announcing the law, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that investment in human health and wellbeing remains central to national development. He said the goal is to harness advances in life sciences, biotechnology and medical innovation to deliver tangible improvements in quality of life. The leadership’s vision places Dubai at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare, with a focus on translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world benefits.
The DLA will work in coordination with key government and institutional stakeholders, including the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Future Foundation. This multi-agency approach is intended to ensure that regulatory frameworks are aligned with international standards, while also fostering innovation and maintaining patient safety.
From an economic perspective, the establishment of the authority signals Dubai’s intent to attract global investment and specialised talent into the longevity and wellness sector. Industry experts have increasingly identified longevity science—encompassing areas such as regenerative medicine, personalised healthcare and age-related disease prevention—as a major frontier for economic growth.
Speaking on the development, Helal Saeed Almarri said the authority would provide regulatory clarity across the entire value chain, creating a sophisticated and well-governed market for advanced therapeutic products and services. He noted that the initiative is expected to drive technology transfer, attract high-potential companies and support the development of industrial capabilities within the emirate.
Beyond regulation, the DLA will also be tasked with shaping a long-term strategy to foster innovation and collaboration. This includes creating frameworks for safe experimentation, encouraging ethical medical practices and facilitating international partnerships. The authority is expected to play a central role in hosting global forums and events that bring together scientists, investors and policymakers to advance dialogue in the field.
Dubai’s push into longevity science reflects a broader global shift towards preventive healthcare and life-extension technologies. With populations ageing worldwide and demand rising for solutions that improve both lifespan and healthspan, cities are increasingly competing to establish themselves as centres for medical innovation.
