Dubai launches new authority to become global hub for longevity and advanced healthcare
New framework to oversee therapies, trials and patient care
DUBAI – 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 designed to position the emirate as the world’s leading hub for regulated longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare offerings while opening new pathways for investment in the sector.
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 the authority. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has been appointed Chairman under Decree No. (15) of 2026.
The establishment of DLA supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which seek to place Dubai among the world’s top three cities for quality of life and secure a leading position in healthy life expectancy through innovation, governance and strategic partnerships.
Vision forward
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the true wealth of nations lies in their people and that the emirate’s greatest investment has always been in health, quality of life and the ability of individuals to contribute, create and innovate.
“Our vision is for Dubai to be at the forefront of shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing life sciences, biotechnology and medical innovation to develop new solutions that enhance quality of life and advance human health,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added that every scientific breakthrough should deliver tangible benefits to people’s lives and that serving humanity remains the ultimate purpose of investment in science, knowledge and innovation.
“Our ambition is for Dubai to become the world’s leading hub for longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare, and to set new global benchmarks in health and quality of life. Dubai will continue to attract the world’s brightest minds across industries, fostering innovation and nurturing top talent to advance medicine, wellness and transformative life-enhancing technologies,” he said.
Regulatory role
DLA has been mandated to establish and implement a science-driven, risk-proportionate regulatory framework for longevity-related therapies and innovations. The authority will license and supervise activities across the entire value chain, including research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing, delivery and patient clinics.
The authority was launched in coordination with key government entities, including Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation. Its activities will align with the highest international standards to ensure excellence, safety and compliance throughout the sector.
Helal Saeed Almarri said the longevity, wellness and advanced health sector represents one of the fastest-growing economic frontiers globally, with Dubai positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities under the vision of its leadership.
“The establishment of the Dubai Longevity Authority will offer regulatory certainty across the entire value chain, from R&D and clinical trials through to manufacturing, delivery and patient care,” he said.
Almarri described the initiative as the creation of a sophisticated sovereign market for advanced therapeutic products and services that can attract investment, specialised talent and industrial capabilities while supporting the transfer of technology and business models into the wider economy.
He said the authority would contribute to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, while enabling Dubai to play a leading role in the development of breakthrough therapies that extend lifespan and healthspan and improve quality of life.
As part of its mandate, DLA will formulate and implement a comprehensive strategy to create an environment where advanced therapies, preventive interventions, clinical innovation, ethical practices and continuous progress can thrive together.
The authority’s key priorities include establishing frameworks that support safe experimentation and sector growth, drawing on expertise from around the world, attracting and investing in high-potential companies, and strengthening international collaboration through global events and dialogue. These efforts are expected to help accelerate innovation across the longevity and advanced healthcare landscape while reinforcing Dubai’s position as a centre for scientific and medical advancement.