The new report from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) confirms that The United Arab Emirates has become the fastest growing welfare economy in the Middle East and North Africa., reaching a value of 40.8 billion. The study is part of Geography of Wellness and has been developed in collaboration with the real estate developer Aldar, a leading player in some of the most ambitious wellness projects in the region.
The UAE leads the regional ranking in key sectors such as wellness real estate (1.4 billion), the personal care & beauty (14.8 billion) and the SPAS REVENUE (2.9 billion). It is also the fastest growing market in the world. public health and prevention, physical activity y corporate welfare.
Susie Ellis, President and CEO of the GWI, stresses that this momentum is directly aligned with the National Welfare Strategy 2031, which aims to place the country among the healthiest on the planet. It says the UAE “is redefining wellness by combining innovation, culture and a health-oriented lifestyle”.
Longevity-oriented real estate
The wellness real estate sector has grown by 22,8% from 2019, driven by communities designed to promote healthy habits through urban planning. Some of the most important projects include SHA Emirates, the future headquarters of the prestigious SHA Wellness Clinic group, and Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi's premier coastal wellness destination.
Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, explains that when wellness is integrated into design, “healthy choices become intuitive and natural”.
Wellness tourism as an economic driver
Wellness tourism is one of the country's main driving forces and has reached a value of 11.3 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 23,5%. The offering ranges from longevity retreats to urban spa experiences, integrating technologies such as biometrics, wellness AI and human performance programmes.
Tradition and innovation in balance
The UAE's wellness identity combines ancient rituals -hammam, Bedouin practices, use of myrrh or incense- with advanced technologies for monitoring health, stress and sleep. The country complements this vision with environmental policies to reduce its ecological footprint and increase energy efficiency.
The country's geography offers unique settings for wellness: deserts for meditation, mountains for mindful trails, coastline for regenerative retreats and traditional activities that connect visitors to local culture. Resorts and spas integrate organic products, sustainable treatments and personalised longevity programmes.
With sustained investments in digital health, wellness tourism and conscious urbanism, UAE consolidates its position as one of the world's most advanced welfare models. Its ability to combine tradition, innovation and quality of life places it at the heart of future trends in wellness and longevity.
