Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Sunday outlined the emirate’s plans to become a “global hub for healthy longevity”, an initiative aimed at improving public health while generating billions of dirhams in economic value.

Sheikh Hamdan approved the strategy and budget of the Dubai Longevity Authority and set out its future vision after chairing the organisation’s inaugural meeting.

The authority was launched in June to oversee programmes designed to help people live longer, healthier lives free from chronic disease and cognitive decline.

Alongside improving quality of life, the policies aim to enhance the health and productivity of the population and deliver significant economic benefits.

“We approved the Dubai Longevity Authority’s strategy, marking a new phase in Dubai’s ambition to shape the future of health and become a global hub for healthy longevity, spanning research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing and global markets,” Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X.

“The strategy targets annual growth of around 31 per cent and aims to contribute more than Dh35 billion, equivalent to $9.53 billion, to Dubai’s economy over the next decade,” he added.

Experts believe rapid advances in longevity research could make healthy living into old age increasingly common.

The new Dubai authority will also be responsible for developing strategies to create an enabling environment for advanced treatments, preventive interventions, clinical innovation and adherence to ethical standards.

Its key priorities include establishing frameworks for safe testing and sector development, drawing on international expertise, attracting and investing in high-growth companies, and strengthening global collaboration and dialogue through international events.

Abu Dhabi also announced a similar programme in 2025 to advance knowledge and technology related to longevity. In April that year, a declaration was issued setting out key principles to accelerate progress in precision medicine and longevity science.

Helal Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Dubai Longevity Authority, said the organisation was taking significant steps to regulate the longevity sector and establish a framework to support its success.

“We are building from the ground up a globally competitive ecosystem for the future of health, encompassing longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare services,” he said.

“In the first weeks since its establishment, we have defined the Dubai Longevity Authority’s governance framework and regulatory pathway, moving quickly while maintaining a rigorous and disciplined approach,” Almarri added.

He said Sheikh Hamdan’s approval of the authority’s strategy and budget would pave the way for the accelerated implementation of a phased roadmap, including licensing activities, attracting institutional investment and achieving tangible improvements in both healthspan and lifespan.