In a landmark move to position the emirate at the forefront of life sciences, 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, formally establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA). The new entity is tasked with transforming Dubai into the world’s leading destination for regulated longevity, wellness, and advanced healthcare, while creating clear pathways for investment in the sector. The law was announced on June 11, 2026, and immediately sets the stage for a comprehensive regulatory and economic overhaul.
A New Regulatory Era for Longevity
The DLA will operate under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, who also heads The Executive Council of Dubai. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has been appointed as Chairman of the authority, according to separate decrees.
“The true wealth of nations lies in their people, and our greatest investment has always been in their health, quality of life, and ability to contribute, create and innovate,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement. He emphasized that Dubai aims to harness life sciences, biotechnology, and medical innovation to deliver tangible benefits, adding: “Serving humanity will always remain the ultimate purpose of every investment in science, knowledge and innovation.”
Scope and Mandate
The DLA’s primary mission is to design and enforce a science-driven, risk-proportionate regulatory framework for longevity therapies and innovations. Its oversight will cover the entire value chain—from research and development and clinical trials to manufacturing, delivery, and patient clinics. The authority will license and supervise all activities within this ecosystem, ensuring compliance with the highest international standards.
To achieve this, the DLA will coordinate closely with key government bodies, including the Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, and the Dubai Future Foundation. This inter-agency collaboration aims to create a seamless environment for advanced therapies, preventive interventions, and ethical innovation.
Economic and Social Impact
The launch of the DLA is directly tied to two ambitious long-term plans: the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. These agendas seek to position Dubai among the top three cities globally for quality of life and to achieve a leading position in healthy life expectancy.
Helal Saeed Almarri described the longevity sector as “one of the fastest-growing economic frontiers in the world.” He noted that the authority will offer “regulatory certainty across the entire value chain,” attracting investment, industrial capability, and specialized talent. “What we are building is a sophisticated, sovereign market for advanced therapeutic products and services,” he said. “This will not only support the goals of D33 but also allow Dubai to lead the way in breakthrough therapies that extend lifespan and healthspan.”
The authority’s strategy includes attracting high-potential companies, fostering international collaboration through global events, and facilitating the transfer of technology and business models into the local economy.
What This Means for Residents and Investors
For individuals, the DLA signals a future where cutting-edge therapies for aging and chronic diseases become more accessible and regulated. For businesses and researchers, it offers a clear, stable legal framework in which to operate—reducing uncertainty and encouraging long-term investment. The authority will also establish frameworks for safe experimentation, leveraging expertise from around the world.
As Dubai continues to position itself as a magnet for top talent and innovative industries, the creation of the Dubai Longevity Authority represents a significant step toward redefining global healthcare standards. With implementation already underway, the next few years will likely see the emirate emerge as a testing ground for therapies that could reshape how humanity approaches aging itself.