The United Arab Emirates’ wellness economy has surged to $40.8 billion, according to a new Global Wellness Institute report that identifies the country as the fastest-growing wellness market in the Middle East and North Africa. The findings, released as part of GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform, highlight rapid expansion across wellness real estate, beauty and personal care, spa revenues, and sectors tied to public health, physical activity and workplace wellbeing. The report is produced in partnership with Aldar, one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers.
The latest data shows the UAE ranking first in the region in several key categories, including $1.4 billion in wellness real estate, $14.8 billion in personal care and beauty, and $2.9 billion in spa revenue in 2024. The report aligns these trends with national programmes such as the UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which emphasise wellness tourism and quality of life as central pillars of long-term economic development. Together, these initiatives position the country as an emerging global hub for wellness-driven travel, living and investment.
Strong growth across wellness sectors
GWI chair and CEO Susie Ellis said the UAE’s rapid rise reflects both government policy and private-sector innovation. “The UAE’s National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 aims to position the country as a global leader in quality of life, so it’s not surprising that its wellness economy is the fastest growing in the Middle East and North Africa,” said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO, GWI. She added that the organisation is “especially grateful to Aldar—who are creating some of the most innovative wellness real estate projects in the world—for partnering with us to bring these country-specific insights to light.”
According to the report, the UAE’s wellness real estate sector has expanded by 22.8% from 2019 to 2024, driven by large-scale projects such as SHA Emirates and Aldar’s Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi’s first coastal wellness destination. These developments incorporate nature-focused design, integrated wellness programming and community-oriented layouts that align with global trends in healthy living environments.
The UAE’s wellness tourism sector is now valued at $11.3 billion, supported by a 23.5% compound annual growth rate. Growth has been accelerated by efforts to diversify tourism offerings, expand medical and wellness-focused travel, and position wellbeing as a driver of competitiveness. These priorities are reflected in the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to boost visitor numbers, increase tourism’s economic contribution and elevate the country’s position in global travel rankings.
Wellbeing as a national priority
Aldar Development CEO Jonathan Emery said wellness-focused planning is reshaping how communities are designed across the Emirates. “The UAE is leading a global transformation in how communities are designed to actively shape better, healthier lives,” said Jonathan Emery, CEO, Aldar Development. He added that embedding wellness in early planning stages—through walkable layouts, community-focused designs and amenities that encourage social connection—creates “environments where healthy choices become intuitive.”
The GWI report describes how the country blends traditional wellness heritage with modern technology. Ancient healing practices, Bedouin botanical remedies, hammam rituals and a diet rooted in local produce now coexist with biometric analysis tools, AI-driven diagnostics and personalised health platforms offered across spas, fitness centres and luxury retreats. This combination has made the UAE a destination for both traditional wellness seekers and travellers pursuing high-tech health optimisation.
The Emirates’ commitment to sustainability also plays a growing role in its wellness positioning. Eco-friendly spas and resorts are incorporating solar power, organic skincare, zero-waste programmes and water-conservation systems. The government’s broader environmental goals, including carbon-reduction and renewable-energy strategies, reinforce wellness as both a lifestyle priority and an economic driver.
As the wellness landscape evolves, the UAE continues to attract investment and visitors with a mix of desert retreats, coastal hideaways, advanced medical-wellness centres and urban sanctuaries. With wellness real estate, tourism and personalised healthcare expanding rapidly, the country’s $40.8 billion wellness economy is expected to keep growing as wellbeing becomes central to both policy and consumer demand.
