The report, released just before the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) taking place in Dubai in November, is available on GWI’s Geography of Wellness platform. It shows that the UAE’s wellness economy grew a remarkable 58% between 2019 and 2023, outpacing most global markets. Among all countries with wellness economies above $5 billion, the UAE recorded the second-fastest growth rate worldwide.
UAE leads MENA wellness markets
According to the GWI report, the UAE ranks #1 in the MENA region in several wellness sectors (at year-end 2023), including:
- Wellness Real Estate ($1 billion)
- Personal Care & Beauty ($14.4 billion)
- Spas ($2.4 billion)
- Wellness Tourism ($7.2 billion)
All of these categories will be addressed during the three-day Global Wellness Summit, taking place from November 18-21 in Dubai.
Strong growth and strategic positioning
“The UAE’s wellness economy is not only the largest in the Middle East and North Africa, it is also one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, which speaks to the country’s bold vision and strategic investments in wellbeing,” said Susie Ellis, GWI and GWS chair and CEO.
“With momentum building toward the 2025 Global Wellness Summit in Dubai, it’s the perfect moment to highlight these impressive numbers and what they mean for the future of wellness in the region. This research underscores why the UAE is rapidly becoming a global hub for wellness real estate, tourism, and longevity innovation, and we can’t wait for our Summit delegates to be able to experience this growth first-hand.”
The findings position the UAE as both a regional and international leader in wellness development, combining strong investment, rapid sectoral growth, and a strategic commitment to wellbeing. As the Global Wellness Summit approaches, Dubai’s role as a host city underscores the country’s emergence as a global center for wellness tourism and innovation.
Tags: Susie Ellis Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness UAE
