Dubai has established a dedicated regulatory authority to oversee longevity treatments, advanced medical therapies and preventive healthcare services, introducing a new framework for businesses and professionals operating in the rapidly developing sector.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued Law No. 17 of 2026 establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA) on June 6, 2026. The law creates a public corporation responsible for developing regulations, issuing permits and monitoring activities connected to longevity and advanced therapeutic products.
The authority is intended to strengthen Dubai’s position as an international centre for healthcare innovation while ensuring that new treatments and technologies operate within a regulated framework.
What will the Dubai Longevity Authority regulate?
The authority’s responsibilities cover several areas of the healthcare and medical innovation industry. These include the development and evaluation of advanced treatments, laboratory research, clinical trials, preventive healthcare interventions and the distribution of products connected to longevity.
The law also covers technologies and therapeutic products designed to support biological repair, regeneration and the restoration of bodily functions.
Longevity, as defined under the legislation, goes beyond simply extending lifespan. It includes improving an individual’s healthspan – the period of life spent in good health – through preventive interventions, early detection of ageing-related biological markers and science-based healthcare solutions.
The DLA will establish regulations, standards and protocols governing these activities. It will also oversee research programmes, prototype development and pilot projects involving emerging therapeutic technologies.
Businesses must obtain permits to operate
One of the law’s central provisions is the introduction of mandatory permits for organisations and individuals conducting regulated longevity-related activities in Dubai.
Under Article 7, no natural or legal person may conduct activities covered by the legislation without obtaining a permit from the DLA.
The requirement also extends to special development zones and free zones, including the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Permits will be issued through Dubai’s Unified Digital Window, with the authority coordinating with other relevant government entities. The process will follow requirements and procedures approved by the DLA’s board.
The authority will also have the power to inspect establishments, monitor compliance and ensure that businesses operate within the conditions attached to their permits.
How will Dubai coordinate healthcare regulation?
The new authority will work alongside existing healthcare and government organisations rather than replace their responsibilities.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will retain responsibility for supervising, regulating and issuing the necessary permits to individual professionals providing longevity-related services, in coordination with the DLA.
The law also requires the DLA and DHA to develop a unified protocol covering the management and protection of patient information, health awareness programmes and digital systems connected to longevity services.
Other government bodies involved in relevant areas include Dubai Health, Dubai Municipality, the Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Future Foundation.
Sheikh Hamdan to lead the authority
According to an announcement by Dubai’s Protocol Department on June 10, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, will serve as President of the Dubai Longevity Authority.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has been appointed Chairman of the authority.
The appointments form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to develop its healthcare innovation ecosystem and attract specialised talent, investment and research partnerships.
The authority is also intended to support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Dubai Social Agenda 33, particularly their ambitions relating to economic development, quality of life and healthy life expectancy.
Penalties and compliance measures
The legislation gives the DLA enforcement powers to address violations of its regulatory requirements.
Depending on the applicable violation and the relevant implementing decisions, measures may include fines, suspension of permits for up to six months or revocation of permits.
The authority can also coordinate with Dubai’s commercial licensing authorities to cancel the commercial licence of an establishment where its permit is revoked.
The law provides for further decisions to determine the specific violations and corresponding fines. Therefore, the legislation itself does not establish a complete fine schedule.
DLA employees appointed for enforcement duties may record violations and issue reports. They can also seek police assistance when necessary.
When does the law take effect?
Law No. 17 of 2026 was issued in Dubai on June 6, 2026. Article 27 states that it comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The legislation establishes the authority’s legal framework, while detailed operational requirements, permit procedures and other implementing decisions are to be developed through the mechanisms provided under the law.
For healthcare providers, research organisations and businesses exploring longevity-related services in Dubai, the new authority establishes a dedicated regulatory structure that will govern how these activities are approved and supervised.
1. What is the Dubai Longevity Authority?
The Dubai Longevity Authority is a public corporation established under Law No. 17 of 2026. It is responsible for regulating longevity-related treatments, research, advanced therapeutic products and associated healthcare activities.
2. Who established the Dubai Longevity Authority?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, established the authority through Law No. 17 of 2026, issued on June 6, 2026.
3. What does the Dubai Longevity Authority regulate?
It regulates advanced medical treatments, clinical trials, research and development, preventive healthcare interventions and products associated with longevity.
4. Do healthcare businesses need permits from the DLA?
Yes. Businesses and individuals conducting activities covered by the law must obtain the required authorisation. Establishments must obtain DLA permits, including those operating in free zones such as DIFC.
5. Who will lead the Dubai Longevity Authority?
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will serve as its President, while Helal Saeed Almarri has been appointed Chairman.
6. What is the difference between lifespan and healthspan?
Lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives. Healthspan refers to the period of life spent in good health and with a better quality of life.
7. What happens if a business violates the new law?
Possible measures include fines, permit suspension for up to six months and permit revocation. Specific violations and fines are to be determined through further decisions.
8. When does Dubai Law No. 17 of 2026 take effect?
The law states that it takes effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. It was issued on June 6, 2026.
