UAE Wellness Economy Surges to $34.1 Billion, the Largest in the Middle East, New Global Wellness Institute Report Reveals

The inaugural report shows the UAE's wellness economy grew an impressive 58% between 2019 and 2023

MIAMI, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The nonprofit Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research organization for the global wellness industry, has released its first-ever report on the wellness economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—revealing it is the largest in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, valued at $34.1 billion.

The report, which has been 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.

The UAE ranks #1 in the MENA region in several wellness markets (at year-end 2023), including Wellness Real Estate ($1 billion), Personal Care & Beauty ($14.4 billion), Spas ($2.4 billion), and Wellness Tourism ($7.2 billion) — all subjects that will be addressed during the three-day GWS from November 18-21.

"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."

To learn more about the UAE's wellness economy, visit its dedicated Geography of Wellness page on the GWI website.

The GWS will take place at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai. A full list of confirmed speakers can be found on the GWS website here.

Registration is open —apply now.

Accredited media can apply to attend here.

About the Global Wellness Institute
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.

About the Global Wellness Summit:
The Global Wellness Summit brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $6.3 trillion global wellness economy. In addition to an annual conference, held at a different location around the globe, GWS also hosts annual in-person events such as the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium and the Beauty & the Brain Symposium, along with virtual gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes and Wellness Sector Spotlights. The organization's Future of Wellness report forecasts the top wellness trends for the year ahead and is oft-quoted in the media. The 19th annual Global Wellness Summit will be held in Dubai, November 18-21, 2025.

SOURCE GLOBAL WELLNESS INSTITUTE