What makes the UAE a pioneer in the future of healthy ageing?What makes the UAE a pioneer in the future of healthy ageing?

Few nations possess the foresight to see demographic transformation as an opportunity rather than a burden. The UAE stands among those exceptions, poised to leverage its resources to shape a blueprint for longevity governance.

A comprehensive approach to longevity

As countries face the challenge of an ageing population, the UAE has positioned itself as a beacon of progressive policy, combining scientific innovation, financial ingenuity, and modern infrastructure to cultivate a robust longevity ecosystem.

For a nation to harness the potential of an ageing demographic, a multi-faceted approach to longevity is required. Science, medicine, technology, and finance must all align within a cohesive National Longevity Strategy. Striking a balance across these dimensions is essential. Any gap, whether in research, healthcare provision, or financial mechanisms, risks weakening the ecosystem as a whole. Recognising the significance of each pillar – and the interplay between them – serves as a strategic imperative for those seeking to build a longevity-progressive society.

Infrastructure for longevity medicine

The UAE has already established a solid foundation in longevity medicine, a crucial pillar in the pursuit of longer, healthier lives. From visionary health initiatives to longevity-focused clinics and even entire ‘longevity megahubs’, the country is investing in the infrastructure needed to make health the cornerstone of quality of life. The latest edition of the UAE Health Tech Platform — a comprehensive guide to the thriving UAE life sciences ecosystem — further demonstrates the nation’s commitment to fostering an environment where healthcare innovation takes centre stage.

Related:Global dementia crisis looms as 77 per cent of nations fail on action plans

The scientific underpinnings of longevity medicine are equally well supported. The UAE has the capacity not only to advance its own research into ageing and longevity but also to collaborate with global leaders in this field. Such partnerships will be instrumental in catalysing the next wave of medical breakthroughs — whether they come in the form of new therapeutics, cutting-edge diagnostics, or personalised health management systems.

The role of finance in longevity

However, the missing link for many nations pursuing longevity is finance – the linchpin that transforms aspiration into reality. No longevity strategy will succeed without a sophisticated financial backbone. The commoditisation of longevity is an underdeveloped but vital pillar for any country aiming to lead the way in healthy ageing. The UAE, distinct in its blend of financial acumen, governmental support, and infrastructural readiness, is uniquely positioned to become the world’s first true hub for the longevity financial industry.

Related:Five strategic investments to reshape universal health coverage in Africa's digihealth landscape

Longevity financial commoditisation goes beyond traditional investment. It encompasses the rise of health as wealth, and the classification of longevity as an emerging asset class. The journey of longevity industrialisation has, until now, been propelled by venture capital – a mechanism well-suited to high-risk, high-reward investments. Yet, that era is drawing to a close, and the next stage requires a broader financial toolkit. Longevity investments need to become less risky and more liquid, accessible to a wider pool of investors. 

Achieving that necessitates the development of platforms, indices, exchanges, and financial instruments tailored to longevity as an industry. Such tools would enable de-risking while unlocking vast sums of untapped capital, potentially fuelling an entirely new phase of growth before the decade is out.

Structured financial products, longevity-focused FinTech, WealthTech, and InsurTech represent the new frontier. Companies like Longevity Card are already leading the charge, making it possible for individuals to access financial products aligned with health and longevity goals. For the UAE, taking a leading role in developing these financial instruments would be an opportunity to create a thriving sector and attract international capital to this emerging market.

Related:The elixir for advancing diagnostic infrastructure in Africa

At the 2024 Forbes Middle East Healthcare Summit, I had the privilege of discussing intelligent technology applications enabling healthier lifespans. The takeaway from that panel was: without an integrated approach that combines technology, policy, and finance, efforts to extend healthspan will remain fragmented. 

The UAE is witnessing a surge in events and centres dedicated to advancing healthcare and longevity. Notable among them are PureHealth, a brand of scientific innovation that leverages imagination and technological advancements to extend human lifespan; M42, a global tech-enabled health company; and ZOI-ME, a great example of an advanced longevity clinic recently established in Dubai. A comprehensive initiative that stood out to me is Abu Dhabi Global Health Week led by the Department of Health Abu Dhabi. It covered a wide range of domains, including pharmaceuticals, advanced medicine, longevity, and AgeTech, among others and featured high-quality speakers and topics essential for implementing a national industrial longevity strategy. This provided a holistic, end-to-end approach to healthy ageing.

The path forward

In the pursuit of becoming a longevity nation, the UAE has already put many pieces in place. The next challenge will be to orchestrate these components into a cohesive, world-leading strategy – one that positions the UAE not just as a regional leader but as a global pioneer in healthy ageing. If the nation succeeds in fully embracing longevity finance, it will not only redefine how ageing populations are perceived but also transform them into a formidable asset – propelling economic growth, fostering social stability, and ultimately reshaping the narrative of ageing in the 21st century.