Health and Wellness Trends in the UAE: A 2025 Outlook

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UAE Health and Wellness Trends: What to Expect in 2025

As we move through 2025, several health and wellness trends are emerging in the UAE. Driven by technological innovation, governmental initiatives, and evolving consumer preferences, these trends are shaping the wellness landscape in the UAE. These trends are also positioning the UAE as an emerging global hub for health and wellness in 2025. 

1. Technology Integration in Wellness

As the UAE aspires to an AI-powered future, technology is at the forefront of the country’s wellness revolution. According to the Government AI Readiness Index 2023 by Oxford Insights, the UAE is ranked 1st in the Gulf region and 18th globally out of 160 countries. Consequently, the adoption of meditation apps (i.e., fitness and mental health apps) has seen a significant rise, which reflects a broader interest among the UAE consumers to leverage technology for personal well-being. 

Virtual fitness classes, wearable devices, and wellness apps are becoming an important part of daily routines, as they offer personalized health tracking and virtual consultations. In addition, the WHX Arab Health 2025 Expo in Dubai highlighted a Discover the top health and wellness trends that are shaping the UAE in 2025, from digital fitness to plant-based diets and wellness tourism. shift from treatment to prevention, with a strong focus on AI, wellness, and genomics being key parts of the UAE’s health strategy.

Read: UAE’s Healthcare Sector Evolution: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategies

2. Mental Health and Mindfulness 

Mental well-being is gaining prominence as a result of increased awareness of mental health issues. Additionally, the UAE has integrated mental health services into primary care, ensuring comprehensive health coverage. Mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation are being gradually embraced both in personal routines, while research data shows a high volume of searches for fitness equipment, as well as vitamins and supplements in the UAE.

A new study in the UAE explored how sport participation is affecting the well-being of Abu Dhabi residents. The findings of the study indicated that walking, jogging, running, and CrossFit were the practiced sports in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, football, volleyball, and cricket were the top three team sports that showed strong links to mental health, life satisfaction, and social relationships in Abu Dhabi. Males participated more in high-intensity sports while females preferred walking and dancing.

3. Rise of Boutique Fitness and Personalized Wellness

The fitness industry in the UAE is experiencing a boom, with boutique studios offering specialized classes like Pilates and yoga classes in Dubai. There is an evolving demand for personalized wellness experiences, which include tailored fitness programs and nutrition plans, targeting individual health goals and preferences. To drive industry growth, Dubai recently launched an international sports and entertainment free zone, enabling individuals and entities to obtain business licenses in sports management and marketing, and event organization. The new free zone will also support emerging sectors like AI-powered sports technology, e-sports, and fan token initiatives. 

As a top market research company in the UAE, we foresee strong growth in the fitness industry, driven by higher disposable incomes as consumer spending is expected to rise by 13% in 2025, one of the highest rates globally. Likewise, an upward trend is seen in the population as well. In 2025, Dubai’s population is set to cross 4 million, fueling economic growth and relocation of skilled professionals, especially high-net-worth individuals from Europe, who are seeking better quality of life and investment opportunities in the UAE. 

4. Growing Appetite for Alternative Proteins in the UAE

There is a growing interest in alternative proteins in the UAE. Researchers from UAE University found that over half (51.2%) of the respondents were aware of alternative proteins, and 74% preferred plant-based options. Likewise, Gulfood 2025 highlighted the rising demand for health-driven products, particularly plant-based diets in the UAE, organic options, clean-label goods, and collagen-infused wellness products.

Several factors influencing UAE consumers’ willingness to shift from animal-based to alternative proteins included awareness of nutrition and sustainability, product availability, and taste, as well as the role of advertising and media. This goes on to show the rising awareness of consuming sustainable food in the UAE.

5. Growing Role of Medical and Wellness Tourism in the UAE

The UAE has solidified its status as a top destination for medical tourism. In 2024, the UAE attracted patients for treatments in dermatology, dentistry, gynecology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and fertility. Visitors came primarily from Asia (39%), Europe/CIS (22%), Gulf/Arab countries (21%), and other regions (18%).

On similar lines, the UAE is positioning itself as a premier destination for wellness tourism. Luxury resorts are beginning to offer wellness retreats and health and relaxation packages to attract visitors seeking holistic wellness experiences. This trend is bolstered by the UAE’s investment in high-quality healthcare services and state-of-the-art facilities. Dubai Health Authority reported 691,000 medical tourists in 2023, spending AED 992M ($270M). 

Contact us if you looking to gain consumer insights around health and wellness in the UAE. As a top feasibility study services company in Dubai, we specialize in healthcare market research & setting up health and wellness centers in the UAE.