Gulf Cooperation Council Embraces Health and Wellness Tourism

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, including countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, is experiencing a significant surge in the wellness tourism market. This growth is largely driven by ambitious national development programs, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the UAE's Vision 2031, and Qatar's National Vision 2030.

In early 2024, over 600 hotel projects with more than 140,000 rooms were under development in the Middle East. The GCC, in particular, stands out as the fastest growing region for wellness tourism spending.

State-of-the-art wellness centers in the GCC are designed not only to attract foreign visitors but also to cater to high-end locals who previously would have traveled abroad for high-quality treatment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead the region in hardcare, with Dubai inaugurating a Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie and Abu Dhabi launching the HELM Abu Dhabi cluster for research and development in health, endurance, longevity, and medicine.

The HELM Abu Dhabi cluster is projected to contribute $25.6 billion to the emirate's GDP, create 30,000 new jobs, and bring in $11.5 billion in investment by 2045. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabia Red Sea Project, promoted by Cristiano Ronaldo, spans 28,000 square kilometres, encompasses over 90 islands, and aims for 150 million visitors a year by 2030, contributing $5.3 billion to Saudi GDP.

However, it's not just about grandeur and luxury. The GCC wellness tourism market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 17%, reaching $1.4 trillion by 2027. SHA Emirates, an outpost of the Spanish wellness clinic, is set to open next year as a "healthy living island" with 100 residences and a combination of clinical care and mindful living.

The wellness economy is also spreading to average GCC citizens, with newly opened fitness clubs attracting locals and resident expatriates. In contrast to ostentatious Dubai, Oman is developing coastal, mountain, and thermal spring attractions, aiming to attract eco-conscious wellness tourists and focusing on "quiet luxury" and "authenticity."

The health and wellness industry in the GCC is seen as an import substitution strategy, keeping money within the country by partnering with foreign investors. Qatar's Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som aims to be the region's first family-wellness offering, founded on traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine (TAIM), and is one of the largest wellness destinations in the Middle East.

The GCC wellness tourism push is fostering a more health-conscious population. GCC governments see wellness as a good fit because it combines tourism with biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical innovation. The wellness travel market is increasingly split into two distinct segments: "Softcare" and "Hardcare". Most GCC countries are investing in both.

For instance, Therme Dubai, with a price tag exceeding $500 million, will become the world's tallest wellness center upon its 2028 opening, featuring an indoor botanical garden, waterfalls, a water park, and spa facilities inspired by ancient traditions. This project, like many others, is financed to promote health, wellness, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable energy, including public-private partnerships like those involving Dubai's city planning committees and investment campaigns raising billions of dirhams for health projects.

In conclusion, the GCC region is at the forefront of the global wellness tourism market, offering a unique blend of luxury, innovation, and cultural authenticity. Whether it's the towering Therme Dubai or the eco-friendly wellness retreats in Oman, the GCC is positioning itself as a premier destination for health-conscious travellers.