GWS will hold its 19th annual conference in Abu Dhabi
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), a leading global wellness event, is set to hold its 19th annual conference in Abu Dhabi from November 18-21, 2025. The event, a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Gate (ADIG) and Shura Global Consultancy (SGC), is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Bringing together government leaders and industry visionaries, the 2025 Global Wellness Summit will solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a prominent global wellness hub, reflecting the UAE's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. This year's Summit will introduce new platforms for collaboration and investment, and transformative ideas that will shape the future of the wellness economy worldwide.
The Middle East's wellness economy has been one of the recent global growth leaders, with the UAE playing a pivotal role as the largest market in the region. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the UAE's wellness economy reached $34 billion in 2023, contributing approximately 5.5% to the national GDP and affirming its leading and collaborative role in the global wellness industry.
'We're thrilled to partner with Abu Dhabi Investment Gate and Shura Global Consultancy to bring this prestigious event to the UAE,' said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of GWS. 'Abu Dhabi is a natural choice to host our most ambitious Summit to date, and we look forward to giving delegates the opportunity to experience the rich landscape of the UAE, a country that has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, pioneering preventative health and wellness solutions, and new luxury destinations.'
The region's momentum in wellness is so eye-opening that the GWS named 'The Middle East's Wellness Ambitions' as one of its top ten wellness trends for 2025, detailing how the region is blending cultural heritage with powerful investment in preventative healthcare, sports, and wellness infrastructure and tourism—creating the newest world hub for wellbeing.
Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to become a center of excellence for wellness, sustainability, and innovation is reflected in major developments such as:
The highly anticipated SHA Emirates, set to open in 2026 as the world's first 'healthy living island' integrating AI-driven wellness solutions.
The continued expansion of world-class wellness and longevity innovation hubs, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Kintsugi Space, the region's first women-only holistic wellness club.
The development of innovative wellness real estate communities such as Saadiyat Grove, which will bring a new standard of integrated wellbeing to the region.
Saeed Al Meqbali, chairman of ADIG, emphasised the strategic importance of hosting the event: 'Bringing the Summit to Abu Dhabi is an unparalleled opportunity to showcase our nation's leadership in innovation-driven wellness initiatives, and the Summit will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, sharing experiences and establishing cross-sector partnerships.'
Dr Mohamed Almadfaei, founder and chairman of Shura Global Consultancy, added, 'The wellness economy is a fundamental pillar of the UAE's economic and social development. The partnership between GWS, SGC and ADIG will work towards achieving our leadership vision and objective of positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for the future of wellness technologies and products.'
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