UAE Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031

Key Insights

• The United Arab Emirates is developing a comprehensive long-term care ecosystem driven by rapid demographic aging and significant government investment. Life expectancy in the UAE is projected to increase from 83 years in 2024 to 86 years by 2050 due to continuous improvement in health and economic standards. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031, developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, targeting individuals aged 60 and above.
• The UAE does not operate a single national long-term care insurance system. Instead, financing is distributed across government-funded healthcare for citizens, mandatory health insurance schemes, social support programs, and out-of-pocket spending by households. The UAE government adopted Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 concerning the Rights of Senior Citizens, defining senior citizens as any UAE national aged 60 and above, guaranteeing fundamental rights including access to comprehensive healthcare and social services.
• The Emirati government has launched transformative initiatives to enhance senior care. The "Barakatna" initiative, launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in April 2025, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens within Abu Dhabi's comprehensive community care ecosystem. Key services include Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens where family members are unable to fulfil caregiving responsibilities and Home Improvements for Senior Citizens to support primary caregivers.
• Dubai Health Authority launched the 'Enaya' homecare initiative for senior citizens in April 2025, offering more than 30 specialised services including basic examinations and medical consultations provided free of charge. The initiative targets 155,000 individuals enrolled in the Unified Government Health Insurance Programme (Enaya) in Dubai.
• The UAE's National Policy for Senior Emiratis adopts the term "Senior Citizens" instead of "Elderly" to acknowledge their experience and contributions. It includes seven main components: healthcare, community involvement and active life, effective civic participation, infrastructure and transportation, financial stability, safety and security, and quality of future life. The policy ensures that seniors receive all necessary supports to lead dignified lives that match their social and health status.

Market Outlook

• According to the research report, "UAE Long Term Care Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Long Term Care Market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.14% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. This growth is supported by accelerating demographic aging, rising prevalence of chronic conditions, and significant government investment in elderly care infrastructure and home healthcare services.
• The UAE's demographic trajectory is a primary driver of long-term care demand. Life expectancy in the UAE is projected to increase from 83 years in 2024 to 86 years by 2050 due to continuous improvement in health and economic standards. The elderly population in the UAE is growing, with individuals aged 65 and above making up an increasing proportion of the total population. The National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031 targets individuals aged 60 and above.
• The home healthcare sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a rising preference for home-based care solutions. The Ministry of Health and Prevention places top priority on providing the best home healthcare services for the elderly, offering psychological comfort and an atmosphere of reassurance. Dubai Health Authority's 'Enaya' initiative provides comprehensive homecare services for senior citizens.
• The UAE government is actively strengthening the long-term care ecosystem through multiple initiatives. The National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization, includes initiatives aimed at fostering an age-friendly environment where older adults can lead healthy, active, and independent lives. The framework is fully aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health, as well as the UAE's forward-looking national agendas.

Market Dynamics

Driver: Accelerated Demographic Aging and Rising Life Expectancy The United Arab Emirates is undergoing a significant demographic transformation that is reshaping the long-term care landscape. Life expectancy in the UAE is projected to increase from 83 years in 2024 to 86 years by 2050 due to continuous improvement in health and economic standards. The elderly population is projected to grow substantially, creating sustained demand for long-term care services across home healthcare, community care, and institutional settings. The National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031 targets individuals aged 60 and above, reflecting the government's recognition of the growing elderly population. The UAE government has established a database to monitor life expectancy and expanding healthcare programmes for senior citizens. The prevalence of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia among the elderly creates sustained demand for long-term care services.

Challenge: Fragmented Financing and Infrastructure Development The UAE long-term care market faces challenges related to fragmented financing and the ongoing development of infrastructure. The UAE does not operate a single national long-term care insurance system. Instead, financing is distributed across government-funded healthcare for citizens, mandatory health insurance schemes (extended to private-sector employees and domestic workers from January 2025), social support programs, and out-of-pocket spending by households. However, the UAE government is actively addressing these challenges through comprehensive policy frameworks and initiatives. The National Policy for Senior Emiratis provides an integrated care system to ensure that seniors remain active and have access to government services. The Ministry of Community Development operates retirement homes and elderly care centres providing primary health care, social, psychological and physical therapy for Senior Emiratis.

Trend: Government-Led Expansion of Home and Community-Based Care A fundamental shift in long-term care delivery is occurring in the UAE, with services increasingly being delivered in home and community settings through government-led initiatives. The Ministry of Health and Prevention places top priority on providing the best home healthcare services for the elderly. Dubai Health Authority launched the 'Enaya' homecare initiative for senior citizens in April 2025, offering more than 30 specialised services including basic examinations and medical consultations provided free of charge. The initiative targets 155,000 individuals enrolled in the Unified Government Health Insurance Programme (Enaya) in Dubai. Medical teams will visit the homes of citizens based on pre-scheduled appointments and will also train family members as well as domestic workers in modern and advanced methods for caring for senior citizens.
The "Barakatna" initiative, launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens within Abu Dhabi's comprehensive community care ecosystem. Under the supervision of the Department of Community Development, and in collaboration with the Family Development Foundation and several entities, the initiative seeks to improve the efficiency of home care provided to senior citizens in a suitable family setting. Key services include Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens for up to eight hours per day where family members are unable to fulfil caregiving responsibilities and Home Improvements for Senior Citizens to support primary caregivers. The Barakatna Clinic, a pioneering healthcare service designed specifically for patients aged over 65, was launched at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi in December 2025.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the "Ambassadors of Healthy Ageing" initiative, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Ministry of Sports. The programme aims to train socially active, middle-aged individuals to serve as ambassadors promoting positive health messages and acting as real-life role models for ageing with vitality, dignity, and wellbeing.

Policies

• The National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031 was developed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in collaboration with key stakeholders. Designed for individuals aged 60 and above, the framework aims to promote healthy ageing by delivering comprehensive healthcare, social and psychological support, improving quality of life, and fostering active community participation. The framework is aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Strategy and Action Plan on Ageing and Health.
• Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 concerning the Rights of Senior Citizens defines senior citizens as UAE nationals aged 60 and above and guarantees fundamental rights including independence and privacy, protection from violence and abuse, enabling environment, housing, education and work, social care, and medical care. The law provides punishments including jail, fines or both to elderly care providers who abuse or neglect their duties towards Senior Emiratis.
• The National Policy for Senior Emiratis adopts the term "Senior Citizens" instead of "Elderly" to acknowledge their experience and contributions. It includes seven main components: healthcare, community involvement and active life, effective civic participation, infrastructure and transportation, financial stability, safety and security, and quality of future life.
• The "Barakatna" initiative was launched by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in April 2025 to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens within Abu Dhabi's comprehensive community care ecosystem. Under the supervision of the Department of Community Development, the initiative seeks to improve the efficiency of home care provided to senior citizens. Key services include Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens, Home Improvements for Senior Citizens, and the Barakatna Clinic for patients aged over 65.
• Dubai Health Authority launched the 'Enaya' homecare initiative for senior citizens in April 2025, offering more than 30 specialised services including basic examinations and medical consultations provided free of charge. The initiative targets 155,000 individuals enrolled in the Unified Government Health Insurance Programme (Enaya) in Dubai. The medical fields covered include cardiovascular health, diabetes, liver health, kidney health, respiratory health, eye health, musculoskeletal health, mental health, and skin health.
• The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the "Ambassadors of Healthy Ageing" initiative, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Ministry of Sports, to train socially active, middle-aged individuals as ambassadors promoting positive health messages.
• The Ministry of Health and Prevention has organized training programmes with the World Health Organization to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement the integrated care for older people approach (ICOPE).

Segment Analysis

UAE Long-Term Care Market By Service Type • Home Healthcare: Home healthcare represents a rapidly growing service segment in the UAE long-term care market, driven by government initiatives and the preference for aging in place. The Ministry of Health and Prevention places top priority on providing the best home healthcare services for the elderly. Dubai Health Authority launched the 'Enaya' homecare initiative offering more than 30 specialised services including basic examinations and medical consultations provided free of charge. The Emirates Health Services Corporation provides mobile clinics offering treatment and consultations for senior citizens. Home healthcare includes skilled nursing, personal care, medication management, and support services delivered in the patient's home. Medical teams visit the homes of citizens based on pre-scheduled appointments and train family members as well as domestic workers in modern methods for caring for senior citizens. Demand is growing as the elderly population increases and government policies promote home-based care.
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: The nursing facility sector in the UAE comprises retirement homes and elderly care centres providing 24-hour care, nursing supervision, and personal assistance for elderly individuals with high care needs. Retirement homes, also called elderly care centres, are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Community Development. These centres provide primary health care, social, psychological and physical therapy for Senior Emiratis. The Barakatna Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City provides pioneering healthcare services for patients aged over 65. The sector is developing with government support and investment.
• Assisted Living Facilities: Assisted living is an emerging segment in the UAE long-term care market. Senior citizens benefit from dedicated parking and accessible public transportation, with ongoing additions of preferential services by relevant authorities. The UAE government provides services ranging from providing care at assisted facilities and/or at homes to providing rehabilitation and mobile service units. The retirement home service market is supported by government policies and initiatives.
• Hospice and Palliative Care: Hospice and palliative care services in the UAE are delivered across multiple settings, including homes, nursing homes, hospitals, and dedicated palliative care units. The National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031 includes initiatives to develop an effective health response plan for dementia (Alzheimer's disease), in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The framework aims to promote healthy ageing by delivering comprehensive healthcare and psychological support.
• Other Services: This segment includes adult day care, temporary alternative care, and community-based support services. The "Barakatna" initiative provides Temporary Alternative Care for Senior Citizens for up to eight hours per day where family members are unable to fulfil caregiving responsibilities. Senior citizens benefit from priority service and transaction processing in official entities. Day care services provide social engagement and support for older adults, supporting the preference for home-based care. The need for these services is growing as families seek alternatives to full-time institutional care.

UAE Long-Term Care Market By Payer Type • Public: Public sources are a significant payer for long-term care services in the UAE, primarily through government-funded healthcare for citizens, mandatory health insurance schemes, and social support programs. The Ministry of Health and Prevention provides home healthcare services for the elderly through government programs. The "Barakatna" initiative provides government-funded services including Temporary Alternative Care and home improvements. The Dubai Health Authority's 'Enaya' initiative provides free medical services for senior citizens. Federal Law No. 9 of 2019 guarantees senior citizens the right to medical care including preventive health services, medical insurance, mobile nursing units and supportive medical devices. Public payers represent a significant and growing component of the LTC financing landscape.
• Private: Private sources account for a substantial portion of long-term care spending in the UAE. Private health insurance, mandatory health insurance schemes, and out-of-pocket payments finance a significant share of care services. The Unified Government Health Insurance Programme (Enaya) covers 155,000 individuals in Dubai. Private senior living communities and assisted living facilities operate predominantly on a private-pay model. Private sector investment in senior living and long-term care facilities is growing with government support.
• Out-of-Pocket: Out-of-pocket payments represent a significant component of long-term care spending in the UAE. Families bear a financial burden for elderly care services not covered by public insurance or mandatory health insurance. The economic burden on families is expected to increase as care costs rise and the population continues to age. Government initiatives such as "Barakatna" aim to ease the financial burden on caregivers through services such as Temporary Alternative Care and home improvements.

UAE Long-Term Care Market By Gender • Female residents account for a larger share of the UAE's long-term care spending, driven by higher life expectancy and higher rates of disability in advanced age. Women's life expectancy in the UAE is higher than men's, consistent with global patterns. Women are more likely to live alone in old age, increasing their reliance on formal paid care services. The UAE government recognizes the importance of supporting older women through the National Policy for Senior Emiratis, which includes investing in Senior Emiratis' experience and civic participation through intergenerational mentorship programmes.
• Male residents account for a smaller but growing share of the UAE's long-term care spending. The need for long-term care affects persons of all ages and is generally measured by limitations in an individual's ability to perform daily personal care activities. Men are more likely to need long-term care at younger ages due to disabilities and chronic conditions. As male life expectancy increases, the representation of men in the older adult cohort is slowly growing. The UAE's policies and initiatives provide benefits to both male and female senior citizens without gender-based discrimination.

UAE Long-Term Care Market Economics

• The cost of long-term care services varies significantly by service type, geographic location, and facility type. The UAE government provides comprehensive healthcare services for senior citizens through various programmes and initiatives. Dubai Health Authority's 'Enaya' initiative provides free medical examinations and consultations. The "Barakatna" initiative provides government-funded services including Temporary Alternative Care and home improvements.
• Public financing of long-term care is growing through government programmes and initiatives. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched numerous initiatives to support the healthcare needs of senior citizens, including establishing a database to monitor their life expectancy and expanding healthcare programmes. The Emirates Health Services Corporation provides mobile clinics offering treatment and consultations. Senior citizens receive priority service and transaction processing in official entities.
• Staffing costs represent a significant operating expense for all long-term care providers. The Ministry of Health and Prevention has organized training programmes with the World Health Organization to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement the integrated care for older people approach (ICOPE). Dubai Health Authority has prepared groups of specialised medical teams, which include highly qualified nursing staff, for the 'Enaya' initiative. The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the "Ambassadors of Healthy Ageing" initiative to train individuals as ambassadors promoting positive health messages.
• The economic value of the silver economy is significant and growing in the UAE. The UAE senior living market, including independent living communities, assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement communities, represents a growing economic sector. The senior care industry is attracting investment as the population ages and demand for care services increases. The UAE's strategic location and high-quality healthcare infrastructure make it an attractive destination for senior living investment.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Long-term care Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Service Type
• Home Healthcare
• Nursing Care / Skilled Nursing Facilities: 
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Hospice & Palliative Care:
• Other Services

By Payer Type
• Public
• Private
• Out-of-Pocket

By Gender
• Male
• Female