Rise of the longevity clinic in the Middle East

Longevity has long been the holy grail for the wealthiest on the planet, but the desire to reverse biological ageing has now gone mainstream. 

While tech titans like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos splash the cash on the promise of eternal (or elongated) youth (Altman has invested US$180m into longevity startup Retro Biosciences, while Bezos is pumping US$3 billion into Altos Labs) consumers are also increasingly taking control of the ageing process, putting their hard-earned dollars into scientific solutions offered by the beauty, health and wellness sector. 

Along with advancements in technology fuelling a longevity biotech boom, there is the existential shadow of the pandemic that is changing how we feel about lifespan, and especially one that is both longer and meaningfully healthier.

The key is not just living longer – but living better.

According to Dr Jaffer Khan, Founder of Dubai-based AEON Clinic, “the realisation has finally hit home that we are spending trillions of dollars on age-related illnesses and although we are living longer, we are not necessarily living better – and so are moving away from the idea of early diagnosis of disease to disease prevention itself.”

Extending one’s health lifespan with a personalised combination of behavioural and lifestyle changes, alongside therapies and treatments backed by scientific research, is fast becoming a consumer must-have – and by 2028, the global longevity market is expected to reach close to US$183 billion, according to Grand View Research.

Recent research by A/B Consulting found 80% of higher-income Americans are willing to spend time and money ensuring they can live as long as possible, and imagine prioritising sleep, a strict diet, regular health checkups, and stress management in the future. 

This surge toward longevity comes as the world’s population ages at its fastest rate ever, according to the UN, with people aged 65 and older hitting 761 million as of 2021 a figure expected to double to 1.6 billion by 2050.

In the UAE, for example, just 1% of the population was aged 60 and older in 2021, but by 2050, this number is expected to reach 16%. 

Regenerative wellness

For Khan, whose regenerative wellness clinic brings the latest stem cell therapies, bio-hacking and cellular revival to the Gulf, the region represents “prime territory for the consumer longevity revolution” with its rising wealth and proactive populations. 

While the aesthetic side of age reversal has long been popular here, the health side is becoming increasingly big business, with a growing number of longevity clinics using advanced diagnostics to gauge health, identify potential issues and suggest personalised treatments, therapies and lifestyle changes that target cellular ageing. 

“As the world becomes more cognisant of the beneficial effects of looking at the body as a single system and treating disease by starting at the root causes, more and more people will want to embrace this science,” says Khan. 

Modern thinking on ageing centres around ‘epigenetic deterioration’ or the breakdown of our cells’ abilities to read the ageless DNA blueprint they contain. 

“Genetics we are born with, our epigenetics is the lifestyle we adopt,” explains Khan, “and this determines far more of our current status both in health and ageing.” 

Epigenetic testing uniquely measures the reversible impacts of lifestyle on genes and from there, personalised treatments can be delivered to target those elements.

Among cutting-edge wellness methods, IV-drips, cryotherapy, peptide injections, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red-light therapy all claim to slow down the process of cellular ageing, increase cognitive function, and even delay the onset of chronic diseases, from dementia to diabetes. 

“A lot of our treatments are essentially intravenous in nature, to try and maintain balance between nutrients, vitamins and minerals to create an environment which optimises healing, reduces inflammation and prepares the body to receive exosomes and stem cells – this in turn helps with the regenerative process.”

Legendary Clinique La Prairie enters region

This highly personalised, scientific and holistic approach to health, wellness and longevity may well be new to the Middle East region, but in Switzerland – it is a philosophy that has been developed and delivered for more than 80 years. 

Armed with a mission since 1931 to inspire clients to live a “fuller, longer, and healthier life”,

Clinique La Prairie (CLP) is the originator of the medical spa and has long been regarded as a leading light in preventative medicine, with a treatment offer that is grounded in longevity science. 

From its multi-award-winning, multidisciplinary complex in Montreux – think 38 luxury rooms, 50 specialists in longevity, epigenetic and nutrition, and stunning views of the Alps and Lake Geneva – the latest genetic insights and cutting-edge technology are combined to deliver a unique and highly personalised health journey of scientifically proven interventions and treatments. 

And now this legendary Swiss medical clinic, with its roll call of star visitors, from Charlie Chaplin to Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe to Winston Churchill, is bringing its unique approach to the Middle East – with CLP Longevity Hubs (Doha now open, Dubai to open in 2024) and the opening in 2024 of Clinique La Prairie Health Resort in Saudi Arabia, its first full-scale destination outside of Switzerland.

This move to the region is part of CLP’s global expansion plans after 90 years as a purely Swiss company, with plans to “develop 40 Longevity Hubs and 10 Health Resorts,” CEO Simone Gibertoni tells Business Chief.

With its established international reputation as a world-renowned medical clinic and wellness destination, CLP has a cautious attitude towards expansion. The focus at CLP is on guests who are serious about embracing a health journey, rather than simply being a fad – and so with this global expansion, it is crucial to maintain “the level of exclusivity we are renowned for and keep Montreux as the pinnacle of CLP and our legendary destination,” says Gibertoni. 

The goal is to ensure international clients continue their journey closer to home. There are already Longevity Hubs in Madrid, Doha and Bangkok, with hubs to open in Dubai and Taipei along with full-scale clinics in China (Anji) and Saudi Arabia. 

“We have been working on our expansion plans for the past five years and the Middle East is central to our strategy,” says Italian-born Gibertoni, who has led CLP for the last six years. 

Unsurprising perhaps, given that CLP Montreux has long been a pull for Middle East clients, and since the pandemic, this has increased, with around 20% of clients now hailing from the region. 

Gibertoni points to the pandemic as a watershed moment for health and wellbeing, with CLP research revealing 92% of those surveyed now consciously prioritise their health. 

“There is demand for more personalised, more meaningful, and all-encompassing preventive healthcare and, as a result, we are seeing the boundaries of medicine and science being pushed more than ever before,” he says. 

And CLP is at the centre of this innovation. 

Personalised medical and holistic care

For those unfamiliar with Clinique La Prairie, it was founded by Professor Paul Niehans MD, a pioneer in anti-ageing, immunity, and cellular therapy. Since then, the clinic has established itself as one of the premier health and wellbeing destinations in the world based on scientific research, with over 50 specialists, and continuous collaboration with renowned researchers in the field of biosciences.

“Personalised medical and holistic care, as well as follow-up, is central to Clinique La Prairie’s approach to health and longevity,” says Gibertoni. 

With a holistic longevity philosophy built around four key pillars – medicine-genetics, nutrition, wellbeing, and movement – CLP was the first wellness clinic to offer genetic testing (2018), and now advanced epigenetic testing, a minimally invasive, blood-based assessment that measures the reversible impacts of lifestyle on genes.  

“Preventative medicine and longevity intervention are only effective if applied in a personalised way,” Gibertoni tells Business Chief. 

“Our signature programmes (Revitalisation, Revitalisation Premium, Master Detox and Healthy Weight) also include DNA testing, enabling us to build a truly comprehensive health map for each individual and tailor a life-changing programme to meet their very specific needs. For those who wish to benefit from the highest level of personalised care and recommendations, it is possible to add an epigenetic assessment to any of our signature programmes.”

Following extensive assessment into state of health, insights are used to design a unique, bespoke longevity journey of scientifically proven interventions and treatments – from IV drips to advanced infrared light therapy to cryotherapy – aimed at promoting vitality, enhancing the immune system and slowing down the ageing process.

CLP also recently unveiled Holistic Health, a range of science-driven, Swiss-based supplements that claim to boost wellbeing from the cells up. 

This holistic health journey is now closer to home with the Doha Longevity Hub at St. Regis Marsa Arabia, The Pearl Qatar now open, the Dubai Longevity Hub coming soon, and the first full-scale clinic opening in Saudi Arabia in 2026. 

CLP Saudi Arabia – Amaala

Part of the Red Sea Global Amaala project, this destination promises to be “the most important health and longevity-focused resort ever developed” according to Gibertoni.  

Spread over 4,000sq-km and powered by 100% renewable energy in line with Red Sea Global’s sustainability commitments, the resort will feature an advanced diagnostics lab and radiology, physio, neuroscience, dermo, aesthetics and dentistry and further provide a cryo-chamber, hyperbaric suites, IV infusions and a series of next-generation therapies. 

“The on-site team will work to slow the process of ageing, as well as restore guests’ internal balance and remedy a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, digestive disorders, insomnia, and diabetes.”

Guests can expect to receive a complete medical evaluation with tailored medical care and treatments, nutrition and exercise plans, along with results-oriented wellness and aesthetic treatments to follow. As a luxury destination, the resort will also feature a beach club, private dining space, and even a cooking school. 

“Guests will find the latest programmes and technologies and next-generation therapies to focus on regeneration and health, combined with the most exclusive and luxurious setting.”

If this all sounds like a wonderful, five-star holiday, let’s not forget the main reason why people are heading to any Clinique La Prairie – the prospect of hyper-personalised preventative medicine that can help them live a better, longer life.

After all, isn’t that what we all aspire to?

This move to the region is part of CLP’s global expansion plans after 90 years as a purely Swiss company, with plans to “develop 40 Longevity Hubs and 10 Health Resorts,” CEO Simone Gibertoni tells Business Chief.

With its established international reputation as a world-renowned medical clinic and wellness destination, CLP has a cautious attitude towards expansion. The focus at CLP is on guests who are serious about embracing a health journey, rather than simply being a fad – and so with this global expansion, it is crucial to maintain “the level of exclusivity we are renowned for and keep Montreux as the pinnacle of CLP and our legendary destination,” says Gibertoni. 

The goal is to ensure international clients continue their journey closer to home. There are already Longevity Hubs in Madrid, Doha and Bangkok, with hubs to open in Dubai and Taipei along with full-scale clinics in China (Anji) and Saudi Arabia. 

“We have been working on our expansion plans for the past five years and the Middle East is central to our strategy,” says Italian-born Gibertoni, who has led CLP for the last six years. 

Unsurprising perhaps, given that CLP Montreux has long been a pull for Middle East clients, and since the pandemic, this has increased, with around 20% of clients now hailing from the region. 

Gibertoni points to the pandemic as a watershed moment for health and wellbeing, with CLP research revealing 92% of those surveyed now consciously prioritise their health. 

“There is demand for more personalised, more meaningful, and all-encompassing preventive healthcare and, as a result, we are seeing the boundaries of medicine and science being pushed more than ever before,” he says. 

And CLP is at the centre of this innovation. 

Personalised medical and holistic care

For those unfamiliar with Clinique La Prairie, it was founded by Professor Paul Niehans MD, a pioneer in anti-ageing, immunity, and cellular therapy. Since then, the clinic has established itself as one of the premier health and wellbeing destinations in the world based on scientific research, with over 50 specialists, and continuous collaboration with renowned researchers in the field of biosciences.

“Personalised medical and holistic care, as well as follow-up, is central to Clinique La Prairie’s approach to health and longevity,” says Gibertoni. 

With a holistic longevity philosophy built around four key pillars – medicine-genetics, nutrition, wellbeing, and movement – CLP was the first wellness clinic to offer genetic testing (2018), and now advanced epigenetic testing, a minimally invasive, blood-based assessment that measures the reversible impacts of lifestyle on genes.  

“Preventative medicine and longevity intervention are only effective if applied in a personalised way,” Gibertoni tells Business Chief. 

“Our signature programmes (Revitalisation, Revitalisation Premium, Master Detox and Healthy Weight) also include DNA testing, enabling us to build a truly comprehensive health map for each individual and tailor a life-changing programme to meet their very specific needs. For those who wish to benefit from the highest level of personalised care and recommendations, it is possible to add an epigenetic assessment to any of our signature programmes.”

Following extensive assessment into state of health, insights are used to design a unique, bespoke longevity journey of scientifically proven interventions and treatments – from IV drips to advanced infrared light therapy to cryotherapy – aimed at promoting vitality, enhancing the immune system and slowing down the ageing process.

CLP also recently unveiled Holistic Health, a range of science-driven, Swiss-based supplements that claim to boost wellbeing from the cells up. 

This holistic health journey is now closer to home with the Doha Longevity Hub at St. Regis Marsa Arabia, The Pearl Qatar now open, the Dubai Longevity Hub coming soon, and the first full-scale clinic opening in Saudi Arabia in 2026. 

CLP Saudi Arabia – Amaala

Part of the Red Sea Global Amaala project, this destination promises to be “the most important health and longevity-focused resort ever developed” according to Gibertoni.  

Spread over 4,000sq-km and powered by 100% renewable energy in line with Red Sea Global’s sustainability commitments, the resort will feature an advanced diagnostics lab and radiology, physio, neuroscience, dermo, aesthetics and dentistry and further provide a cryo-chamber, hyperbaric suites, IV infusions and a series of next-generation therapies. 

“The on-site team will work to slow the process of ageing, as well as restore guests’ internal balance and remedy a wide range of conditions, including fatigue, anxiety, digestive disorders, insomnia, and diabetes.”

Guests can expect to receive a complete medical evaluation with tailored medical care and treatments, nutrition and exercise plans, along with results-oriented wellness and aesthetic treatments to follow. As a luxury destination, the resort will also feature a beach club, private dining space, and even a cooking school. 

“Guests will find the latest programmes and technologies and next-generation therapies to focus on regeneration and health, combined with the most exclusive and luxurious setting.”

If this all sounds like a wonderful, five-star holiday, let’s not forget the main reason why people are heading to any Clinique La Prairie – the prospect of hyper-personalised preventative medicine that can help them live a better, longer life.

After all, isn’t that what we all aspire to?