Many UAE strategies focus on the factors that explain blue-zone longevity elsewhere, such as mental and social wellness in addition to physical health. Getty
Many UAE strategies focus on the factors that explain blue-zone longevity elsewhere, such as mental and social wellness in addition to physical health. Getty
Many UAE strategies focus on the factors that explain blue-zone longevity elsewhere, such as mental and social wellness in addition to physical health. Getty
Insight and opinion from The National’s editorial leadership
September 15, 2025
At first glance, the bustling steel-and-glass cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi might not share much in common with quieter, sparsely populated Mediterranean idylls such as Ikaria in Greece or Italy’s Sardinia. However, as the UAE continues to entwine technology and advanced medicine with strategies for healthier living, people in the Emirates may join the islands mentioned above in the world’s club of so-called “blue zones”, regions where lifespans of at least 100 years are common.
Although extending human lives to a century – or more – may sound closer to science fiction, a group of doctors, scientists and healthcare professionals who met in Dubai recently believe the UAE has an opportunity to make this a reality. During a speech on the opening day of the first World Health Expo last week, Dr Richard Siow – director of ageing research at King’s College London and a visiting professor at the University of Oxford – said it was entirely possible that “any one of us could live beyond 120”, adding that “Dubai and the UAE could become a blue zone for this region”.
Given the UAE’s substantial investment in cutting-edge health care, this should not be too surprising. The country is home to several branches of internationally known research hospitals, has created the Emirati Genome Project to better understand its society’s genetic make-up, and in 2023 the Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the country’s first Centre of Excellence for AI, an example of how futurism informs much of the Emirates’ approach to health care.
This is not to argue that an Emirati blue zone will resemble those found in Sardinia, Japan’s Okinawa or the Greek islands. For generations, people living in these largely rural societies have had their own specific lifestyles, including locally grown produce and more outdoor activities. Longevity in the UAE is more likely to come from its advanced healthcare know-how and the kind of global partnerships that drive its medical advancements. But this does not exclude the necessity for healthy lifestyles, a greener environment, solid nutrition and regular exercise, which is what the authorities have been promoting, a point underlined by those meeting in Dubai this week.
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. In this regard, the UAE has not been found wanting when it comes to building a supportive and pro-active approach to better health. The country has made tackling obesity a strategic priority and its National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 focuses on many of the factors that explain blue-zone longevity elsewhere, such as mental and social wellness in addition to physical health. The country is committed to producing more locally sourced food and its National Air Quality Agenda 2031 and Dubai Air Quality Strategy 2030 both aim to cut emissions.
There are important and exciting conversations taking place about longevity and healthy ageing. But it is critical that such medical advancements stay within the reach of as many people as possible to avoid the kind of health inequality that plagues some other societies. In addition, sustaining a growing number of people who are living longer presents its own challenges as Greece and Japan – both countries with blue zones – have discovered.
It is perhaps the UAE’s diversity that will add new depth and understanding to this journey. Many of the world’s blue zones are home to largely homogenous populations, among whom researchers can study trends and tendencies. The mix of communities and nationalities living in the Emirates offers a more challenging but possibly more promising cohort to examine, as the idea of living longer than humans have lived before moves closer to becoming a reality.
Frankenstein in Baghdad
Ahmed Saadawi
Penguin Press
Navdeep Suri, India's Ambassador to the UAE
There has been a longstanding need from the Indian community to have a religious premises where they can practise their beliefs. Currently there is a very, very small temple in Bur Dubai and the community has outgrown this. So this will be a major temple and open to all denominations and a place should reflect India’s diversity.
It fits so well into the UAE’s own commitment to tolerance and pluralism and coming in the year of tolerance gives it that extra dimension.
What we will see on April 20 is the foundation ceremony and we expect a pretty broad cross section of the Indian community to be present, both from the UAE and abroad. The Hindu group that is building the temple will have their holiest leader attending – and we expect very senior representation from the leadership of the UAE.
When the designs were taken to the leadership, there were two clear options. There was a New Jersey model with a rectangular structure with the temple recessed inside so it was not too visible from the outside and another was the Neasden temple in London with the spires in its classical shape. And they said: look we said we wanted a temple so it should look like a temple. So this should be a classical style temple in all its glory.
It is beautifully located - 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and barely 45 minutes to Dubai so it serves the needs of both communities.
This is going to be the big temple where I expect people to come from across the country at major festivals and occasions.
It is hugely important – it will take a couple of years to complete given the scale. It is going to be remarkable and will contribute something not just to the landscape in terms of visual architecture but also to the ethos. Here will be a real representation of UAE’s pluralism.
Day 4, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage appeared to have been hard done by when he had his dismissal of Sami Aslam chalked off for a no-ball. Replays suggested he had not overstepped. No matter. Two balls later, the exact same combination – Gamage the bowler and Kusal Mendis at second slip – combined again to send Aslam back.
Stat of the day Haris Sohail took three wickets for one run in the only over he bowled, to end the Sri Lanka second innings in a hurry. That was as many as he had managed in total in his 10-year, 58-match first-class career to date. It was also the first time a bowler had taken three wickets having bowled just one over in an innings in Tests.
The verdict Just 119 more and with five wickets remaining seems like a perfectly attainable target for Pakistan. Factor in the fact the pitch is worn, is turning prodigiously, and that Sri Lanka’s seam bowlers have also been finding the strip to their liking, it is apparent the task is still a tough one. Still, though, thanks to Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed, it is possible.
6pm: Al Wasl Plaza – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Jadwal, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: 3/5
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
