UAE and Saudi Arabia: Healthy Ageing Policies and City Initiatives

Imagine a city where older residents can comfortably walk to nearby shops, visit a doctor without complicated travel arrangements, participate in community activities and continue living independently as they age. Public spaces offer shaded seating, buildings are easy to enter, and transport systems accommodate people with different mobility needs.

This vision is becoming increasingly important as countries around the world reconsider how cities should support people throughout their lives. In the Gulf, where urban development has traditionally focused on rapid growth, modern infrastructure and expanding populations, the next challenge includes ensuring that cities remain comfortable and accessible as residents grow older.

Healthy Ageing in the Gulf is therefore becoming an important subject for governments, healthcare providers, property developers and urban planners.

The issue extends beyond building additional hospitals or retirement communities. Healthy ageing involves creating environments where people can maintain mobility, independence, social relationships and access to essential services for as long as possible.

Recent demographic projections highlight why long-term preparation matters. According to a January 2026 report by the Gulf Statistical Center, the GCC population could reach approximately 83.6 million by 2050, while the number of people aged 65 and above is projected to exceed 5.5 million.

This represents a significant change from the estimated 2.6% share of older residents in the region’s population at the end of 2024.

Although the Gulf remains relatively young demographically, its cities must consider how changing age structures could influence housing, transportation, healthcare and public services over the coming decades.

Governments are already taking steps in this direction.

In September 2025, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention introduced the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031, focusing on healthcare, social support, independence and active participation among people aged 60 and above.

Saudi Arabia has also developed healthy-city initiatives and legislation addressing the rights and care of older people.

These developments suggest that preparing for older residents is becoming part of a broader conversation about urban wellbeing.

The central question is not simply how cities can accommodate an ageing population. It is how they can allow people of different ages to continue living meaningful, active and connected lives.

Healthy Ageing in the Gulf: Why Age-Friendly Cities Matter

Healthy ageing refers to maintaining the functional abilities that allow people to experience wellbeing as they grow older. These abilities include moving around safely, maintaining relationships, making decisions and participating in activities that matter to them.

The World Health Organization emphasises that healthy ageing depends not only on an individual’s health but also on the environments in which people live.

A person with limited mobility may remain independent when their neighbourhood provides accessible transport, suitable housing and nearby services. The same person could face significant difficulties in an environment dominated by stairs, unsafe crossings and long distances.

What Makes a City Age-Friendly?

An age-friendly city considers the requirements of people with different physical abilities, health conditions and levels of independence.

The WHO identifies eight interconnected domains that can guide this planning process, covering housing, transport, public spaces, healthcare, communication and social participation.

Why Ageing Is an Urban Planning Issue

A city may have excellent hospitals but still be difficult for older residents to navigate.

Long walking distances, limited pedestrian crossings, complicated public services and unsuitable buildings can reduce independence.

Age-friendly planning addresses these everyday barriers before they create more serious challenges.

It also encourages cities to consider accessibility throughout the design process rather than introducing modifications only after problems become apparent.

Age-Friendly Design Benefits More Than Older People

Ramps, accessible public transport, clear signage and safe pedestrian crossings can help many residents.

Parents with prams, people recovering from injuries and individuals with disabilities may also benefit from these features.

Preparing cities for older residents can therefore improve the wider urban experience rather than creating separate environments for one age group.

Why GCC Population Changes Require Long-Term Urban Planning

The GCC’s demographic profile differs from that of many ageing societies in Europe and East Asia.

The region has a large working-age population, influenced partly by international labour migration. However, its population structure is expected to change over time.

What the Latest GCC Projections Show

The Gulf Statistical Center’s January 2026 report, using United Nations projections, estimated that the total GCC population could increase from approximately 61.5 million in 2024 to 83.6 million by 2050.

It also projected that the number of older residents would more than double, exceeding 5.5 million.

These forecasts do not mean every GCC country will age at the same pace.

Differences in population structure, migration, fertility and life expectancy will influence individual national trends.

The UAE’s Demographic Position

United Nations Population Fund estimates for 2025 placed the UAE’s population at approximately 11.4 million, with people aged 65 and above accounting for around 2%.

This relatively small proportion reflects the country’s distinctive demographic structure.

However, the needs of existing older citizens and residents are important regardless of their percentage of the population.

Planning also needs to consider people approaching older age and those who may experience mobility or accessibility challenges earlier in life.

Why Cities Must Plan Before Demand Peaks

Major infrastructure projects can take years to design, finance and complete.

Housing developments and transport networks often remain in use for several decades.

Waiting until a much larger proportion of the population reaches older age could make accessibility improvements more expensive and difficult.

Urban Planning Priorities Across the GCC

Why One Approach Will Not Fit Every City

Dubai’s high-rise communities have different requirements from smaller towns in Oman or developing suburban districts in Saudi Arabia.

Population density, climate, existing transport networks and household structures all influence appropriate solutions.

Rather than copying a single international model, Gulf cities need age-friendly plans suited to their own environments and residents.

8 Ways Gulf Cities Can Become More Age-Friendly

Preparing cities for older residents requires coordination between urban planners, health authorities, transport providers, housing developers and community organisations.

The following eight priorities offer a practical framework for improving everyday life while supporting long-term independence.

1. Creating Safer Walking Environments

Walkable neighbourhoods can help residents maintain access to shops, parks and essential services.

Smooth pavements, adequate lighting, accessible crossings and places to sit can make everyday journeys more comfortable.

In the Gulf’s climate, shade and heat management are particularly important.

2. Improving Public Transport Accessibility

Accessible buses, metro stations and taxis can help residents travel without depending entirely on private cars or family members.

Step-free access, seating and clear route information are important considerations.

Transport should also connect residential areas with healthcare facilities, community centres and commercial services.

3. Encouraging Adaptable Housing

Homes can be designed with wider entrances, accessible bathrooms and layouts that accommodate changing mobility needs.

These features can reduce the need for extensive modifications later.

Developers may also consider the availability of lifts, emergency support and nearby services.

4. Expanding Community Healthcare

Access to preventive healthcare and appropriate management of long-term conditions can help support healthy ageing.

Community-based services may reduce the burden of repeated hospital visits for suitable patients.

However, medical care should remain guided by qualified professionals and individual clinical needs.

5. Supporting Social Participation

Libraries, community centres, cultural programmes and organised activities can provide opportunities for older residents to maintain relationships.

These experiences are important because urban independence involves more than physical movement.

People also need opportunities to participate in society.

6. Making Digital Services Accessible

Government and commercial services increasingly operate through applications and websites.

Large readable text, understandable instructions and accessible interfaces can help people with varying digital skills.

Alternative service channels remain important for those who cannot comfortably use digital systems.

7. Encouraging Lifelong Learning and Participation

Older residents may wish to volunteer, mentor younger people, continue working or learn new skills.

Age-friendly communities can create opportunities for these contributions.

This also challenges the assumption that older age necessarily means withdrawal from professional and community life.

8. Strengthening Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Emergency systems should account for residents with limited mobility, chronic conditions or reduced access to independent transport.

Building managers and local authorities can consider accessible evacuation procedures and communication arrangements.

Such planning should protect privacy and dignity rather than treat all older residents as dependent.

Eight Urban Improvements Compared

The most effective strategies will combine these improvements rather than treating each feature as an isolated project.

UAE and Saudi Arabia: Healthy Ageing Policies and City Initiatives

Several Gulf countries have introduced policies and programmes that support older residents.

Although the approaches differ, they demonstrate growing recognition that healthy ageing requires cooperation across healthcare, infrastructure and social services.

The UAE’s National Policy for Senior Emiratis

Approved in October 2018, the UAE’s National Policy for Senior Emiratis focuses on seven areas: healthcare, community involvement, civic participation, infrastructure and transport, financial stability, safety, and quality of future life.

The policy recognises the importance of enabling older citizens to remain active and participate in community life.

It also establishes a broader framework for services and protections designed around their needs.

National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031

In September 2025, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention announced the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031.

Designed for people aged 60 and above, the framework focuses on healthcare, psychological and social support, quality of life and independent living.

The announcement also included awareness initiatives addressing preventive screening, functional changes associated with ageing and community engagement.

The framework illustrates how healthy ageing is being approached through coordinated public health and social programmes.

Saudi Arabia’s Healthy Cities Programme

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health operates a Healthy Cities Programme based on recognised public-health criteria.

The programme considers areas such as environmental conditions, community participation, nutrition, safety and access to health services.

The ministry lists participating accredited locations including Jeddah, Taif, Madinah, Tabuk and Al-Khobar.

Importantly, the Healthy Cities Programme is broader than age-friendly urban planning. It is intended to improve health-supporting environments for residents across different age groups.

Saudi Arabia’s Elderly Rights and Care Law

Saudi Arabia has also established legislation addressing the rights and care of older people.

The law provides a framework for dignity, privacy, independence and necessary care and support.

Such protections are relevant to the development of cities and services where older residents can participate safely.

Policy Approaches Compared

These programmes provide a policy foundation, but implementation and service availability can vary between locations and population groups.

Housing, Transport and Public Spaces: Designing Cities for Independence

For older residents, everyday independence often depends on the details of the built environment.

A neighbourhood may look modern and attractive while still presenting difficulties for someone who walks slowly, uses a mobility aid or needs frequent opportunities to rest.

Why Accessible Housing Matters

A home should support its residents as their requirements change.

Step-free entrances, suitable bathroom layouts, adequate lighting and accessible emergency exits can make buildings more adaptable.

Property developers can also consider proximity to healthcare, grocery shopping and public transport.

Retrofitting older buildings may be necessary, but designing accessibility into new developments can avoid some future renovation challenges.

The Importance of Neighbourhood Design

A city becomes easier to navigate when daily necessities are located within practical travel distances.

For older residents, nearby pharmacies, clinics, supermarkets and community centres may reduce dependence on long car journeys.

However, proximity alone is insufficient when walking routes are interrupted by traffic barriers, uneven pavements or inadequate shade.

Public Transport and Everyday Freedom

Public transport can support independence when residents feel confident using it.

Clear signs, accessible ticketing systems and predictable schedules are important.

Staff assistance and appropriate seating can also improve the journey for passengers with limited mobility.

Heat and Outdoor Accessibility

The Gulf climate creates distinctive challenges for urban planning.

During hot weather, long distances without shade or drinking water can make outdoor movement difficult.

Urban planners may consider shaded routes, suitable rest areas, accessible indoor public spaces and safe connections between transport facilities and buildings.

Age-Friendly Infrastructure Comparison

Designing for independence can improve the experience of residents with different abilities and needs, not only those above a particular age.

Healthcare, Technology and Social Connection in Healthy Ageing

Healthy ageing involves more than physical infrastructure.

Even in a well-designed neighbourhood, older residents may experience difficulties if healthcare is inaccessible, digital services are confusing or social opportunities are limited.

Cities therefore need systems that connect medical support with everyday community life.

Preventive Healthcare and Early Support

Appropriate health assessments, vaccinations and risk-based screening can support preventive care.

The type and frequency of screening should depend on individual circumstances and established medical guidance.

Offering every available test to every older person is not necessarily beneficial, because unnecessary investigations can produce misleading results and additional complications.

Community healthcare providers can also help residents manage suitable long-term conditions and maintain continuity of care.

Home-Based Healthcare

Some older residents may benefit from receiving appropriate services at home, particularly when travelling to a clinic is difficult.

Depending on clinical needs and local availability, these services may involve nursing, rehabilitation or medical consultations.

However, home-based care requires professional oversight, appropriate licensing and reliable coordination between providers.

It should not automatically be viewed as a replacement for hospital care.

Technology That Supports Independence

Digital tools can assist with appointment reminders, communication and selected home-safety functions.

Some technologies may help families and caregivers coordinate support, while accessible telehealth services can make certain consultations more convenient.

Nevertheless, technology should remain optional where possible and should not create unnecessary monitoring or privacy concerns.

Reducing Social Isolation

Community participation is an important aspect of wellbeing.

Older residents may benefit from cultural events, volunteering opportunities, walking groups and lifelong-learning programmes.

Cities can support these activities by offering accessible venues and suitable transportation.

Intergenerational programmes may also create opportunities for older residents to share knowledge with younger people.

Potential Services and Their Value

The central objective should be to support autonomy rather than assume that every older person needs constant assistance.

The Economics of Age-Friendly Cities and Future GCC Opportunities

Preparing cities for older residents requires investment, but it can also create opportunities for healthcare providers, property developers, technology companies and service businesses.

The financial case depends on whether improvements deliver measurable benefits and remain accessible to residents.

Age-Friendly Real Estate

Property developers may introduce adaptable apartments and residential communities with accessible facilities.

However, older residents have different preferences and financial circumstances.

Some may want specialised accommodation, while others prefer to remain in familiar neighbourhoods.

Providing several housing options can be more responsive than assuming everyone wants to move into a dedicated retirement development.

Healthcare and Home Support Services

Population changes may increase demand for suitable healthcare, rehabilitation and home-based assistance.

Businesses entering these areas need qualified workers, appropriate licences and clear quality standards.

The opportunity should be evaluated alongside affordability and service availability.

Accessible Transport and Technology

Transport operators and technology businesses may develop services that simplify journeys, bookings and everyday communication.

These can create commercial opportunities, but accessibility should not become an exclusive premium feature.

Essential public services need to remain usable by people with different income levels and abilities.

Illustrative Urban Accessibility Investment

Consider a hypothetical municipality allocating AED 10 million to improve accessibility in an established neighbourhood.

These figures are hypothetical, not actual UAE municipal budgets or project quotations.

The value of such investment should be assessed through usability, accessibility, participation and ongoing maintenance rather than assuming financial returns from infrastructure spending.

How Cities Can Measure Progress

Useful indicators include the accessibility of public transport, availability of suitable housing, ease of reaching healthcare facilities and participation in community activities.

Cities can also gather direct feedback from older residents.

This is essential because infrastructure that appears accessible on a planning document may not function well in everyday conditions.

Practical Age-Friendly City Checklist

• Assess pedestrian routes and public-space accessibility.
• Review transport access to healthcare and essential services.
• Encourage adaptable housing design.
• Improve shaded walking routes and resting facilities.
• Support appropriate community-based healthcare.
• Provide accessible digital and offline service channels.
• Create opportunities for social and civic participation.
• Include older residents in planning consultations.
• Review emergency preparedness for differing mobility needs.
• Monitor results and adjust programmes over time.

The Future of Healthy Ageing in the Gulf and Frequently Asked Questions

As GCC populations evolve, cities will need to consider healthy ageing as part of long-term development rather than a specialised service introduced only when residents reach retirement.

The most successful approaches are likely to combine appropriate healthcare, accessible infrastructure, social participation and practical support for independence.

Planning for Different Generations

Age-friendly cities are not designed exclusively for people over 60 or 65.

Their infrastructure can benefit residents throughout life, including people with disabilities, families with young children and those recovering from injuries.

This makes accessibility relevant to wider urban development and not simply a matter of ageing policy.

The Role of Community Participation

Older residents should have opportunities to influence the services and environments intended for them.

Consultations, neighbourhood surveys and direct participation in planning can help authorities understand practical barriers.

A city cannot become genuinely age-friendly through technology and infrastructure alone without considering residents’ lived experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does healthy ageing mean?

Healthy ageing involves maintaining the functional abilities needed for wellbeing, independence and meaningful participation as people grow older.

Why is healthy ageing important in the Gulf?

GCC demographic projections indicate that the number of older residents is expected to rise substantially by 2050, creating long-term considerations for housing, healthcare and urban infrastructure.

What is an age-friendly city?

An age-friendly city is designed to support people with different abilities and needs through accessible spaces, suitable transport, housing, services and opportunities for community participation.

Is the UAE preparing for an ageing population?

Yes. The UAE has introduced the National Policy for Senior Emiratis and the National Framework for Healthy Ageing 2025–2031, among other initiatives.

What is Saudi Arabia doing to support older residents?

Saudi Arabia has legislation addressing older people’s rights and care, alongside wider healthy-city and preventive-health initiatives.

Can technology help older people live independently?

Certain technologies can assist with communication, reminders and access to services. Their usefulness depends on reliability, accessibility, privacy and individual preferences.

Do age-friendly cities require retirement communities?

No. Adaptable homes, accessible public transport and suitable neighbourhood services can help many people remain in their existing communities.

How can Gulf cities improve accessibility?

They can evaluate public spaces, transport systems, housing, healthcare access and information services while involving older residents in the planning process.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Ageing in the Gulf

Healthy ageing is becoming an important consideration for the future of Gulf cities.

As demographic structures change, urban development will need to focus not only on economic expansion and modern infrastructure but also on how residents experience everyday life at different ages.

The UAE’s healthy-ageing policies, Saudi Arabia’s community health programmes and international age-friendly city frameworks provide useful foundations for this work.

However, successful implementation requires attention to practical details, from safe crossings and accessible homes to dependable healthcare and meaningful social opportunities.

For governments, preparing cities for older residents means coordinating infrastructure, healthcare and community services over the long term.

For businesses, it creates opportunities in housing, technology and professional care, provided that services remain responsible, inclusive and financially sustainable.

For residents, the most meaningful outcome is the ability to continue living with dignity, independence and connection as their needs change.

Ultimately, Healthy Ageing in the Gulf is about more than preparing for an older population. It is about designing cities where people can continue participating in society throughout their lives.

A truly future-ready city should not only accommodate people as they age. It should help them remain active, connected and valued at every stage of life.

Do follow us on Instagram

Read More – Why Social Fitness Clubs Are Becoming an Alternative to Traditional Gyms