EECO in Dubai: Building Health, Wellness and Longevity Ties for Future EEC Investment

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) joined a Thai delegation on Health, Wellness and Longevity in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 28 to 30 September 2026. The visit was at the invitation of Mr. Charkrienorrathip Sevikul, Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai. Its aims were to expand cooperation in health, wellness and longevity, build networks, and explore future investment cooperation between Thailand and the UAE.

Mrs. Aphitchaya Srikacha, Director of the Service and Medical Industries Division, Investment and International Affairs, represented EECO. The rest of the delegation came from the Ministry of Public Health, the Thai Medical and Wellness Tourism Association (TMWTA), the Nakhon Ratchasima Tourism Industry Council and the Khao Yai Tourism Association.

First overseas delegation to meet the Dubai Longevity Authority

A key part of the mission was a meeting with the Dubai Longevity Authority (DLA). Dubai recently set up the DLA to develop a complete longevity and future-health ecosystem, from upstream to downstream. The Thai delegation was the first public and private sector delegation from overseas to hold talks with the DLA’s senior leadership.

The talks covered legal and regulatory frameworks, Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), health tourism, and public–private partnerships. The DLA showed particular interest in three areas for further discussion: Talent & Capacity Building, R&D & Clinical Trials, and Manufacturing & Supply Chain.

For EECO, the meeting was a chance to connect the EEC with international partners as a strategic hub for Medical & Comprehensive Healthcare, Health & Wellness, and High-Value & Medical Tourism. It also opened ways to build further cooperation in research, technology, talent development and investment in high-value health industries.

Showcasing the EEC at the Exclusive Presentations and Fireside Chat

The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Dubai hosted the “Exclusive Presentations and Fireside Chat” as a forum for Thai agencies to share information and build networks with Dubai’s government and business communities. UAE government, business and media representatives attended.

The Thai delegation presented Thailand’s readiness and policies on wellness and longevity, its high-value tourism programmes, and the investment incentives available in the Eastern Economic Corridor.

Study visit to Dubai South, a model aviation city

The delegation also joined more than 40 Thai business people and entrepreneurs based in Dubai on a visit to Dubai South, organised by The Royal Thai Consulate-General and the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Dubai Office.. Dubai South is the largest aviation city covering 145 square kilometres, built around Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai is investing more than US$35 billion to expand the airport to handle over 260 million passengers a year, and the first phase is due to open by 2032. The development includes an aviation and logistics hub, a free zone, commercial areas, residential districts, a golf course and an exhibition (Expo) area. The visit showed EECO how Dubai brings infrastructure, logistics, aviation and investment together in one ecosystem. EECO can use it as a model for developing the Eastern Aviation City and U-Tapao International Airport, and for promoting investment in the EEC.