On account of its fast-growing population, currently sitting at 9.2 million, the UAE has pulled off all the stops when it comes to modernising its medical and pharma industry. Driven by rising health challenges, the healthcare sector has become one of the largest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), accounting for 5% of the country’s GDP. By 2024, healthcare spending is projected to rise to 5.4%, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.5%. A critical driver behind this growth is the increasing burden of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Currently, 68% of adults in the UAE are classified as overweight, and 28% are obese. Moreover, nearly one in five residents is living with diabetes, a figure expected to reach 2.2 million by 2040. Additionally, as the population ages, the proportion of residents aged over 60 will increase to 16% by 2050, which necessitates robust healthcare systems that are able to meet the demands of a rapidly ageing population. The UAE is positioning itself as a global medical and pharma hub with a focus on medical tourism, underpinned by its 2030 Industrial Strategy. The country has embraced cutting-edge technologies, notably in the field of 3D printing, to revolutionise medical procedures and solutions. The move from digital to smart healthcare is pivotal to the UAE’s vision of building resilient, future-ready environments. Smart healthcare systems integrate technology across the care continuum, creating interconnected health ecosystems that monitor diseases, mitigate risks, and deliver personalised care at the right time. These systems, foundational to the development of smart cities, will enhance the quality of life for UAE residents by leveraging digital intelligence and ensuring healthcare solutions are delivered efficiently.