High-level participation from the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, senior leaders, and decision-makers across sectors
BinTouq: The UAE places people at the centre of development and is building an environment where healthcare, tourism, and technology operate in full integration
AlOmian: The summit showcased the UAE’s ability to shape a solid and future-ready wellbeing ecosystem
Beshara: Dubai chose excellence and boundary-breaking ambition to become a global destination for medical tourism
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 11 December 2025: Forbes Middle East concluded the second edition of the Medical Tourism and Wellness Summit, held on 9–10 December at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in partnership with American Hospital Dubai.
A new era of luxury travel is emerging, one defined not by material indulgence but by emotional clarity, personal renewal and the desire to return home changed. In this global movement, Thailand stands at the forefront with its Healing Is the New Luxury philosophy, an approach that positions wellbeing as the highest form of refinement.
Wellness tourism continues to grow rapidly worldwide, with forecasts indicating the sector will exceed USD 1.4 trillion by 2027. Thailand’s influence within this market remains significant due to its exceptional ability to unite ancient healing traditions with advanced wellness practices. Travellers arrive seeking a reset and find experiences shaped by heritage, hospitality and nature.
Northern Thailand plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Chiang Mai’s forest retreats and meditation centres offer an atmosphere that encourages stillness and reflection. Traditional Lanna therapies, herbal steam rituals and guided mindfulness sessions allow visitors to reconnect with themselves in environments shaped by natural beauty.
Coastal destinations such as Koh Samui expand on this journey. The island has become a global reference point for detox programmes, longevity treatments and wellness estates that integrate nutritional science, fitness diagnostics and personalised coaching. Phuket also provides ocean-facing sanctuaries where yoga terraces, cryotherapy suites and sound healing experiences allow travellers to explore wellbeing through multiple modalities.
Hidden healing spaces enhance Thailand’s appeal. Khao Sok’s freshwater lakes create peaceful environments for therapeutic retreats, while Pai’s hot spring valleys attract travellers drawn to the healing properties of mineral-rich waters. Even lesser-known regions such as Nakhon Si Thammarat contribute to the movement with herbal villages and community-led wellness traditions.
What distinguishes Thailand is the emotional impact of these experiences. Healing here feels authentic, approachable and grounded in cultural generosity. Every environment invites travellers to slow down, unclutter their minds and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose. In this way, healing has become the ultimate luxury, and Thailand remains its most compelling destination.
About the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
TAT promotes Thailand as a global leader in wellness, travel and lifestyle experiences, offering dedicated support for travellers from the Middle East. Tourism Authority of Thailand – Dubai and Middle East Office Tel: +971 4 325 0184
Open-air entertainment, food, creative workshops, and cultural games from 5 –21 December, with daily programming from 4 PM to 11 PM at the new Garden space.
A first-of-its-kind collaboration with Cinema Akil, introducing an outdoor cinema experience for visitors every Friday.
Fan-favourite F&B pop-ups by SALT and Homer Lobster join seasonal experiences by Bliss Flower Boutique
At this year’s Dubai Watch Week, Ingenieux—Marco Mavilla’s high-horology brand—captured significant attention with a presentation that blended nostalgia, artistry, and mechanical prowess. Instead of a traditional showcase, the brand chose the refined setting of Maison Luxe in Dubai Mall, where collectors and journalists experienced the unveiling of two new limited editions: the Fittipaldi and the StarMoon Goldberger.
For Marco Mavilla, the evening underscored Ingenieux’s philosophy: narratives told through mechanical art. Known for reshaping the fashion-watch landscape with ToyWatch in the 2000s, Mavilla now extends his creative language into the realm of haute horlogerie.
Rather than starting with classical watchmaking, Ingenieux opened with adrenaline. The Fittipaldi chronograph, a 37 mm model in 18-carat yellow gold, revisits the iconic black-and-gold palette associated with Emerson Fittipaldi’s famed 1972 Formula 1 triumph. A tropical black dial, enamel tachymeter bezel, and a vintage Valjoux 726 movement from the 1970s anchor the design in motorsport heritage. With only 72 pieces planned, each individually numbered and engraved, the watch drew immediate admiration—especially with Fittipaldi himself present to endorse the tribute.
Dubai, UAE — November 2025: CASIO Middle East & Africa announces the regional launch of the new EDIFICE ECB-S10 Series, a refined collection that merges everyday versatility with motorsport-inspired design and smart functionality. The lineup includes three striking stainless-steel models — ECB-S10D-2A, ECB-S10D-8ADF, and ECB-S10DB-1ADF — alongside the standout limited-edition ECB-S10NIS-7A, created in collaboration with Nissan.
Inspired by Motorsports, Crafted for Everyday Life
The EDIFICE NISMO Heritage Edition is a special model that captures the spirit of NISMO motorsports in a timepiece. Planned in collaboration with Nissan and NISMO, this model pays homage to the NISMO legacy that started in 1984. More than a watch, this new model is a wearable expression of NISMO history and passion for longtime fans.
UAE News 24/7 