The Rise of Biohacking in the UAE

From hyperbaric oxygen therapy to sleep-tracking mattresses, residents in the UAE are increasingly investing in futuristic wellness tools and personalized health strategies.

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What was once reserved for elite athletes is now becoming mainstream in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as people seek to extend their longevity, optimize daily performance, and prevent chronic disease through "biohacking."

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This trend involves using technology, data, and personalized interventions to upgrade the human body.

According to Dr. Karima Arroud, a consultant of functional medicine, this shift is driven by a rise in chronic conditions and the challenges of modern life, such as processed foods and high-stress lifestyles.

She notes that technology now makes it "easier than ever" to tailor health solutions to individual needs.

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Here are some of the cutting-edge wellness trends gaining popularity.

Measuring Longevity with VO2 Max

One of the latest innovations is the 6-Minute Incremental Step Test by GluCare, which measures VO2 Max—the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. Dr. Idalys Roman, a cardiologist at GluCare, calls VO2 Max the "almighty biomarker of life" because it strongly predicts longevity and disease risk.

The test involves marching in place for six minutes at an increasing pace while sensors monitor breathing and heart rate.

It's part of a three-month program that includes a tailored exercise regimen based on real-time heart performance. The package costs Dh1,800 and will soon be available to the public in Dubai.

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The Science of Sleep

Sleep is no longer seen as just passive rest but as an active investment in health. Eight Sleep, a company that produces intelligent bed cooling systems, has gained a following from high-profile figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg.

Their latest product, the Pod 5, adjusts bed temperature, elevates the body, and plays soundscapes based on a person's sleep stages and biometrics.

"With trackers and tools like the Pod, you see the impact of a good night versus a bad one on your overall health," says Matteo Franceschetti, co-founder and CEO of Eight Sleep. The Pod 5 starts at Dh10,599.

Advanced Wearable Tech

Wearable technology like watches, bands, and rings has exploded in popularity. WHOOP, a health tracker backed by athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Phelps, is in high demand in the region.

"People today are looking far beyond basic metrics like steps or calories," says Stephan Muller, GCC Director at WHOOP.

The latest device, WHOOP 5.0, not only tracks sleep and exercise strain but also measures the pace of aging, ECG for heart health, and blood pressure. Membership for WHOOP 5.0 starts at Dh641 per year.

The Future of Recovery

Residents are also investing in unique recovery methods to boost energy and improve performance. Dr. Karima highlights several popular treatments:

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Enhances tissue oxygenation to support recovery.
  
  
• Cryotherapy and Infrared Therapy: Reduces inflammation and relieves muscle soreness.
  
  
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy: Supports cellular repair.
• IV Nutrient Therapy: Optimizes energy and detoxification.
  
  

Fad or the Future?

Experts agree that this trend is here to stay. They believe the future of health is integrative, tech-driven, and highly personalized.

"Longevity here is no longer abstract, it’s an attainable goal," says Muller. "People don’t fear ageing; they fear losing control."

This proactive approach to wellness, driven by data and technology, is quickly becoming the new standard for health in the UAE.

Source: khaleejtimes

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.