By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective

What if the secret to a long, vibrant life wasn’t in a pill—but in how you lived? In five blessed corners of the world—Blue Zones—communities thrive well into their 90s and beyond via daily habits, environment, and purpose. Now, the UAE is crafting its own longevity‑inspired sanctuary: SHA Wellness Island, a private island wellness community between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, set to launch in 2026. Designed by SHA Wellness Clinic, this island reflects the holistic ethos of the original Blue Zones.

The Original Five Blue Zones: Timeless Inspiration for Longevity

1. Okinawa, Japan
   Home to the world’s longest-living women, Okinawans embody hara hachi bu—eating until only 80% full—and meaningful social networks called moai. They also nurture a lifelong sense of purpose, or ikigai. Movement is built into life—gardens, tai chi, ritual—and social connection centers around longevity.
2. Sardinia, Italy
   The mountainous Ogliastra region breeds male centenarians through natural movement, whole-grain diets, moderate wine rich in polyphenols, and tightly woven family bonds over laughter and long days.
3. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
   This peninsula is characterised by nutrient-rich diets of beans, squash, tropical fruits, and high-calcium water. A clear sense of purpose (plan de vida) and strong family ties contribute to reduced stress and a longer life.
4. Ikaria, Greece
   Here, residents enjoy eight years more than average life expectancies and very low rates of dementia and heart disease. They embrace wild herbs, olive oil, legumes, napping, and communal meals—with solitude welcomed too.
5. Loma Linda, California, USA
   Adventists in Loma Linda live roughly 10 years longer than other Americans through plant-based diets, Sabbath rest, community worship, no smoking or drinking, and strong social bonds.

The common shared principles in these five blue zones are plant-first nutrition, natural daily movement, community belonging, low stress, and a clear purpose.

Meet SHA Wellness Island: UAE’s Answer to the Longevity Blueprint

Tucked off Sheikh Zayed Road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Jurf—dubbed the “Riviera of the Emirates”—soon be home to SHA Emirates Island, the world’s first healthy-living island, developed in partnership between IMKAN Properties and SHA Wellness Clinic. Slated to open in 2026, the island merges integrative wellness with ultra-luxury living

Initially a rustic coastal enclave shaded by native ghaf trees and home to grazing deer, the site now heralds a new future—a wellness architecture shaped by nature and ongoing wellbeing disciplines.

Amenities that Mirror Blue Zone Wisdom

Here’s how SHA Emirates Island translates those longevity principles into physical space and lifestyle design:

• Eco‑conscious residences: 86 beach villas, 49 apartments, and two penthouses, all built with sustainable stone, harvested wood, solar power, and energy-efficient systems.
• Wellbeing pavilions: Dedicated spaces include a Holistic Pavilion for yoga and meditation, Movement Pavilion, Sports Pavilion, and Marine Pavilion for water-based activity. Even children get a Wellness Kids Club that teaches healthy lifestyle early.
• Healthy Nutrition Pavilion: Farm‑to‑table cuisine, detox menus, and SHA’s signature nutritional programs know how to nurture from within.
• Smart mobility: AI‑enabled, autonomous transport via Bayanat’s ‘digital twin’ infrastructure ensures smooth connection—without pollution or traffic noise.
• Biophilic design: Landscape covers 30% of the island, with lush gardens, walking trails, shaded bike paths, and a wellness corridor through “Berm Park” extending over 10 km.
• Residents will have 24/7 access to clinical-style wellness, with doctors, therapists, trainers, and chefs on call—mimicking the Blue Zone environment where health is intentionally embedded into daily life.

The Island of Intentional Longevity

The five Blue Zones offer timeless wisdom: eat plants, move daily, nurture community, reduce stress, and live with purpose. SHA Emirates Island embodies that wisdom through planning, place, and purpose—elevating wellness tourism to longevity architecture.

It’s more than a destination—it’s a design for a life that lasts. And nestled between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it stands poised to become a global exemplar of health-led luxury.

For wellness travelers, health-seekers, and urban designers alike, SHA Emirates Island offers not just rest—but renewal through living well.