INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS · INDIA

Stem Cell and Longevity Treatment in Dubai for Patients from India: A Practical Guide

Dr Shiva Faramarzi, MD · Apogee Clinic, JBR, Dubai · Reviewed October 2026

The short answer. India’s national guidelines treat stem cell use outside approved blood stem cell transplants as investigational, to be given only within approved clinical trials, yet many clinics offer it anyway, which leaves patients understandably confused. Dubai is three to four hours from major Indian cities. Most Indian citizens need to arrange a UAE visa before travelling. Our clinic is inside Address Beach Resort on JBR beach. This guide explains how it works, and the honest questions to ask first.

How stem cell treatment is regulated in India

India’s National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (2017) state that, apart from blood stem cell transplantation for approved conditions, the use of stem cells in patients is investigational and should be offered only within approved, monitored clinical trials. Offering it outside a trial is described as unethical and as malpractice.¹

These guidelines are not, on their own, legally enforceable, and stem cell treatments continue to be offered by some clinics without approval.² That makes it hard for patients to know who to trust.

Whether you are considering treatment in India or abroad, ask the same questions: who prepares the cells, how they are tested, who gives the treatment, and how the result will be measured.

What that means for you

The evidence for stem cell treatment differs from one condition to another. In some areas, randomised trials have shown measurable benefits: in a placebo-controlled trial in type 2 diabetes, HbA1c fell by 1.3 percentage points with umbilical cord MSCs and insulin needs dropped,³ and in advanced liver cirrhosis, MSC treatment improved liver function and long-term survival.⁴ For many other uses, including most autoimmune and longevity indications, the human evidence is earlier. None of these is yet a standard guideline treatment.

Treatment is given under my Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licence, with cells and exosomes prepared by two established, regulated laboratories. I explain the evidence for your own condition before you decide, and I would rather tell you before you travel from India that treatment is not worth the trip than after.

Getting here

Flights: direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi and other cities take about three to four hours.
Time difference: Dubai is one and a half hours behind India.
Visa: most Indian citizens need to arrange a UAE visa before travelling. Some, with a valid US visa or Green Card, or certain EU visas or residence permits, may be eligible for a short visa on arrival. These rules were being revised in 2026, so check the UAE government portal before you book.^5,6
How long: For stem cell treatment, whether with your own cells or a donor’s, plan at least four nights in Dubai, so we can keep you under observation after treatment. Family members can travel with you.

Before you travel

Send your records first. Recent blood tests, diagnosis letters, scans and a list of your medications. I review them before you book flights, so you know whether treatment is reasonable for you.
Have a first conversation by WhatsApp. We agree what you want to achieve, what the evidence does and does not support, and which treatments make sense.
Decide your dates together with us. We plan your appointments around your flights, so assessment, treatment and review fit into your stay.
Tell your own doctor. I am happy to write to them before and after treatment.

Planning a visit from India?

Send your records and travel dates. I will review them and tell you honestly what is worth doing. WhatsApp +971 52 328 6185.

Where we are

Apogee Clinic is inside Address Beach Resort, a five-star beachfront hotel on Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) in Dubai, with direct access to JBR beach and a spa on the 75th floor. Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai are a few minutes away.⁷

For patients who travel, this matters more than it sounds. You can stay in the same building as the clinic, so there is no commute between your hotel and your appointments, and you can rest in your room straight after treatment. The resort also has residences for longer stays, which suit patients combining several treatments.⁷

Working with your doctor at home

Tell your doctor what you are planning. With your permission, I write to them before treatment and send a summary afterwards. Follow-up blood tests can be done near home and reviewed with me remotely.

After you go home

You leave with a written summary of what was done, which products were used, and what to monitor.
With your permission, I send the same summary to your doctor at home.
Follow-up blood tests can usually be done near home and reviewed with me remotely.
Check your travel insurance before you go. Many policies exclude planned medical treatment abroad and its complications.

Frequently asked questions

Is stem cell therapy legal in India?

Blood stem cell transplantation is approved for specific conditions. Other uses are treated as investigational under the national guidelines and should be given only within approved clinical trials.¹ This is not legal advice.

Do Indian citizens need a visa for Dubai?

Most do. Some holders of US, EU or other qualifying visas or residence permits may get a short visa on arrival, but the rules were being revised in 2026.⁵ Check before booking.⁶

Can my family come with me?

Yes. You can stay together at the hotel where the clinic is located.⁷

How long should I stay?

For stem cell treatment, whether with your own cells or a donor’s, plan at least four nights in Dubai, so we can keep you under observation after treatment.

Start with your records.

Send your records and travel dates. We will plan the rest together. WhatsApp +971 52 328 6185.

About the author. Dr Shiva Faramarzi, MD, is an aesthetic, regenerative and longevity physician at Apogee Clinic, JBR, Dubai (DHA licence 43705219). She offers autologous and donor stem cell therapy and exosome IV treatment. This article is patient education and does not replace the advice of your own doctor.

References

1. Indian Council of Medical Research and Department of Biotechnology. National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research. 2017. National Guidelines (PDF)
2. International Medical Travel Journal. Is stem cell treatment legal in India? laingbuissonnews.com
3. Zang L, et al. Efficacy and safety of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2022;13:180. doi:10.1186/s13287-022-02848-6
4. Shi M, et al. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in decompensated liver cirrhosis: a long-term follow-up analysis of the randomized controlled clinical trial. Hepatol Int. 2021;15(6):1431–1441. doi:10.1007/s12072-021-10199-2
5. Business Standard. UAE changes visa rules for Indians: who can still get visa on arrival. 1 July 2026. business-standard.com
6. UAE Government portal (u.ae). Visa on arrival: who is eligible and for how long. u.ae
7. Address Hotels + Resorts. Address Beach Resort, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai. addresshotels.com