The UAE has become a regional hub for medical and cosmetic treatment due to its high-quality healthcare, short waiting periods, and competitive prices, making it an ideal destination for patients seeking treatment abroad.
A wide network of hospitals and medical centers is spread across the country, offering the best medical treatment services. In addition to routine procedures and cosmetic surgeries, the UAE hosts specialized centers for quality services in:
- Dentistry
- Cosmetic and elective surgeries
- General check-ups and diagnosis
- Oncology
- Cancer treatment
- Diabetes
Since January 2016, the UAE has been a leader in incorporating several internationally accredited medical institutions by the Joint Commission International (JCI). The government has built medical complexes to facilitate access to a variety of medical and cosmetic services, such as Dubai Healthcare City, Sharjah Healthcare City, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (Abu Dhabi), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).
Medical Tourism Gateways in the UAE:
Dubai Health Experience (DXH): Dubai Health Experience (DXH), launched by Dubai Health Authority, is the world’s first medical tourism platform. It provides medical tourists with easy access to comprehensive information about high-quality healthcare, travel services, and visas. The DXH website features treatment packages designed in collaboration with distinguished private and public healthcare facilities, along with discounted flight fares, medical insurance covering any unexpected health complications during treatment and stay in hotels, recreational activities, and airport hospitality services. The portal can also be accessed through the Dubai Health Experience app.
Abu Dhabi Health Tourism Gateway: In December 2018, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, launched the Health Tourism Gateway. It provides a digital platform enabling visitors to Abu Dhabi to benefit from its healthcare services, along with a comprehensive range of integrated services and products needed from the moment they decide to visit the emirate until their recovery and departure.
The gateway lists healthcare facilities included in the medical tourism network, which consists of a large number of healthcare providers meeting the quality standards of Abu Dhabi Health Department’s Quality Program, in addition to over 287 treatment packages offered by more than 173 doctors in the emirate. It also offers users the possibility to obtain insurance packages tailored for medical tourism, along with a wide range of services needed by medical tourists, including direct communication with healthcare providers, visa issuance, appointment booking, hotels, transportation, and any other recreational activities.