The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly establishing itself as a leading destination for medical tourism, underscored by its strategic location, high-quality infrastructure, and world-class healthcare services. The global medical tourism market was valued at $47 billion last year and is projected to reach $111 billion by 2029. In the Middle East, the UAE is setting high standards with the introduction of dedicated portals and healthcare-focused initiatives aimed at attracting health tourists.

In recent years, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have launched online portals that provide medical tourists with essential services, including connections to healthcare providers and appointment bookings. These portals also enable visitors to arrange hotels, transportation, and leisure activities. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) initiated the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) brand in 2016 to position the city as a global leader in health tourism, offering a seamless experience for tourists seeking various top-quality treatments in fields such as dentistry, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and cosmetic surgery.

To simplify access for international patients, the UAE offers specialized entry permits sponsored by medical establishments. These permits can be single or multiple entries, and in Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) processes them. In Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) manages the permits. Additionally, Dubai Healthcare City has started accepting applications for medical visas, which allow treatment centers to apply on behalf of patients for visas lasting between three to six months, further enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a medical tourism hub.

In 2022, the DHA reported that Dubai welcomed 674,000 medical tourists, generating $270 million in revenue. The wellness tourism sector in the UAE also saw significant contributions, with wellness tourists spending approximately $5.4 billion in 2022, a substantial increase from $2.1 billion in 2020.

The UAE’s reputation as a safe and innovative destination continues to draw health tourists. Significant innovations are emerging, such as HealthStay.io, which launched the world’s first AI-powered medical tourism solution in August of last year. This startup, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) Innovation Accelerator program, aims to automate the entire journey of medical tourists, from selecting procedures to booking appointments.

Ruairi Tubrid, co-founder and COO at HealthStay.io, expressed gratitude towards the DHA and DXH for their support, emphasizing their shared vision of enhancing Dubai’s reputation in healthcare tourism. Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, acting assistant undersecretary and chief innovation officer at the UAE Ministry of Finance, highlighted the significance of accelerator programs in supporting healthcare-related startups, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation in the medical tourism sector.

The UAE’s advancements in healthcare are driven by strategies such as the Emirates Health Services Innovation Strategy 2023-2026 and the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031, aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. Projections from Alpen Capital indicate that the UAE’s healthcare expenditures are expected to rise to $30.7 billion by 2027, showcasing the country’s dedication to enhancing its healthcare sector and attracting international patients seeking high-quality medical care.