Dubai's medical tourism booms as it aims to be the happiest city in the world

Desert Icons Vol. 12 Mohamed Al Mheiri (Director, Dubai Health Tourism Department, Dubai Health Authority). From a desert city to a global hub. We approach the key people driving Dubai's development and explore the secrets of their innovation and success.

The economic impact of medical tourism is on the rise. What are the most popular areas?

--What is the current situation of medical tourism in Dubai?
　Medical tourism in Dubai has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, 691,000 medical tourists visited the city. In 2022, the number was 674,000, indicating steady growth. Additionally, in 2023, the sector’s GDP contribution exceeded AED 1 billion. These figures demonstrate that medical tourism has the potential to become a new source of revenue and that further growth can be achieved through collaboration with ecosystem partners. The medical tourism industry in Dubai continues to experience stable and sustainable growth.

--How does Dubai's medical tourism differentiate itself from other countries?
　Dubai, under the emirate’s clear vision, aims to become one of the happiest cities in the world. As a result, it stands out as a health and wellness tourism destination compared to other countries due to its attractive location, cutting-edge medical infrastructure, and highly skilled medical professionals. For example, there are a large number of direct flights connecting Dubai with Tokyo and Osaka, making it easily accessible from both Europe and Asia. Additionally, many internationally recognized hospitals operate in Dubai, with well-established processes in place to ensure patient safety. The government actively invests in medical infrastructure, further enhancing Dubai’s appeal for patients seeking high-quality healthcare.

--What are the popular medical fields in Dubai?
　According to statistics, the most popular medical fields in Dubai are dental care, which accounts for 29%, dermatology at 27%, and gynecology at 13%. These three fields are the most sought-after; however, Dubai Health Experience (DXH) places emphasis on eight key areas, including dermatology, dentistry, gynecology, orthopedics, cosmetic surgery, ophthalmology, fertility treatments, and health and wellness.

28% of Patients are from the GCC and 33% from Asia

--What are the selection criteria for hospitals and clinics affiliated with Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA)?
　Dubai Health Experience (DXH), Dubai Health Tourism (DHT), and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) are organizations dedicated to promoting medical tourism. To be registered under DHA, hospitals and clinics must meet strict criteria to ensure the provision of high-quality medical services. Facilities are evaluated based on whether they have the capability to accommodate international patients. At present, more than 130 hospitals and clinics are members of DXH.

--How does insurance apply to medical tourism in Dubai?
　In principle, medical insurance is designed for residents of a specific country. Therefore, in medical tourism, it is important for patients to determine whether they can use their home country’s insurance and receive reimbursements. Generally, medical expenses are paid out of pocket, and patients later file claims with their insurance providers.

--What countries do medical tourists come from?
　According to data from 2023, medical tourists from GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) accounted for 28% of the total, while those from Asia made up 33%. Additionally, a significant number of patients came from Europe and CIS countries (former Soviet Union region).

--How medical tourism in Dubai provides one-stop service?
Dubai aims to provide a seamless experience from the stage when patients consider treatment to their recovery. The focus is on ease of access, pre-treatment consultations, high-quality medical services, personalized patient support, an integrated digital system, a comfortable stay, and follow-up care. Particularly after the pandemic, teleconsultation has become widespread, allowing for smoother pre-diagnosis and treatment planning.

--Please tell us about your future plans.
　Dubai is a continuously evolving city that promotes the growth of the healthcare sector while integrating the latest medical technologies. Currently, efforts are being made to attract investment and introduce new technologies, with further expansion of the medical tourism sector planned for the future.