“The health and wellbeing of citizens, residents, and visitors is one of our highest priorities. We have highly qualified national talents, partnerships with leading global medical institutions, as well as clear plans to ensure all members of the community can receive world-class medical treatments.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai
The UAE’s healthcare sector is one of the most rapidly expanding in the region with the highest number of JCI accredited hospitals in the Middle East. In 2022 the UAE’s healthcare system was ranked first among GCC countries, as well as in the top 50 worldwide. It attracts skilled and experienced healthcare professionals from around the world.
Working with leading global institutions to further develop its health care system, the UAE is establishing itself as a major centre for world-class health care for the benefit of the country’s residents and the wider region.
The UAE is a popular destination for overseas patients seeking high quality, accessible medical care. The Medical Tourism Index 2020-21 ranked Dubai as the top destination in the Middle East and in 6th place globally, with Abu Dhabi also in 9th place.
For those new to the UAE, it is helpful to gain an understanding of the organisation and regulation of the country’s Healthcare Sector.
The UAE’s healthcare sector is one of the most rapidly expanding in the region with the highest number of JCI accredited hospitals in the Middle East. In 2022 the UAE’s healthcare system was ranked first among GCC countries, as well as in the top 50 worldwide. It attracts skilled and experienced healthcare professionals from around the world.
Working with leading global institutions to further develop its health care system, the UAE is establishing itself as a major centre for world-class health care for the benefit of the country’s residents and the wider region.
The UAE is a popular destination for overseas patients seeking high quality, accessible medical care. The Medical Tourism Index 2020-21 ranked Dubai as the top destination in the Middle East and in 6th place globally, with Abu Dhabi also in 9th place.
What is the structure of the UAE Healthcare System?
The UAE Healthcare System can be divided into public and private sectors, although there is much cooperation and collaboration between the two.
How many healthcare facilities are there in the UAE?
The number of healthcare facilities is constantly increasing, so it is difficult to give an exact figure. At the end of 2020, the UAE had 5369 facilities (772 government and 4597 private). In the same year, there were 162 hospitals, including 53 public hospitals and 109 private hospitals in the UAE (compared to 86 hospitals in 2010, an increase of 88 percent over 10 years).
How is healthcare regulated in the UAE?
Healthcare is well regulated at both the Federal and Emirate level. The healthcare sector is overseen by the Federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Healthcare services are regulated by the Department of Health (DOH) in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai, and Sharjah Health Authority in Sharjah.
MOHAP regulates healthcare and medical licensing in the Northern Emirates.
How is healthcare funded in the UAE?
The government provides health insurance coverage for UAE nationals within each emirate. Citizens may access free or subsidised care within either the comprehensive government-funded health service or in private hospitals covered by their insurance network.
Expatriate residents, who make up approximately 88% of the population, mainly receive care in the rapidly expanding private sector which is mostly insurance-based. Medical insurance is compulsory for all residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with this requirement being extended to other emirates in the UAE from 2023. Employers are mandated to provide cover for their expat employees, with some also providing cover for their dependents.
