Dubai reports huge growth in medical tourism

Dubai is establishing itself as a global hub for medical tourism, according to the latest figures released by Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

According to a report, 674,000 visitors spent AED 992 million on health procedures in 2022, an increase of AED 262 million from 2021.

Further details showed 39 per cent were from Asian countries, 22 per cent from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States and 21 per cent from Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The three specialities that saw the highest number of medical tourists were dermatology, dentistry, and gynecology.  Medical tourists from Asia, Europe and Africa, including from GCC and Arab countries also visited Dubai for treatment in the fields of orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, fertility treatments, hospitalisation and recovery.

According to His Excellency Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, Director General of the DHA, Dubai’s ability to provide high-quality patient-centred medical care has accelerated its growth as an international healthcare destination.

Al Ketbi further said Dubai’s vision to provide a world-class healthcare model and an integrated medical care system that offers cutting-edge facilities, advanced technologies, smart solutions and state-of-the-art treatment methods, as well as highly-qualified professionals across all fields of medicine have driven its global competitiveness in the sector.

Highlighting the fact that the healthcare sector plays an important role in enhancing the quality of life of people, Al Ketbi said the Dubai Health Authority has adopted a clear strategy to expand the role of this vital sector in raising the welfare of the community. DHA is committed to attracting investments in the sector by collaborating with prestigious international healthcare institutions to establish facilities that can meet growing treatment needs across all specialities.

#Dubai saw remarkable growth in medical tourism in 2022 with 674k medical tourists spending AED992 million in the year, an increase of AED262 million from 2021. According to a report issued by @DHA_Dubai https://t.co/dnEzi3toD2 pic.twitter.com/rK0MigV78j

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 12, 2023